Top-5 Minnesota Vikings of 2014

Oct 19, 2014; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Minnesota Vikings cornerback

(29) breaks up a pass to Buffalo Bills wide receiver

(14) during the second half at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Bills beat the Vikings 17-16. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

#4: Xavier Rhodes

Remember when I said the Vikings went from 31st to 7th in pass defense? Xavier Rhodes had a whole lot to do with that. He was the most improved player on the team, bar none.

In a division where faulty corners can be a death sentence, Rhodes finished tied for 4th in the NFL in passes defended (18). He also came away with his first career interception against the Bears.

The normally hard-nosed Mike Zimmer was choked up when talking about his prized corner after the final game.

“Xavier came up to me and said, ‘Thanks for everything,’ helping him get good,” Zimmer said while pausing a few times to compose himself. “He’s got a chance to be a really good football player, and he’s going to progress more with the mental aspect of the game.”

Xavier Rhodes is turning into the shutdown cornerback the Vikings desperately need. He’s entering his third year under and will continue under the tutelage of Mike Zimmer, a man notorious for getting the most out of defensive backs. Coming out of Florida State, this is the cornerback we expected to see and one that can be built around for years to come.

GAME OF THE YEAR: In the final game of the season, Rhodes played a huge part in the Vikings allowing zero touchdowns on the day. His job was to shadow Alshon Jeffery and shadow him he did. Jeffery ended the game with 2 receptions for 5 yards.

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Next: #3: Sack Daddy