Detroit Lions, NFC North Position Rankings: Cornerbacks

1. Minnesota Vikings

The Minnesota Vikings had a tough defense last season. Their cornerbacks were not a weak spot on that defense either.

Their best cornerback is Xavier Rhodes who really came into his own last season. He started talking back and frustrating receivers, which messes with offensive players heads. This season I expect the same level of production, along with him helping to teach some younger players. Rhodes may not be great on his own, but with the amount of talent around him, he can really get the job done.

The other Vikings starter is Trae Waynes. Waynes looked like he would be out of the league after his rookie season. But after a strong 2016, he’s a lock to start.  Last season he had three interceptions, and I expect a similar production this year.

The next cornerback is somehow still in the league and is most likely in every edition of Madden that you own. Terence Newman will be 39 this year and is still getting it done against these young wide outs. I would say I see him falling off this year, but I would probably have told you that every year since about 2010. So he’s going to be solid this year, and do enough to continue seeing the field.

Next: NFC North Position Rankings - Linebackers

When Newman finally does decide to retire, the Vikings already have a young guy that should be ready to step in. In the second round of 2016, the Vikings selected Mackenzie Alexander out of Clemson. He didn’t do much last season, I expect him to be on the field a little more. He’ll only be 24 in November, so he could a productive player for the Vikings for years to come.

It would take a lot across the board for the Vikings to drop off. So I expect to put them in the same slot next season.