Despite depth, Vikings could draft a cornerback with 2017 in mind

Cornerback is far from a pressing need for the Vikings this offseason after they drafted Xavier Rhodes and Trae Waynes in the first round in 2013 and 2015, respectively, and bolstered their depth by bringing in veterans Captain Munnerlyn and Terence Newman the past couple of years.

But the Vikings could still draft a cornerback with an eye toward 2017.

Munnerlyn, who covers slot receivers in sub packages, is entering the final year of the three-year deal he signed as an unrestricted free agent in 2014. He turns 28 in a couple of days and next spring will be relatively young for a quality player who will be looking for this third contract in the NFL.

And if Munnerlyn in 2016 plays like he did in 2015, when he admittedly freelanced less than he did in his first season in Minnesota, the Vikings may well be open to being the team that gives him that third NFL contract.

Right now, they have no proven potential replacement on the roster.

Third-year cornerback Jabari Price has gotten significant reps in practices open to media as a slot defender. But the 2014 seventh-round draft pick has played just 46 defensive snaps in his two NFL seasons and he was not active on game day once last season, so he remains a relative unknown.

Newman can slide inside if needed, but he will turn 38 this September and hard work and red wine can only preserve his talents for so long.

So thus the Vikings could look for another young corner in the draft.

Given their recent investment in Rhodes and Waynes, their projected starters on the outside in 2016, it would be surprising if the Vikings drafted another cornerback in the early rounds. But in Round 3 or later? Sure.

Alabama’s Cyrus Jones is one intriguing option as a nickel, especially since he was arguably college football’s most dangerous punt returner last year. Notre Dame’s KeiVarae Russell, Auburn’s Jonathan Jones, North Carolina Central’s Ryan Smith and Minnesota’s Briean Boddy-Calhoun are among the draft-eligible corners who could project as slot options in the pros.

And with Munnerlyn around for at least another year, the Vikings can be patient with a young cornerback like they were with Waynes as a rookie.