Top 20 Candidates for the Vikings at Cornerback in Free Agency

I've heard all of this talk that the Vikings must draft a cornerback in the first two rounds. Why?

Cedric Griffin isn't exactly great, but Antoine Winfield is our No. 1 guy. Antoine performed so well during the 2008 season that he made the Pro Bowl.

I believe Minnesota could use an upgrade over Cedric Griffin. But would a cornerback like Vontae Davis from Illinois be it? I certainly doubt it.

This draft class is weak in starting cornerback caliber players. Besides Malcolm Jenkins, there isn't much to look at.

With the free agency class of cornerbacks being so loaded, why not get one there? What is the need for necessarily getting one so early in the draft?

Let's take a look at a list of candidates for the Minnesota Vikings. I will not list Nnamdi Asomugha, because he will likely be back with the Raiders next season.

I will be ranking these players by total numbers of stars.

Five stars = Great
Four stars = Very good
Three stars = Good
Two stars = Average
One star = Less than average

Stars = *


1. Dunta Robinson (Houston Texans)  ****

Has missed a lot games due to injuries since his career began. Hopefully he will lose his injury-prone style. Houston would love to have him back, but they may let him walk.

2. Chris McAlister (Baltimore Ravens: Released)  *** 1/2

I was surprised when I found out that the Ravens released their top cornerback Chris McAlister. He will be 32 years old in June and can still perform at the top level.

3. Dre' Bly (Denver Broncos: Released)  *** 1/2

Unlike Chris McAlister, I wasn't surprised when Denver released Dre' Bly. His two years in Denver weren't very successful ones. He was often burned through the pass.

4. Kelvin Hayden (Indianapolis Colts)  *** 1/2

The Colts organization has said that they are making cornerback Kelvin Hayden their top priority. If they are smart, they will likely slap him with the franchise tag.

5. Jabari Greer (Buffalo Bills)  ***

Jabari Greer is a 27-year-old stud who may be out of Buffalo. With the emergence of Leodis McKelvin, the Bills may have to let Jabari go elsewhere. Perhaps...Minnesota?

6. Phillip Buchanon (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) ***

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will likely bring back Phillip Buchanon so that they can keep their strong defense intact. Don't expect him to go anywhere else.

7. Leigh Bodden (Detroit Lions: Released) ***

Leigh Bodden was acquired in a trade last offseason for Shaun Rogers from the Cleveland Browns. He was released a few days ago because the Lions are stupid.

8. Andre' Goodman (Miami Dolphins) ***

Despite Miami having a horrid secondary, somehow Andre' Goodman is still one of the better players on the market. There's a strong chance Miami lets him go.

9. Bryant McFadden (Pittsburgh Steelers) ***

I didn't often see him play, but when I did, I was very impressed with Bryant McFadden. Pittsburgh should keep him though, with the age of DeShea Townsend being a factor.

10. Joselio Hanson (Philadelphia Eagles) ** 1/2

Joselio Hanson didn't receive a lot of playing time behind Asante Samuel. But when he did, he made the most of it. He's only 27 years old and has incredible potential.

11. Drayton Florence (Jacksonville Jaguars: Released)  ** 1/2

There perhaps was not a more disappointing defensive player than Drayton Florence. He signed a large contract with the Jaguars last offseason and didn't live up to expectations.

12. Adam "Pacman" Jones (Dallas Cowboys: Released)  ** 1/2

Adam Jones would be an incredible player if he could stay out of legal trouble. He ruined his chance in both Tennessee and Dallas. Where does he end up now?

13. Ronald Bartell (St. Louis Rams) ** 1/2

When I saw Ronald Bartell's stats from last year, I was impressed—57 tackles, two forced fumbles, and three interceptions! He's only 26 years old.

14. Deltha O'Neal (New England Patriots) ** 1/2

Cincinnati released Deltha O'Neal during the 2008 season. The Patriots, in desperate need of a cornerback, signed him. He finished the year with three interceptions.

15. DeMarcus Faggins (Houston Texans) **

DeMarcus Faggins received a lot of playing time for the injured Dunta Robinson. I don't know much about him, but he appears to be a hard-working player.

16. Ricky Manning (St. Louis Rams) **

Wow! Two Rams cornerbacks in the top 20! In all seriousness, Ricky Manning will get a better job somewhere else. I would gladly take him on the Vikings.

17. Kevin Dockery (New York Giants) **

The Giants are loaded at cornerback, which means that Kevin Dockery's chances of being back are very slim. He wrapped up the year with 43 tackles.

18. Corey Ivy (Baltimore Ravens) **

I would have Corey Ivy ranked much higher, but he will be 32-and-a-half years old when the 2009 season starts. I see him staying in Baltimore if Chris McAlister doesn't come back.

19. Eric Green (Arizona Cardinals) **

Eric Green didn't see the field that often. Roderick Hood, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, and Antrel Rolle dominated most of the playing time. Green still had a good year.

20. Keiwan Ratliff (Indianapolis Colts) **

Keiwan Ratliff is only 28 years old and on the upside of his career. If the Colts bring back Kelvin Hayden, it's more likely that Ratliff will be out.

There you have it, Vikings fans: a list of 20 candidates that Minnesota should look at. Please let me know who you think the Vikings should sign.