NFL Draft 2020: Is Jeff Gladney day one starting CB for Vikings?

Jeff Gladney goes to the Minnesota Vikings in the first round of the NFL draft. Is he a day one starter this season for the Vikings?

The Minnesota Vikings had quite a busy day in round one with two picks in the first round. They turned the two picks they received in the Stephon Diggs trade and addressed two pressing needs; wide receiver and cornerback.

After Jeff Okudah and CJ Henderson were clearly the two best defensive backs in the draft and after they went off the board, there was a considerable drop-off. There were varying opinions as to who was the third cornerback in the draft.

The pick might have been a bit of a surprise, but the third through seventh-rated cornerbacks were so closely lumped together, it was very much a take your pick on who you wanted.

What the Vikings get in Gladney is a competitor at cornerback. He plays to the whistle and is a pesky, heady defender. He is as comfortable playing zone and as he is playing man. His coverage skills need development, but his ball skills are fantastic.

He is raw as a pure cover corner at the next level, but he can come in a play in nickel or dime packages. He is a competitor and has a high ceiling. He wants to get better and is willing to learn to get better.

Grade: B+

He’s a bit slight at 5-10 and 190 pounds and his knee issues are a concern so the Vikings need to be wary of how he is used. He has a high ceiling and if the Vikings coach him up, Gladney can be a solid starter in the league for years to come.