Case Keenum did great things for the Minnesota Vikings, but he’s now a free agent with questionable market value. The most likely scenario is that Minnesota will either overpay Keenum, give Teddy Bridgewater a chance to reclaim his future, or build through the 2018 NFL Draft.
Without a remaining quarterback who checks the box of a franchise player, however, Minnesota should utilize its first-round draft pick to ensure that its league-best defense is sustainably elite.
In order to achieve that stability, the Vikings must add another cornerback to round a solid unit into elite form. Former North Carolina Tar Heels star M.J. Stewart would enable them to do so, as he possesses the versatility that Mike Zimmer covets in a defensive back.
Not only does Stewart excel in coverage, but he’s one of the best cornerbacks in this draft class at bringing support to defend the run.
Xavier Rhodes is locked in as a franchise cornerstone, and Trae Waynes ranks amongst the league’s better cornerbacks as far as run defense is concerned. 39-year-old Terence Newman will face father time at some point, however, and Zimmer needs another reliable corner on the outside.
Stewart can be that dynamic and multifaceted talent. His performance at the Senior Bowl is merely evidence of what those who watched him already knew.
I’ve had 3 Thorpe Award Winners on my defenses. MJ is as good as any of the 3. He is a first round pick if the NFL teams truly do their homework. Absolutely loves ball and has a relentless work ethic. Flat BALLER!
— Gene Chizik (@CoachGeneChizik) January 23, 2018
Stewart deserves a Round 1 grade. Minnesota is the best team to reward his underrated brilliance.