Vikings pick corner Jeff Gladney at No. 31

The Minnesota Vikings selected cornerback Jeff Gladney out of TCU in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft, 31st overall.

Minnesota parted ways with three cornerbacks this offseason, namely Xavier Rhodes, Trae Waynes, and Mackensie Alexander.

Gladney and Mike Hughes now figure to start at corner entering the 2020 season.

Prospect Profile

School: TCU
Height: 5-10
Weight: 191 lbs

Positives

• Battle-tested after shadowing a plethora of talented Big 12 receivers
• Has logged good reps winning 50/50 battles versus Denzel Mims and Collin Johnson
• Physicality and tenacity makes up for lack of size
• Very quick feet at the line of scrimmage to mirror receivers
• Outstanding college production - allowed a very low completion percentage in man coverage while forcing many incompletions
• Understands where to attack ball in zone coverage
• Game speed is much faster than timed speed (4.48-second 40-yard dash at combine)
• Great tackler who rarely whiffs against the run

Negatives

• Lacks ideal size and frame to match up against top-tier NFL receivers
• Below-average instincts to turn and find the ball in the air
• 7.26-second three-cone drill result highlighted concerning change-of-direction skills
• Susceptible to double moves

Bottom Line

Mixing physicality and technique, Gladney enjoyed a successful career at TCU. While there are concerns regarding whether his frame can hold up against NFL competition and if he'll be exposed due to subpar change-of-direction skills, the feisty defender's production speaks for itself. With an impressive combination of quick feet and the ability to force incompletions, Gladney fits best in a man-coverage scheme with deep-lying safeties behind him.