Notebook: Breaking down the past week of Wisconsinās spring ball practices
Insights from the Wisconsin Badgers' recent spring practices.
The Minnesota Vikings may not draft a cornerback in Round 1, according to analyst Alec Lewis. Instead, they could focus on trusting their draft board for other positions.
Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin OāConnell introduces defensive coordinator Brian Flores during a press session at the TCO Performance Center on July 2024 in Eagan, Minnesota. Flores discusses his background and defensive vision after joining Minnesota, bringing experience from previous roles with the Patriots, Dolphins, and Steelers into the organization. Mandatory Credit: YouTube.
Are you itching for the Minnesota Vikings to draft a cornerback early in the draft? If so, it may not be in Round 1, says one popular analyst.
Minnesota could bypass the cornerback early and trust its board.
The Athleticās Alec Lewis, who is plugged into the Vikingsā interworkings, claimed this week that cornerback may not be on the menu in Round 1.
If not a CB, then what?

Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores surveys the field from the sideline during NFC wild card action on Jan. 13, 2025, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. Flores tracks formations and personnel while coordinating calls, managing adjustments in real time during a high-stakes postseason road matchup against a playoff-caliber opponent. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.
Lewis: CB May Not Be the Pick for Vikings
Sizing up the draft in nine days, Lewis opined this week, āCoaching input will be weighed heavily. And unlike previous seasons, the Vikings have a bevy of picks in the top 100. The teamās leadership knows it needs to find hits.ā
āThe Vikings havenāt used a first- or second-round pick on a cornerback since Flores arrived, and I donāt expect them to start now, especially after signing free agent James Pierre.ā
Until Lewisās declaration, cornerback felt like a draft need ā and probably still is ā especially in January and February.
The Defense Is Great without Elite CBs
Listen, if you want an argument to suggest the Vikings donāt need a cornerback in Round 1, well, the team has it. These are the defensive numbers under Flores:
Vikings Defense Ranking,
Per EPA/Play,
Under Brian Flores:
2023: 17th
2024: 2nd
2025: 3rd
Overall Since 2023: 2nd
Meanwhile, the Vikings have featured these cornerbacks with Flores in charge:
Flores hasnāt needed elite cornerbacks ā or even young ones ā to generate the NFLās second-best defense over the last three years. This might just be his modus operandi.
The Precedent
Want to know why Lewis is probably onto something? The evidence from precedent is already lurking. In 2023, the Vikings couldāve drafted a Round 1 corner; they picked wide receiver Jordan Addison. In 2024, the Vikings couldāve drafted a Round 1 corner; they picked quarterback J.J. McCarthy and outside linebacker Dallas Turner. In 2025, the Vikings couldāve drafted a Round 1 corner; they picked guard Donovan Jackson.
In each of the last three drafts, cornerback was considered a vivid draft need. Minnesota didnāt take any until after the 1st Round.

Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin OāConnell addresses reporters during a press conference on Sep. 26, 2025, at the Sport Ireland Campus in Dublin, Ireland. The session captures OāConnell discussing preparation, logistics, and team messaging as the Vikings navigate international travel and represent the franchise during the NFLās global schedule. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images.
One might ask: Why would Flores start needing cornerbacks now? The only answer might be that former general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah is out of the way. He was fired on January 30th, mainly for poor drafting habits and offseason quarterback decision-making.
Moreover, when Flores coached the Miami Dolphins from 2019 to 2021, his employer drafted just one 1st-Round cornerr.
In contrast, Zone Coverageās Chris Schad noted on the Vikings draft this week, āGrabbing a cornerback would be a pick that satisfies Flores but also gives the Vikings a premium position at a potential discount. The same would go for edge rusher. Minnesota already has Jonathan Greenard, Dallas Turner, and Andrew Van Ginkel. However, they could easily be in a different situation if they trade Greenard and let Van Ginkel walk at the end of his contract.ā
āThe offense could also use help at offensive tackle and wide receiver. That may be enough to keep Flores salivating at the thought of a top safety for another round or two. Minnesotaās defense definitely needs some help, and Dillon Thieneman could contribute. But they also must be careful not to lean too heavily into Floresā demands and build a team that can compete long after he heads to his next coaching destination.ā
The Draft Options if No R1 CB
After Round 1, a cornerback feels like fair game, particularly as Minnesota has nine picks overall. These are the corners to know between Round 2 and 4, men whom Minnesota could pick and expect to blossom into something before too long:

Tennessee defensive back Jermod McCoy reacts after recovering a fumble during second-quarter action on Nov. 30, 2024, at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee. The play highlights his awareness and quick response as he secures possession and shifts momentum during a competitive conference matchup late in the regular season. Mandatory Credit: Stephanie Amador-Imagn Images.
SI.comās Will Ragatz mock-drafted Stukes to the Vikings earlier this month, explaining, āIf the Vikings donāt take a safety in the first round, Stukes is one of my favorite targets at that position in round two. Heās listed as a cornerback in some spots, but heās really a versatile defensive back who projects as either a slot corner or strong safety in the NFL.ā
āStukes is an older prospect, having spent six years at Arizona, where he went from walk-on to team captain and star. Last season, he bounced back from a 2024 ACL tear and recorded four interceptions with a 90.4 PFF coverage grade.ā
Minnesota hasnāt successfully drafted a cornerback with staying power since Trae Waynes and Mackensie Alexander ā a decade ago.
The Vikings may prioritize other positions based on their draft board, as suggested by analyst Alec Lewis.
Brian Flores is the defensive coordinator for the Minnesota Vikings, having joined the team in July 2024.
While cornerback is a popular choice among fans, the Vikings may explore other positions instead, according to recent insights.
Brian Flores brings experience from his previous roles with the Patriots, Dolphins, and Steelers to the Minnesota Vikings.
Insights from the Wisconsin Badgers' recent spring practices.

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