That controversial Hughes pick

[KingBash]

Now that Rhodes is slowly being put out to pasture, I remember when we picked Hughes in 2018 and how people were upset. I was one of them for sure. But in hindsight, this might be a brilliant pick. Not only has he panned out nicely, but it was something that I didn't foresee, nor did many other fans; that Rhodes would start to deteriorate so quickly.

Our secondary needs a lot of work, but I can't even imagine how mismatched we'd be if we hadn't picked him up. We'd have a fairly above-average corner in Waynes and then... 

[Guest]

@KingBash said:
Now that Rhodes is slowly being put out to pasture, I remember when we picked Hughes in 2018 and how people were upset. I was one of them for sure. But in hindsight, this might be a brilliant pick. Not only has he panned out nicely, but it was something that I didn't foresee, nor did many other fans; that Rhodes would start to deteriorate so quickly.

Our secondary needs a lot of work, but I can't even imagine how mismatched we'd be if we hadn't picked him up. We'd have a fairly above-average corner in Waynes and then... 

I agree I have been worried about Rhodes hitting the wall for a couple years.  Hughes was a good pick. 

[Guest]

We are probably going to see another first spent on a CB due to FA and Rhodes' massive drop off...

[Guest]

Early on I thought Hughes was showing better than he has this year.  His size has shown to be detrimental to often against taller receivers imo.  We need to replace Rhodes quickly with another taller CB with the frame to handle the taller more physical receivers in the league. 

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@JimmyinSD said:
Early on I thought Hughes was showing better than he has this year.  His size has shown to be detrimental to often against taller receivers imo.  We need to replace Rhodes quickly with another taller CB with the frame to handle the taller more physical receivers in the league. 

I was thinking the same...

He's struggled at times this year, not sure where his ceiling is anymore. Could be a lot of different things, including not back 100%. 

His size looks more slot to me - but then what do they do with Mac-Alexander??? I think he may be gone as well - wanting to play outside. 

Vikings have a lot of draft capital back there and it feels like the Denny Green days in some ways. Rogers might carve these guys up Monday night. 

Jerry Gray probably not sleeping well these days...

[Guest]

@purplefaithful said:

@JimmyinSD said:
Early on I thought Hughes was showing better than he has this year.  His size has shown to be detrimental to often against taller receivers imo.  We need to replace Rhodes quickly with another taller CB with the frame to handle the taller more physical receivers in the league. 

I was thinking the same...

He's struggled at times this year, not sure where his ceiling is anymore. Could be a lot of different things, including not back 100%. 

His size looks more slot to me - but then what do they do with Mac-Alexander??? I think he may be gone as well - wanting to play outside. 

Vikings have a lot of draft capital back there and it feels like the Denny Green days in some ways. Rogers might carve these guys up Monday night. 

Jerry Gray probably not sleeping well these days...

None of Mac alexander, waynes, harris or kearse are under contract for next year. Without cutting or restructuring some aging vets we are in for some major changes. 

[Guest]

@JimmyinSD said:
Early on I thought Hughes was showing better than he has this year.  His size has shown to be detrimental to often against taller receivers imo.  We need to replace Rhodes quickly with another taller CB with the frame to handle the taller more physical receivers in the league. 

agreed.  His name is Holton Hill.  Top 5 PFF corner last year over 250 snaps. 

Next year’s CB group
Waynes and Hill outside, Hughes inside, 3rd CB and Jonathan Joseph as backups

[Guest]

@JimmyinSD said:
Early on I thought Hughes was showing better than he has this year.  His size has shown to be detrimental to often against taller receivers imo.  We need to replace Rhodes quickly with another taller CB with the frame to handle the taller more physical receivers in the league. 

Definitely. I think he isn't really all the way back. Sometimes knees take a little while to get back to 100%.

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@purpleloki said:

@JimmyinSD said:
Early on I thought Hughes was showing better than he has this year.  His size has shown to be detrimental to often against taller receivers imo.  We need to replace Rhodes quickly with another taller CB with the frame to handle the taller more physical receivers in the league. 

Definitely. I think he isn't really all the way back. Sometimes knees take a little while to get back to 100%.

That would explain getting best on double moves,  but even when he is there against bigger opponents they are simply throwing high and letting the receiver take it over top of him.  He has dealt with size difference his whole career,  he just needs to get back to playing those guys more aggressive early in the routes to get the QB off of him. 

[Guest]

@Skodin said:

@JimmyinSD said:
Early on I thought Hughes was showing better than he has this year.  His size has shown to be detrimental to often against taller receivers imo.  We need to replace Rhodes quickly with another taller CB with the frame to handle the taller more physical receivers in the league. 

agreed.  His name is Holton Hill.  Top 5 PFF corner last year over 250 snaps. 

Next year’s CB group
Waynes and Hill outside, Hughes inside, 3rd CB and Jonathan Joseph as backups

Let's see if he can stay clean for an offseason before we pencil him in anywhere.  Note that its Hughes coming in relief of Wayne's or Rhodes,  not Hill until Hughes gets abused a few series.