Vikings named as 'best fit' for SEC safety on day two of the NFL Draft
Vikings named as 'best fit' for SEC safety on day two of the NFL Draft
The Minnesota Vikings retained much of their secondary in free agency. They brought back Harrison Smith and Byron Murphy, Jr., while also extending fourth-year safety Theo Jackson, likely counting on him to have an expanded role in 2025. The Vikings also added cornerback Isaiah Rodgers, expecting him to continue to grow into an every-down player.
But they could still look to add to players with versatility and youth. Smith, 36, could be playing his final season in 2025. Even if the Vikings want him to play as much as possible, having another player to give him occasional rest could only help.
Mason Cameron of Pro Football Focus believes the Vikings could look to add Texas safety Andrew Mukuba in the third round to do just that.
As it stands, Minnesota's only pick on Day 2 falls in the compensatory range of the third round, limiting the team's options. However, the Vikings can nab a safety with excellent coverage instincts like Mukuba to replenish a secondary hit hard in free agency. At Texas in his final season, the senior snagged six interceptions, contributing to his 89.7 PFF coverage grade — second highest in this year's safety class.
Mukuba has experience playing in the slot, deep safety, and box. In 2024, 508 of his 712 total defensive snaps came at deep safety. But he primarily played slot in 2023 after splitting reps almost 50/50 in 2022 at deep safety and slot.
His versatility and production could make him a prime candidate for Brian Flores' defense if he's still available when the Vikings are on the clock at pick 97.
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