Vikings secondary coach still trying to squeeze more out of one league's elite units

[purplefaithful]

The Vikings added rookie Mike Hughes to their veteran secondary that boasts some of the best talent in the NFL The Vikings returned every member of their high-powered secondary partially responsible for the franchise’s first No. 1 defense in points and yards since 1970. Then they drafted cornerback Mike Hughes with their top pick.It still might not be Jerry Gray’s most talented group as the Vikings defensive backs coach enters his 20th season in the NFL teaching ranks.
Gray, a four-time Pro Bowl cornerback for the L.A. Rams, has coached a treasure trove of high-profile cornerbacks and safeties including Antoine Winfield, Lawyer Milloy, Troy Vincent, Nate Clements and Terrence McGee. That was just the 2003-05 Buffalo Bills. The 2007 and 2008 Washington Redskins featured five top-10 draft picks in the two secondaries led by Gray.
“Had Shawn Taylor, LaRon Landry, Sean Springs, Carlos Rogers and Fred Smoot was a second-round [pick]. I had one other: DeAngelo Hall,” Gray said before he chuckled. “Yeah, I was blessed.”
In Minnesota he has worked with All-Pros Harrison Smith and Xavier Rhodes. The Star Tribune recently caught up with Gray after a Vikings practice to discuss the secondary’s younger players, their roles and his teaching methods.


http://www.startribune.com/vikings-secon...484614011/

[Guest]

Great interview with one of our most talented coaches!

[Guest]

Not sure if this has been talked about or not but this might be the last training camp for Marcus Sherels and the Vikings. He'll be 31 years old at the end of September and Hughes could take his PR spot if he continues to look sure-handed. With guys like Holton Hill and Hughes on board, this probably should be it for Sherels. He's stayed much longer than anyone would have thought, but roster spots are getting more precious the more talent the team takes on and Sherels is weak in coverage as a backup.

[Guest]

IF Waynes has a good year, he's going to be tough for us to keep around. Considering all the young talent on the roster, we wont be able to keep em all. 

Just enjoying the anticipation of this year for now though. 

Sherels has had a great run, made some decent coin too. Feel good story. 

[Guest]

I kept wondering about this when we brought in Flip....
Q: Did you pick anything up from John DeFilippo (former Eagles QBs coach) and Philly’s plan?
A: Yeah, we didn’t ask about the game but just about what can we get better at? What are we trying to do? How can we get to the next level? That’s really what we’re trying to do.

[Guest]

Sadly, I bet this is the year where Marcus is cut. No doubt he will find a spot on a roster in the NFL. Hes too good of a returner to be jobless.  Unreal regarding CB depth on this team with Hughes and Hill. 

I see it like this, Hughes inpresses quickly with his confidence, quick feet and quick study. He essentially becomes the nickel back, playing the slot. Hes built for this versus and Xavier, Trey, or Mac. 

With the guidance of Newman, Hughes quickly finds his place on the field. 

Xavier, best CB in the game
Waynes, a damn good outside CB and one of the best #2 CBs in the game
Hughes, nickel and PR, those feet and hands are quick
Alexander, first guy off the bench for outside CB play. 
Newman, flexible to fill in either inside or out
Hill, too much size and raw ability to let slide to PS. 

Mac is going to have a good year in the back up role for the outside. Hes better for the outside than inside. Less confusing on the outer edges. has good speed and size. He was a borderline 1st round pick. Talent is there, and I hope hes a guy who understands he can have a very good career being the first guy off the bench. 

Hill, playmaker with the ball in his hands. Great length and size. Very good tackler. Good speed. Perfect Zim and Grey piece of clay. If he can his head on straught, he could be a great development prospect. Hes Cedric Griffin lite to me, which is great for a UDFA

That will be our 6, Newman being the mentor to the young guys. I believe this secondary is better than last year’s, could be the best secondary we have ever had. Size, speed, depth and improved DL to pressure the QB should make for a stellar 2018 year for the CB group.