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Many people expected that the Minnesota Vikings would address the cornerback position early in the 2020 NFL Draft, and they’ve done exactly that with the selection of a Big 12 standout.
Jeff Gladney
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Date of Birth: 12 December 1996 (23 years old)
College: Texas Christian University
Drafted: Round 1, #31 overall
Height: 6’
Weight: 191 pounds
Career Accomplishments: First-team All-Big 12 (2019), Second-team All-Big 12 (2018)
Twitter handle: None
With the #31 in the 2020 NFL Draft, the Minnesota Vikings have selected cornerback Jeff Gladney out of Texas Christian University.
Gladney may not have racked up a lot of interceptions during his time in Fort Worth, only picking off one pass. However, he’s certainly been around the football, having collected 15 pass breakups in each of the past two seasons while starting all 27 games for the Horned Frogs. After this year’s Scouting Combine, he had surgery to repair a meniscus injury that he played through as a senior, but he should be ready to go by the time Training Camp comes around.
Jordan Reid of The Draft Network has Gladney as his #3 cornerback and #24 overall on his Big Board in his Draft Guide. Here is his evaluation of Gladney.
Starting since he stepped foot on campus, Gladney is one of the most competitive cornerback prospects that you will see in this class. Not just in coverage, but also as a run defender. He’s scrappy, tough, and physical. Projecting best in a press man scheme, Gladney has the physical attributes and vertical speed necessary to quickly become a starter. Possessing high-end athleticism and recovery skills, Gladney could prove to be one of the better defensive backs of this entire crop. There’s not much to dislike about his game overall and he has the talent to become a top-40 pick.
With the exodus that the Vikings have had at the cornerback position this offseason, Gladney is likely going to have to step in and be a contributor right away. It sounds like the Vikings got the right guy if they need an immediate starter.
Welcome to Minnesota, Jeff Gladney!