With The First Pick
Fansided

2018 NFL Mock Draft: Final evaluations before the Scouting Combine

By Maxwell Ogden

SOUTH BEND, IN - OCTOBER 17: Quenton Nelson #56 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish celebrates after a 10-yard touchdown reception by Corey Robinson against the USC Trojans in the fourth quarter of the game at Notre Dame Stadium on October 17, 2015 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
SOUTH BEND, IN - OCTOBER 17: Quenton Nelson #56 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish celebrates after a 10-yard touchdown reception by Corey Robinson against the USC Trojans in the fourth quarter of the game at Notre Dame Stadium on October 17, 2015 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
31 of 33
Next

. Cornerback. Central Florida Knights. Mike Hughes. 30. player. 60

The Minnesota Vikings have built arguably the best defense in the NFL—and there isn’t much of an argument to oppose that belief. Minnesota ranked No. 1 in the league in total yards allowed and points allowed during the 2017 regular season.

With Terence Newman now 39 years of age, sustaining that success will require drafting a cornerback who can work opposite Xavier Rhodes.

Fortunately for Minnesota, Central Florida Knights cornerback Mike Hughes has the potential to be a Pro Bowl level player. He’s still rough around the edges, but if Mike Zimmer makes it a point to help him realize his potential, this pick should play off.

With Rhodes stepping up as a high-level cornerback and Trae Waynes specializing against the run, Minnesota would have an elite cornerback trio if Hughes pans out.

Hughes’ specialty is playing physically, as he’s willing and able to jam players at the line of scrimmage. In the open field, his speed enables him to both stay with his assignment and recover on the off chance that he blows an assignment.

Hughes is somewhat undersized at 5’11”, but he’ll likely stay outside and complement Rhodes in what has the potential to be an even more dynamic secondary than it already is.

Home/Mock Drafts