Minnesota Vikings draft Mike Hughes: Instant grade and analysis

The Minnesota Vikings selected Mike Hughes with the 30th-overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. Here’s all you need to know about Hughes, including our grade.

Strengths

Hughes is a very versatile player. He can likely play both inside and outside, and he also has the ability to return kicks. In the beginning, Hughes might make his biggest mark on special teams, showcasing his 4.53 40-time.

One thing that’s undeniable is Hughes’ strength. He can get up on the line of scrimmage and disrupt routes with well-placed jabs. He’s not the biggest corner, but if he has good technique at the next level and can get into an opponent’s chest, he’s in good shape.

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Weaknesses

At 5-foot-10 and 189 pounds, will Hughes be able to hold up on the outside? If not, is it worth taking a slot corner so high? In today’s NFL, where 11 personnel is considered base, maybe it is. Still, one wonders about the size becoming an issue, especially against larger receivers who will try to muscle Hughes.

Additionally, Hughes bounced around in college, playing at three different schools. He began his career with the North Carolina Tar Heels before being kicked off the team for a rules violation. After playing in JUCO for a year, Hughes ended up starring for the undefeated Central Florida Knights.

Grade

Grade: B+

Hughes is joining perhaps the most talented team in the NFL, and the secondary isn’t lacking either. He will have to find some playing time competing with the likes of Xavier Rhodes and Trae Waynes, two former first-round picks.