Is There a New Cornerback on the Vikings?

Last week, it was reported that cornerbacks Akayleb Evans and Shaq Griffin were manning the starting outside cornerback spots, while cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. slid inside to the slot for their nickel package. Well, there looks to be a change in this week’s organized team activities according to one Minnesota Vikings’ Beat Writer.

Mekhi Blackmon In, Akayleb Evans Out as Minnesota Vikings Outside Cornerback?

According to Alec Lewis (The Athletic), second-year cornerback Mekhi Blackmon took a majority of the snaps as the outside cornerback at Wednesday’s organized team activity practice. It also looks like Evans was demoted back to the second team.

Not only does Lewis note that Blackmon garnered most of the snaps Wednesday, but also noted one big pass breakup where he jawed with wide receiver Brandon Powell, with safety Cam Bynum stepping in to break them up. This is somewhat noteworthy from someone who got a lot of playing time as a rookie cornerback due to Evans being benched multiple times last season.

Who will win the starting outside cornerback spot for the Minnesota Vikings?

At this point in time, it seems like Vikings’ cornerbacks Griffin and Murphy Jr. are locks to be starters in their base and nickel defense. When the Vikings shift to a nickel defense, Murphy Jr. will go into the slot leaving an open starting spot on the outside.