With the No. 25 overall pick in the 2013 NFL draft, the Minnesota Vikings selected cornerback Xavier Rhodes from Florida St. Rhodes is theNo. 2 cornerback in this draft class and the 22nd-best overall player in this year's draft, according to SB Nation's Dan Kadar.
Rhodes is a big, strong cornerback who thrives when asked to play physically. He can press receivers, change their routes and cause problems for receivers with his physicality at the line of scrimmage. Combined with his quick cuts and ability to stay with receivers even once they get off of the line and Rhodes can really thrive in a press scheme.
The problem for Rhodes is that he is a bit scheme dependent. He isn't a great zone corner and while part of that can be chalked up to inexperience because Florida St. played so little zone, he doesn't project to be an especially good zone corner anyways. He isn't the most versatile of defensive backs, but what he does do well, he does as well as any other cornerback in the draft.
With Antoine Winfield gone, the Vikings needed to address the void he left. Rhodes was originally projected close to the top 10, so grabbing him late in the first round is a great value for Minnesota. He'll be seeing action right away.
Combine Results
Height: 6'1''
Weight: 210 lbs.
40-yard dash: 4.43 secs
Vertical: 40.5 inches
Broad jump: 132 inches
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