These NFL rookies will outperform their draft position in 2020
Pick Analysis. player. Scouting Report. CB. Minnesota Vikings. Cameron Dantzler. 4. 60
Give Mississippi State credit for landing two defenders on this list. Dantzler may not have been the first corner the Vikings took in this year’s draft, but he’s got the physical traits to turn into one of Mike Zimmer’s favorite players.
Minnesota loves to use long, physical corners who are capable of holding up in man-to-man coverage. Dantzler needs to improve his technique at the pro level, but he’s got the natural ability to effectively cover a diverse group of wide receivers.
The real challenge for him will be finding a role to seize as a rookie. He lacks the short-range speed to really excel in the slot. That means he’ll need to dislodge someone from playing time out the outside to make his presence felt.
Interestingly, the Vikings might find their best secondary combination to be playing Dantzler on the outside and moving first-round pick Jeff Gladney to the nickel role. Zimmer isn’t a coach who will be afraid to give his third-round pick the nod if he’s the better player. Dantzler is going to find a role in this secondary as a rookie.