Why the Vikings picked CB Mike Hughes

[purplefaithful]

Why the Vikings drafted Mike Hughes:
UCF became one of the best stories in college football this year by going undefeated. Hughes played a significant role on the undefeated Knights, picking off four passes and eliminating opposing top receivers. While he doesn’t have a great deal of experience, Hughes flashed a great deal of potential. The Vikings have recently made good on two highly-touted “project” cornerbacks in Xavier Rhodes and Trae Waynes. And while they are still looking for immediate help, the Vikings are always focused years down the road at corner.
What experts are saying:
NFL.com draft profile:

“Hughes simply hasn’t had the game experience he needs to put together the consistency in coverage that teams might like to see. He’s a projection-based prospect who has shown twitch, ball production and toughness in a small sample size. Despite being a little short, he is likely to stay outside in coverage. While teams wait for him to gain coverage experience, they can certainly lean on his tremendous talents as a return man. Hughes has potential, but there is still work to be done in coverage.”

CBS Sports:

“Super-charged plant-and-drive specialist with serious bounce and aggressive ball skills. Smaller framed which hurts him against blockers and bigger wideouts. Dynamic return ability showcases his physical ability.”

Pro Football Focus:

“Mike Hughes is an exceptionally talented corner who hits the NFL after one elite season at UCF. He played in 2015 for North Carolina before being suspend- ed for violating team rules. He attended community college in 2016 before transferring to UCF and starring at left corner. His grade was excellent and coverage numbers fantastic, but his play is still a little raw and there may be more development to come. Will have value early as a return man in the NFL, but may take a season or two to ful l his potential as a perimeter corner.”

What the numbers say:
Hughes’ numbers in coverage are simply fantastic. He allowed 34 catches on 65 attempts (52.3 percent) with one touchdown, four interceptions and a QB rating against of 44.5, according to Pro Football Focus.
Here are his PFF grades in each area:

Hughes’ size isn’t quite ideal – which may lead him to ultimately become a slot corner. He didn’t play nickel often in college but he has impressive strength and quickness that is reminiscent of former Vikings nickel corner Captain Munnerlyn.

Bottom line:
This year’s draft features a handful of talented cornerbacks who could be available toward the bottom of the first round. While the Vikings’ biggest need is along the offensive line, cornerback isn’t far behind. Hughes fits the type of mentality that the Vikings want for a cornerback and high-end skill that could be molded long term. For 2018, he could be a valuable situational player.


http://www.1500espn.com/vikings-2/2018/0...ke-hughes/

[Guest]

His former coach at UCF also said he's an extremely smart guy...  picked up the defense in 2 weeks and earned a starting spot last season.

[Guest]

I'll tell you why.

Because they passed on Desmond King twice last year in the 4th round.

If they had selected him last year then they do not need to take Hughes this year.

Watch them pass on Hurst this year and end up needing a DT next year.

[Guest]

Here are his PFF grades in each area:

Hughes’ size isn’t quite ideal – which may lead him to ultimately become a slot corner. He didn’t play nickel often in college but he has impressive strength and quickness that is reminiscent of former Vikings nickel corner Captain Munnerlyn.

PFF Web designers circa 2018

[Guest]

CBS Sportsline analysis:

Minnesota VikingsMike Hughes, CB, UCF (30th pick):The rich get richer; the Vikings had the league's No. 2 defense last season and the fourth-best pass defense. Minnesota's secondary now includes Hughes, who will join Xavier Rhodes, Trae Waynes, Harrison Smith and Andrew Sendejo. Lord have mercy.

[Guest]

Cant help feel this guy is a Leon Hall type. Love his closing speed in space, willingness to throw hos body in for a tackle and his ability to track the ball.  He plays corner, fluidly. 

Those three attributes to me are better than height, 40 times and interception counts (all overrated for CBs in my view). 

I think many are going to be surprised by this kid and his first year abilities. I believe you will see more from him in his limited time than you saw from rhodes or Waynes year 1

[Guest]

It seems like he gets his body in there in coverage too. Hes not afraid of bumping or using his body to get into position in coverage.  He can impede a WR's route without drawing a flag by running his coverage through the route and then once he has won the position battle, accelerate like mad to attack the ball.

[Guest]

We did alright the last time we drafted a Knight in the 1st Rd !