:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69218885/usa_today_15274013.0.jpg)
With the second of their fourth-round picks in the 2021 NFL Draft, the Minnesota Vikings have shifted their focus to the defensive backfield.
Camryn Bynum
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22484232/1229969514.jpg)
Date of Birth: 19 July 1998 (22 years old)
College: University of California-Berkeley
Drafted: Round 4, #125 overall
Height: 6’0”
Weight: 200 pounds
Career accomplishments: First-Team All-Pac 12 (2020), Second-Team All-Pac 12 (2019)
Twitter handle: @Cambeezy_
With the #th pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, the Minnesota Vikings have selected Camryn Bynum, a defensive back from the University of California-Berkeley.
Bynum was a four-year starter for the Golden Bears and had a very nice career in Berkeley, being named First-Team All-Pac 12 this past season after making the second team the year before that.
Dane Brugler of The Athletic has Bynumas the #16 cornerback in this year’s draft class, but it’s important to note that the Vikings announced him as a safety with their selection. Here’s what Brugler has to say about Bynum:
Bynum checks boxes for his balanced movements, coverage awareness and run support skills (all skills that translate well to safety). He knows he isn’t the most athletically gifted player, but he doesn’t allow anyone to outwork him and his coaches praise his drive, leadership and smarts. Overall, Bynum doesn’t have ideal twitch or speed for outside work in the NFL, but his play recognition and football character are why he will stick in the NFL. He projects best in a zone-based scheme with a possible future at safety (similar to Jordan Poyer).
With Harrison Smith getting up there in age and Xavier Woods only under contract for one year, the Vikings might have a need at safety sooner rather than later. If that’s where the Vikings want to use him, he could get a chance to contribute early.
Welcome to Minnesota, Camryn Bynum!