After the failed Lewis Cine and Andrew Booth experiments, another highly drafted Minnesota Vikings defensive back is facing a crucial season. The New England Patriots ripped Minnesota apart on Saturday — yes, those New England Patriots — and there weren’t many positives to build on. That was certainly the case for cornerback Mekhi Blackmon, who suddenly finds himself in an uncomfortable spot.
As a rookie in 2023, Blackmon showed budding talent. He was Pro Football Focus’ third-highest-graded rookie cornerback, and they named him to their All-Rookie Team. Blackmon led the team with eight pass breakups and was the only rookie to play at least 400 snaps and not miss a tackle. While there were some ups and downs, like with any rookie, it looked like the Vikings had found their future starting cornerback.
After the strong debut, Blackmon was looking to take a bigger leap in Year 2. He had a real opportunity to progress into a starting spot, but a torn ACL during training camp forced the corner to miss the entire 2024 season. Now, at age 26, amazingly just a year younger than fellow corner Byron Murphy Jr., Blackmon is running out of time to secure a role with the Vikings.
Minnesota’s first unofficial depth chart of the season listed Blackmon as a backup behind starters Murphy and Isaiah Rodgers. While many initially believed he could be battling for a starting role this year, it appears he’s only fighting for CB3 or lower.
That depth chart isn’t legally binding, but Blackmon’s play on the field this summer has also backed up head coach Kevin O’Connell‘s decision to leave him on the bench. The Vikings let Shaquill Griffin and Stephon Gilmore walk in free agency this offseason, and the door was left wide open for Blackmon to establish himself in Year 3, but he hasn’t taken advantage.
While players typically take a few years to gain some traction in the league, Blackmon faces unusual circumstances. With his age, it’s hard to see a path forward for Blackmon to crack the starting lineup for the Vikings this year or beyond. How many 27- or 28-year-old cornerbacks suddenly become star players? The unfortunate knee injury he suffered last year didn’t help his development, and as a 24-year-old rookie, time was never on his side. Now, in an ever-important year, things are trending in the wrong direction.
In Saturday’s game against New England, Blackmon was one of PFF’s worst-graded Vikings players, with an overall score of 52.1. His 44.5 coverage grade was also one of the worst on the day, and Vikings legend Josh Dobbs did most of the damage.
It was a down day overall for the entire defense, though, and the Patriots were even without their top receiver, Stefon Diggs. Blackmon didn’t stand out in Minnesota’s first preseason game against the Houston Texans either, despite that being a win and a better overall game for the team as a whole. The cornerback depth has been hotly debated all offseason, and this preseason’s performances haven’t done much to quiet that chatter.
Notably, Blackmon has also played significantly more snaps than any other Minnesota cornerback this preseason. Could it be because the staff wants to get him more reps coming back from injury? Do they like how the rich, purple helmet brings out his eyes? Or is it that his spot on the roster is potentially in danger?
Newcomer Jeff Okudah has seemingly secured a backup role, and Dwight McGlothern has made splash plays all camp, so where does Blackmon fit in here, if at all?
If there isn’t a role for Blackmon, it would be a disappointing end to a string of defensive backs that general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah took early in the draft. The Vikings took Cine, Booth, and Akayleb Evans in 2022 and have already booted them from the squad. And now Blackmon, taken in the third round in 2023, stands on shaky ground.
While the GM’s unfruitful drafts are a discussion for another day, Blackmon looked ready to break the trend after a positive rookie season. Now, after his injury wiped Blackmon’s second season away and his uninspiring preseason, things are maybe more uncertain than most fans had ever expected.
With one preseason game remaining, Blackmon needs a strong performance to show he deserves even a reserve role on this year’s defense. There have been flashes, but consistency is key in the NFL, and his play, along with injuries beyond his control, has led to a very uneven career. He has the tools to be a successful corner in the league; it’s just about putting everything together.
For Mekhi Blackmon, it’s now or never.
