Mike Hughes (CB): Another TALENTED Vikings 1st Round Pick Who Fell due to Character Concerns

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In this Nov. 24, 2017, file photo, Central Florida's Mike Hughes returns a kickoff for a 95-yard game winning touchdown past South Florida defensive back Craig Watts (26) during an NCAA college football game in Orlando, Fla. Central Florida won 49-42 The Minnesota Vikings have selected Hughes with the 30th pick in the first round of the NFL draft. Hughes played only one season for UCF, helping the Knights finish undefeated in 2017 with four interceptions, 11 pass breakups and four touchdown returns. (AP Photo/John Raoux, File) (Photo: The Associated Press)

First and foremost, #RhodesClosed. Arms up to our All-Pro CB.

But holy shit, some people are comparing Mike Hughes, the Vikings newest cornerback, to Deion Sanders (Paul Allen right now on KFAN as he opens his show) and now Xavier Rhodes officially has a new teammate at what some consider the leagues’ toughest position.

During the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft, Rick Spielman failed to live up to his wheeling-and-dealing reputation. However, by many indications, the artist formerly still known as “Trader Rick” was able to add to his prestigious résumé of draft choices:

Who is Mike Hughes?

The newest Minnesota Viking was the sixth DB (third CB) taken during Thursday’s inaugural round. Hughes is coming off of a 2017 season that included 4 interceptions, 11 pass break ups, and 4 touchdowns (pick six, kick return (2), punt return). On top of that, for what it’s worth, his team went undefeated:

Here is his Hughes strengths and weaknesses according to the scouting website Walter Football (See the whole report here):

Strengths:

  • Good instincts
  • Excellent athleticism
  • Fast cornerback
  • Runs the route with the receiver
  • Prevents separation
  • Can cover up speed receivers
  • Quick feet
  • Dangerous ball skills
  • Good hands
  • Threat to take the ball away
  • Knows what to do with the ball after making an interception
  • Route recognition
  • Excellent returner on special teams
  • Loose hips to turn to run with speed receivers
  • Recoverability
  • Willing tackler
  • Can play off-man coverage
  • Can play zone coverage
  • Athletic upside

Weaknesses:

  • Undersized
  • A little short
  • Could use more weight
  • Gives up a few passes from not finishing plays
  • Could have issues with big receivers
  • Could be picked on in the red zone
  • Has some off-the-field concerns

Despite the much discussed offensive line needs, the Vikings, outside of Rhodes, have their fair share of questions at corner. While recent reports suggest the Purple will pick up Trae Waynes’ $9 million fifth-year option (2019 season), this addition seems to add immense flexibly to Minnesota’s contract talks with the 2015 first round pick.

Terrence Newman, the ageless wonder, is currently a FA. Whether or not he returns to Minnesota is up in the air like Mackensie Alexander’s ability to play consistent NFL Football.

Nonetheless, according to Mike Zimmer, the Hughes selection wasn’t made to “push” Alexander:

The way I see it, ain’t nothing changed but the day. As always, In Zim We Trust (link: his foundation). If he and the reigning NFL Executive of the Year, Rick Spielman, were on the same page on the Hughes selection (they ALMOST ALWAYS are), Then I’m in too.

Oh, but he has some “baggage,” they say. Whatever. I’m too busy bouncing back and forth between Randy Moss and Dalvin Cook highlights to notice your negativity.

Anywho, now that we’re up to speed on the Purple’s pick, let’s stay woke on our NFC North foes:

Bears: LB ROQUAN SMITH (8th overall)

To me, taking the “tackling machine” out of Georgia was a rock solid pick Chicago. It looks like the Bears’ front office improved upon last year’s first round performance:

Packers: CB JAIRE ALEXANDER (18th overall)

A cornerback, eh? Any chance someone noticed a certain Kirk Cousins signing?

Lions: C FRANK RAGNOW (20th overall)

Wow. Would you look at that! For once in their nine-lives, the Motor City Kitties actually made a smart move:

The Minnesota product and Arkansas alum has officially made it to the league. Stand the f*ck up, Chanhassen. Congrats!

In conclusion, the 2018 NFL draft is far from concluding. Tonight’s rendition will feature rounds two and three. In the event Spielman doesn’t hit his trusty trade button, it appears our GM will use at least one of today’s two (62nd and 94th overall) selections on an offensive lineman.

You just never know, though. I mean, I’m still kind of amazed that this man would have gone first overall:

Johnny Minnesota (@TheJohnnyMN)
MinnesotaSportsFan.com

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