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The Vikings’ Best Cornerback Options in the Draft

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Clemson cornerback Avieon Terrell (8) during Spring Practice in Clemson, S.C. Monday, March 24, 2025. © Ken Ruinard / staff / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The 2026 NFL draft is fast approaching, so it’s time to start looking at the Vikings’ draft options. Having previously looked at safety and defensive tackle, we now turn our attention to a position that was a popular choice in the earlier mock drafts for the Vikings’ first round pick, but has cooled off the closer we have got to the draft – cornerback.

How Minnesota Can Navigate the Board at Cornerback

Cornerback is still a position I can see the Vikings looking to add to the roster during the draft. The signing of James Pierre made the team’s position at CB less desperate, but unless Pierre surprises and is better than advertised. Everything at the position isn’t solved and still needs addressing. These are the options throughout the different rounds.

The First Round Certainties

Several cornerbacks could fly off the board in the first round, with Mansoor Delane and Jermod McCoy the most highly rated. Both have the potential to go higher than 18 as genuine lockdown outside corners. If either is on the board at 18, they immediately become extremely strong candidates for the Vikings, who are in desperate need of a long, rangy shutdown CB.

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Vikings cornerback draft
Tennessee offensive lineman Cooper Mays (63), wide receiver Bru McCoy (5), and quarterback Nico Iamaleava (8) surround running back Dylan Sampson (6) in celebration after Sampson’s touchdown during an NCAA college football game against Alabama on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024, in Knoxville. Tenn. © Saul Young/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images.

The other first-round option is Avieon Terrell. He is a different kind of CB to Delane and McCoy, largely down to his shorter stature, which will likely see him used primarily as a slot corner. His elite football IQ and playmaking instincts mean he can be very effective from that position, but make his value more towards the back end of the first round.

If the Vikings want a CB and the first two are off the board, trading back and selecting Terrell would be a good value move.

The Vikings Draft Options on Day 2

Day 2 brings a whole host of options at the CB position, starting with Colton Hood. A developmental prospect, Hood is a talented but inconsistent young player with only one full season as a starter. He may take time to cover NFL receivers, but the tools are there for him to become a good outside corner.

There are a couple of smaller, less physical options in Brandon Cisse and D’Angelo Ponds. Cisse can lack physicality at times, but his explosiveness and twitch give him the tools to develop into a starting NFL cornerback, making him a promising prospect for Minnesota on Day 2. Ponds’ football IQ and instincts make him an intriguing prospect. While he plays with clear passion and urgency every snap, his downside is that, at 5’9, 173 lbs, he is very small for the position.

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The options keep coming in on Day 2, with this draft full of good CBs who all have at least one flaw. Chris Johnson excels with physicality, spacing, anticipation, and ball skills, but is best suited to playing off-coverage.

Feb 26, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; San Diego State defensive back Chris Johnson (DB17) speaks to members of the media during the NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images

Keith Abney lacks length and top-tier athleticism to be a big success in coverage, but his competitiveness and run-defense mentality make him a valuable rotational defensive back with starter potential. Keionte Scott is another tone-setter in run defense with a physical mentality, but also has coverage limitations. Other options in the third round include Treydan Stukes, Davison Igbinosun, and Devin Moore.

The Best of the Rest on Day 3

There aren’t many options I like on Day 3, especially since the Vikings aren’t scheduled to pick until the fifth round. However, a couple of names with potential are Chandler Rivers, Tarico Davis, and Thaddeus Dixon. At nearly 6’4 and 194 lbs, Davis has potential as a matchup against bigger WRs, while his lack of fluidity in movement will see him struggle against the league’s route technicians.

Oct 19, 2024; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Arizona Wildcats cornerback Tacario Davis (1) against the Colorado Buffalos at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Rivers is a good player with lots of success at the collegiate level, but his below-average size could see him fall into the mid rounds. With an incredibly natural zone feel, spatial awareness, and quick processing, he could prove a steal if the Vikings can land him in the fifth. Despite his smaller frame, he’s not afraid to surge downhill and hit hard, which is a plus point.

Finally, we have Dixon, a high-upside CB who should be available in the middle rounds. At around 6’0″, 195 pounds, with 31 1/2″ arms, Dixon has decent length, to pair with springy, explosive athleticism, elite reactive coil, and twitch. A red flag comes in the form of off-field misdemeanors, so teams will want him to show he has matured. If he has, he could prove to be a steal.


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Proud UK Viking. Family Man. Enjoy writing about my team. Away from football an advocate for autism acceptance.

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Five-starboy Caluori, Saints day in the sun and a tunnel tussle – Prem talking points

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Whatever they are offering, ask for more.

Exeter confirmed last week that a takeover offer is on the table for club.

Whether they were tuning in from the United States or, as in the case of Black Knight board member Ryan Caswell, at Sandy Park in person, their prospective new owners were served up a fantastic advert of what the league can be.

The Chiefs were on the losing side – Fin Smith dancing around England team-mate Immanuel Feyi -Waboso on the final play of the game for the winning score – but a superb toe-to-toe contest in front of a sun-bathed, 12,000-strong crowd was prime sporting ‘product’.

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Northampton caught the mood as well.

Henry Pollock unveiled a new try celebration, lobbing the ball in the air before ‘shooting’ it down with a mimed rifle. Number eight Callum Chick showed a fine bit of slipper, landing a 50:22. Saints director of rugby Phil Dowson seemed to motion to ask the home fans to find the knock-on in Smith’s game-winning score after the visitors had had an earlier try ruled out.

Tom Litchfield’s performance at outside centre will give Dowson more reason to smile.

The 24-year-old made the most metres of any of the Saints backline in their win over Saracens at Tottenham Stadium last time out in the league and was a muscular, intelligent presence once again.

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The result, combined with Bristol’s win over Gloucester on Friday night, adds some much-needed intrigue to the top-four conundrum.

The Bears are four points off Exeter.

Northampton sit top of the pile still, but the fixture list will test their grip on the summit.

They host second-placed Bath next (albeit the visitors seem set to rest some stars with a looming Champions Cup semi-final against Bordeaux-Begles), before travelling to in-form Leicester and then hosting Bristol.

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Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Inconsolable As KKR Beat RR In Last-Over Thriller, Video Breaks Fans’ Hearts

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The youngest Indian Premier League (IPL) sensation, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, had his heart broken after his team, the Rajasthan Royals were beaten by the Kolkata Knight Riders on Sunday. Sooryavanshi, who gave the team another blazing start at the top, scoring 46 runs off 28 balls, wasn’t happy to see his side suffering a defeat despite being well ahead at one point in the game. Seeing Rinku Singh inspire KKR to their first win of the season, Sooryavanshi was absolutely distraught on the sidelines.

In a video that has surfaced on social media, the teenage opener could be seen hiding his face with his cap, wiping tears as he saw his team lose out on two points from a winning position. The 15-year-old had to be consoled at that point.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi ‘Special’

Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan praised young Sooryavanshi after another impressive outing against the Kolkata franchise, saying the emerging batter continues to prove a growing theory that he tends to rise especially when facing big-name bowlers.

Pathan noted that Sooryavanshi once again showed his talent against quality opposition, reinforcing the belief that he is a “special player” with a bright future ahead.

He added that the youngster has the potential to stay at the top level for many years if he continues developing at this pace and temperament.

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“The theory of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi needing big-name bowlers in the opposition is proving true again 😉 This kid is a special player with many years at the top level ahead of him,” Pathan wrote in an X post.

Sooryavanshi is the fourth-highest run-getter this season, scoring 246 runs in six matches at an average of 41.00 and a strike rate of 236.53, including two fifties and a best score of 78.

In his 13 IPL matches, he has made 498 runs at an average of 38.30, with a strike rate of 220.35, including a century and three fifties, with 42 fours and 44 sixes in 226 balls.


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Tushar Deshpande’s Brilliant Final Act Ensures Thrilling Win For RR Over Gujarat Titans

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Corbin Burners And 3 Other Valuable Fantasy Baseball Injury Stashes

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The fantasy baseball season is in full swing and some of the top players in MLB are flashing their value early in the season. Stars like Shohei Ohtani are living up to sky-high expectations, while others are showing breakout potential. Some managers have been tasked with replacing production due to injuries, which could hamper long-term output.

Whether you’re eyeing potential buy-low targets, or holding out hope on star talent, injury stashes hold persistent value amongst lineups. Let’s look at four of the most valuable injury stashes for fantasy managers to monitor at this point of the season:

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Gerrit Cole – New York Yankees (SP)

New York Yankees pitcher Gerrit Cole, Fantasy Baseball

Mar 24, 2026; Mesa, Arizona, USA; New York Yankees pitcher Gerrit Cole against the Chicago Cubs during spring training at Sloan Park. | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Gerrit Cole is looking more and more like a short-term stash as the season progresses, working his way back from Tommy John surgery that kept him sidelined for the entire 2025 season. The former Cy Young winner last suited up in 2024, carving out 17 starts. Cole recorded his first rehab session earlier this month and is reportedly targeting a potential June return. Cole’s injury hampered his ADP coming into the 2026 season, and he should have no problem exceeding expectations upon returning to the bullpen. Fantasy managers should remain bullish on a bounce-back campaign from Cole this season.

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Jeremy Pena – Houston Astros (SS)

The Houston Astros have been ravaged by injury to start the 2026 season. Shortstop Jeremy Pena, who entered the year dealing with a finger fracture, was placed on IL last week following yet another knock. The All-Star suffered a grade-1 hamstring strain and is without a specific timetable for return. He’s appeared in just 10 games this season, and will be sidelined for at least two more weeks. Like Cole, Pena’s more of a short-term stash and shouldn’t garner significant concern from managers. His trend of absences could raise red flags for some, but his fantasy value remains undeniable.

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Corbin Burnes – Arizona Diamondbacks (SP)

Arizona Diamondbacks' Corbin Burnes, Fantasy Baseball

Arizona Diamondbacks’ Corbin Burnes (39) pitches against the Washington Nationals at Chase Field in Phoenix on June 1, 2025. | Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Arizona Diamondbacks ace Corbin Burnes is working his way back from injury after a shortened 2025 campaign. The Cy Young winner carved out 11 starts, posting an encouraging 2.66 ERA with 63 strikeouts. Entering the 2026 season, he’s sustained encouraging updates after undergoing Tommy John surgery last year and has received a potential timeline for return as his rehab ramps up. Burnes is reportedly targeting a return near the All-Star break in mid-July. Still, encouraging updates and a consistent trend of production will help managers uphold faith in a Burnes stash.

Christian Yelich – Milwaukee Brewers (LF/DH)

The injury concerns are quickly piling up for the Milwaukee Brewers, with All-Star outfielder Christian Yelich set to miss time. The 2018 National League MVP was placed on IL last week after suffering a groin strain and could miss extended time. Reports indicate that Yelich is initially believed to be sidelined for a month, though the three-time All-Star couldn’t offer a specific timeline. Managers should remain confident in Yelich as a stash, considering his efficiency to start the 2026 campaign, hitting .314 over 15 appearances thus far.

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MLB news: Austin Hedges gets engaged on the field after Guardians beat the Orioles

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What’s better than a hard fought win on the diamond? Putting one on your beloved’s finger, if you ask Cleveland Guardians catcher Austin Hedges.

Hedges not only helped the Guardians defeat the Baltimore Orioles, 8-4, on Sunday – he got engaged to his girlfriend, Lexi Dickson, at Progressive Field.

Hedges got down on one knee on the grass, as a message flashed across the Jumbotron at the stadium in Cleveland, while his teammates were watching. Dickson was shocked and emotional, eventually telling Hedges, “Yes!” before hearing cheers from those looking on.

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Austin Hedges and his girlfriend Lexi Dickinson celebrating their engagement at Progressive Field.

Austin Hedges and his girlfriend Lexi Dickinson celebrate their engagement after the Cleveland Guardians’ 8-4 win over the Baltimore Orioles at Progressive Field in Cleveland, Ohio, on April 19, 2026. (Nick Cammett/Getty Images)

Hedges told reporters that he’s had the ring for his girlfriend of almost two years since spring training, but he didn’t have this plan until “only a couple weeks ago.”

“I was really hoping we won the game,” he told Cleveland.com. “I was going to do it regardless, but I really wanted to win that game to make it extra special.”

CHIEFS HEIRESS GRACIE HUNT ANNOUNCES ENGAGEMENT TO SON OF TEAM’S FORMER QUARTERBACK: ‘IT WAS ALWAYS YOU’

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The message on the video board read, “Lexi, will you marry me?” which prompted Hedges to get down on one knee.

“There were a lot of nerves, a lot of nerves,” Hedges, 33, explained. “I’m always nervous for baseball games…and just trying to stay present, knowing that there were some activities after. But it’s a special day. Special to be able to soak it all in.”

Dickson, sporting a black, custom jacket with Hedges’ number and pictures of her now-fiancé on the back, flashed her ring around for Guardians players and friends and family who took pictures on the field.

Cleveland Guardians catcher Austin Hedges and fiancée Lexi Dickinson celebrating on baseball field

Cleveland Guardians catcher Austin Hedges proposed to his fiancée Lexi Dickinson on the field after a game against the Baltimore Orioles at Progressive Field in Cleveland, Ohio, on April 19, 2026. (David Dermer/Imagn Images)

It wasn’t the best of days for Hedges at the plate, going 0-for-4, though he did have a run scored. But a win to move to 13-10 on the season is all that matters to him at the end of the day.

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As for the after party, Hedges and Dickson were planning a lowkey Sunday night to decompress after such an adrenaline-filled afternoon.

“Go to dinner and then just have a night to ourselves and enjoy it,” Hedges said the plan was.

Austin Hedges proposing to his girlfriend Lexi Dickinson at Progressive Field in Cleveland

Austin Hedges of the Cleveland Guardians proposes to his girlfriend Lexi Dickinson after the team’s 8-4 win over the Baltimore Orioles at Progressive Field in Cleveland, Ohio, on April 19, 2026. (Nick Cammett/Getty Images)

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That’s probably the right move for Hedges, who has the Houston Astros coming to town to start a three-game series at Progressive Field on Monday night.

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But he and Dickson get a chance to enjoy their first night as an engaged couple in the next chapter of their baseball love story.

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“I don’t have that friendly, buddy-like relationship”

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Real Madrid manager Alvaro Arbeloa has said that he has a good relationship with his players. However, he insisted that it is not a ‘buddy-like relationship’, hinting that he commands respect from his players in the dressing room.

Speaking to the media ahead of the game against Alaves, Arbeloa said that the atmosphere inside the dressing room remains good despite the form this season. He believes that maagers need to have good relations with the players, or else they will not be able to be successful at the club.

“My relationship with the dressing room? I don’t have that kind of friendly, buddy-like relationship. I think I’ve had a good relationship. I don’t understand football any other way. And that doesn’t mean you’re not demanding, that you can’t push them…

“It’s a relationship you have to accept when you’re a player. Even in difficult times, there’s always been a good atmosphere in the dressing room. For me, I think that’s a good thing and how a dressing room should be.” (via MadridXtra)

Talking about the club’s season, Arbeloa admitted that Los Blancos cannot go two seasons without trophies. He is confident that they can push for the league title until the end and said:

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“Real Madrid are the club where things usually go right. There are times when things don’t, but the mentality of this club is always to look to the future. At Real Madrid, losing isn’t acceptable, but neither is winning, because we know the demands of this club and we always have to look to the future to win. We have to win the seven remaining matches.” (via Madrid Universal)

Real Madrid nine points behind Barcelona in the table with seven matches left in the season.

Alvaro Arbeloa not thinking about his future at Real Madrid

Real Madrid crashed out of the UEFA Champions League earlier this week and reports suggested that the club were set to part ways with Alvaro Arbeloa. The Spaniard was quizzed about the rumors and he was quick to sidestep the question.

He said that the decision was not in his hands, but he has not received any communication from the club that suggests he will be leaving at the end of the season. He said:

“It’s not my decision to make. I’m not worried about my future at all. I’m worried about these seven matches, and especially tomorrow’s. These are club decisions. I have direct communication with the club every week and we have a great relationship, but the only future I’m concerned about is tomorrow. These seven matches are more important than they might seem. We have to prove ourselves tomorrow.” (via Madrid Universal)

Arbeloa was appointed by Real Madrid in January following the exit of Xabi Alonso. He has taken charge of 21 matches, winning 13 and losing seven times.

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