Did the Vikings Quietly Find Their CB Answer?

Nov 24, 2022; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings fans cheer from the stands during a home game against the New England Patriots at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports.

Training camp is only a week old, and the stories are trickling out on individuals and units on both sides of the ball. As usual, the defense is ahead of the offense. It’s a typical storyline in training camp.

This year it should be truer as this is Brian Flores’ third year as the Minnesota Vikings’ defensive coordinator, and there were only two significant additions with Javon Hargrave and Johnathan Allen on the defensive line. Theo Jackson taking over at safety is new, but he’s been with the organization for a few years, so his learning curve is minimal.

The Vikings may have quietly discovered a new standout cornerback at training camp. Could this emerging defensive back become the long-term solution at the position?

Jan 13, 2025; Glendale, AZ, USA; Minnesota Vikings cornerback Dwight McGlothern (29) against the Los Angeles Rams during an NFC wild card game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.

On the other side of the ball, all eyes are on JJ McCarthy and his performance with the offense. Can Kevin O’Connell whisper him into a good, great, or top-tier NFL quarterback? They added some help with Will Fies, Ryan Kelly, and 1st-round pick Donovan Jackson on the offensive line and Jordan Mason in the backfield.

Vikings CB Situation Could Already Have a Fix

As the offense gels, we might get more individual names shining soon as Christian Darrisaw gets up to speed and Justin Jefferson works out a hamstring strain.

One name that is starting to roll off the pens and laptops of scribes and fansite bloggers on scene is Dwight McGlothern. “I’m just trying to touch the field this season,” is what McGlothern threw out in an interview at camp. With his recent production in camp, this could be more than a reality.

Last year, “Nudie”, as his nickname goes, had made some flashes, including a 94-yard interception return against the Browns in the preseason. He seemed to keep popping up but not taking significant snaps with the team. With Stephon Gilmore, Shaq Griffin, and Fabian Moreau in front of him performing well, it was hard to get a toe on the turf as an undrafted free agent.

Dec 22, 2019; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins head coach Brian Flores looks on during the first half against the Cincinnati Bengals at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

Those three are gone now, and the door is wide open with McGlothern picking his way through it. I say he’s picking because he went three days in a row without having a pick. Looking at some other film on him, he’s always in the right spot to knock the ball away or cause trouble for the receiver. You can tell his confidence is growing as well when he took one of his interceptions all the way across the field to give it to a resting Jefferson.

He’s going to need that confidence when he goes up against other teams that he hasn’t seen every day.

With all the early questions at cornerback, it feels like fans’ concerns are starting to be tempered. Word is that Jeff Okudah has been handling things fine, and now McGlothern is beginning to shine. With Byron Murphy Jr. and Isaiah Rodgers holding down the starting positions, it’s good to know that those behind them are at least solid.

Let’s face it, even minor injuries can sideline a cornerback for a short time, and the backups will need to step in and maintain the standard as closely as possible. It sounds like that is going to be OK, but the better news is that when the team has to go into its nickel and dime packages, there won’t be too many worries.

Aug 24, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Minnesota Vikings cornerback Dwight McGlothern (47) tackles Philadelphia Eagles running back Kendall Milton (36) during the fourth quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Caean Couto-USA TODAY Sports.

In fact, during Paul Allen’s 9 to Noon show on The Fan, he intimated that the 46 Defense might actually be in play for the team. For those who don’t know, that was the name of the infamous Buddy Ryan-led Bears defense from the ’85 Super Bowl team.

That formation would consist of four linemen, one linebacker, and six defensive backs, offering both coverage options and unique blitz packages. You could see a defensive backfield comprised of Harrison Smith, Theo Jackson, Murphy, Rodgers, Josh Metellus, and Okudah, or McGlothern, or really any combination of those players.

So, while you may be one of those people who thinks the Vikings still need to bring in Asante Samuel Jr. for depth, you may not need to be too tall on that soapbox.

Mar 1, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Arkansas defensive back Dwight McGlothern (DB24) works out during the 2024 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Now, let’s also realize that McGlothern may just be a “Mr. Mankato” and is having his moment in the sun. Alec Lewis was on with Paul Allen Friday, and he said that Okudah is leading for that third cornerback spot with McGlothern and Mekhi Backmon further back than some might think.

No matter what, we have a few weeks to go. When that first preseason game kicks off against the Texans, McGlothern will be out there for a good number of snaps, and we’ll get a better idea of who he really is.

If he keeps up his current trajectory, the only time this regular season he might not be “touching the field” is when he’s jumping up to make an interception.

I’m a small-town boy with12 years in telecommunications and 13 years in radio but a lifetime as a Vikings … More about Tony Schultz