3 hidden gems on the Minnesota Vikings roster

2. CB Cameron Dantzler

The Vikings decided to go young at cornerback last year, with the expected poor results. Dantzler, a third-round pick in 2020 out of Mississippi State, was one young guy who was counted on to come through immediately.

The first half of Dantzler’s rookie season was hampered by a stint on the COVID-19 list and injuries. But from when he returned from a concussion in Week 11 through Week 17, Pro Football Focus graded him as the fourth-best corner in the league with the third-best passer rating against when targeted over that span (41.9).

The Vikings added experience to their cornerback room this offseason, signing Patrick Peterson early in free agency, bringing Mackensie Alexander back and most recently signing Bashaud Breeland. But Peterson has been a shell of what he was in recent years, and the reason Breeland lingered available as long as he did was likely due to shoulder surgery early in the offseason. Adding names we know is one thing, but talent has to rise to the top.

In the wake of the additions that were made, and the off-field situation of fellow second-year man Jeff Gladney, it’s easy to forget about Dantzler. But he proved himself plenty capable late in his rookie season, and he should not cede starter-level snaps to anyone.