Vikings Select CB Jeff Gladney With 31st Pick In 2020 NFL Draft

The Vikings entered the draft with picks 22 and 25 in the first round, but traded the 25th pick to the San Francisco 49ers to get picks 31, 117, and 176. With that 31st pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, the Vikings selected cornerback Jeff Gladney from TCU.

Gladney is described as an aggressive player, especially for his size. He helps in replenish a depleted defensive secondary for the Vikings after Xavier Rhodes, Trae Waynes and Mackensie Alexander all departed over the offseason. On the note of his size, he measures in at 5' 10", 191 pounds, but is a talent "cornerback whisperer" Mike Zimmer will likely have no trouble working into his defense.

NFL.com points to some strengths for Gladney including being "sticky" in man coverage, good closing burst, and strong blitzer. Some weaknesses include being smaller in size, inconsistent angles when tackling, and guilty of sometimes waiting too long to turn and look for the ball.

Vikings.com reports Gladney is "the first player ever drafted by the Vikings at the 31st overall spot since the pick has fallen in the first round." The last picks in the 30s for Minnesota include Mike Hughes at 30th overall in 2018 and Teddy Bridgewater in 2014 at 32nd overall.