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NFL Draft 2018: Vikings get value pick in underrated CB Mike Hughes

By Andrew Miller

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 05: Central Florida defensive back Mike Hughes (DB15) runs the 40 yard dash during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 5, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 05: Central Florida defensive back Mike Hughes (DB15) runs the 40 yard dash during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 5, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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With such a strong secondary entering the 2018 season, the Minnesota Vikings got off to a solid start in the 2018 NFL Draft with Mike Hughes from UCF.

With the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft in the books at the conclusion of a huge day on April 26, UCF Golden Knights football saw one of their own get taken off the board at a key time. A top rated cornerback prospect in UCF’s Mike Hughes got selected to a Super Bowl contender in the NFC in the Minnesota Vikings.

Since the Vikings were just one win against the Philadelphia Eagles from getting the chance to face the New England Patriots in the Super Bowl, they just need one good draft haul to get over the hump. That piece that the Vikings need could come in the way of Hughes.

In a weird end to the first round that saw the Baltimore Ravens trade up to nab the Eagles pick and select the 2016 Heisman Trophy winner in Louisville Cardinals quarterback Lamar Jackson, the Vikings emerged as one of the big winners. Hughes was a huge piece of the undefeated puzzle for the Golden Knights in 2017.

Last year, Hughes had one of the biggest breakout campaigns of any defensive back in the nation as part of head coach Scott Frost’s lockdown secondary. He nabbed four interceptions and took one back for a touchdown. Hughes also set a career high with 49 total tackles and one forced fumble.

The main thing that Hughes brings to the table for the Vikings is his speed and ball skills. While he showed tremendous improvement last season on his way to becoming a premier corner in this class, he offers a ton of value in being able to shut down opponent’s top receivers.

Next: Instant grades for picks in 2018 NFL Draft

This pick also is a huge win for Hughes. He gets to develop while playing with a top defense in the NFL. That could pay dividends down the line as he’ll have less pressure to perform immediately. Given his quick rise to prominence at the college level, it could be nice for him to slow things down and get a feel for what the pace of play is like at the professional level.

Grade: B+

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