Minnesota Vikings Team Needs: CB

Written by Brad Berreman Monday, 15 February 2010 07:46

The Minnesota Vikings led the NFL in sacks in 2009 with 48, led by DE Jared Allen's 14.5. But they were 19th in passing yards allowed per game (218.4) and ranked 23rd in passing touchdowns allowed (26).

Both starting corners for the Vikings, Antoine Winfield and Cedric Griffin, head into the offseason with injury concerns.

Winfield missed six games in 2009 with a right foot injury, and was limited late in the year even after he returned to action. Recent news suggests he will not need surgery, but he will turn 33 in June and health could continue to be a concern.

Griffin led the team with four interceptions in 2009 and was third on the team in total tackles with 78. But he tore his left ACL in the NFC Championship Game loss to New Orleans and his status for the start of next season is up in the air to say the least.

The Vikings don't have a lot of proven depth behind Winfield and Griffin. 2009 draft pick Asher Allen and pending free agents Benny Sapp and Karl Paymah provided depth last season, so an upgrade could be needed.

The Vikings could look to the free agent market for a potential starter, but with the rules governing free agency they are unlikely to make a splash on the free agent market this offseason.

In any case, here are some of the top potential free agent cornerbacks, with 2009 team in parentheses.

Nick Harper (Tennessee Titans)
Dunta Robinson (Houston Texans)
Leigh Bodden (New England Patriots)
Dre Bly (San Francisco 49ers)

The Vikings are more likely to turn to April's draft for help at corner. Here are some of the top prospects at the position.

Joe Haden, University of Florida
Kyle Wilson, Boise State
Patrick Robinson, Florida State
Devin McCourty, Rutgers
Kareem Jackson, Alabama
Dominique Franks, Oklahoma

Haden may be gone by the time the Vikings turn comes at #30 overall, but Wilson and perhaps Robinson could both be available at that spot.

Note: I'd like to give a shout-out to Joe Fortenbaugh and Wes Bunting of National Football Post.com, as their recent article on this topic provided me with some of the general information I used.