NFL Draft 2013: Minnesota Vikings select Florida State cornerback Xavier Rhodes with 25th-overall pick
By Nam Huynh
November 26, 2011; Gainesville FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles cornerback Xavier Rhodes (27) defends Florida Gators wide receiver Andre Debose (4) during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Florida State Seminoles defeated the Florida Gators 21-7. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
There’s your answer to losing Antoine Winfield.
The Minnesota Vikings selected Florida State cornerback Xavier Rhodes with the 25th-overall pick of the 2013 NFL Draft.
A month ago we projected Rhodes as the best cornerback that fits Minnesota’s Tampa 2 cover scheme. Here is what we had to say:
"Pros: Rhodes’ big frame is built to press at line of scrimmage and take on NFL wide receivers. After initial jam, he turns to find the football and adjusts well to receivers."
The drafting of Rhodes likely means Josh Robinson will play nickel. At 5-10 199 pounds, Robinson has the size and quickness to defend in the slot. He struggled playing the zone as an outside corner late last season, so a shift inside could work in his favor.