Reinforcing the secondary remains a top priority for the Minnesota Vikings this offseason, especially after a rough 2024 campaign that saw their pass defense ranked 28th in the NFL, giving up an average of 242 yards through the air per game. To address these concerns, Minnesota added cornerbacks Jeff Okudah and Isaiah Rodgers while also re-signing Byron Murphy Jr. during free agency. While these moves offer short-term improvement, they don’t solve the long-term need for youthful depth and development in the defensive backfield.
That’s where the NFL Draft could make a significant impact, and according to ESPN’s Jordan Reid, one player to watch on Day 3 is UTSA cornerback, a top-talented cornerback. In a recent article highlighting sleeper picks, Reid identified the same cornerback as a potential steal and an ideal fit for teams that utilize zone-heavy defensive schemes. The Vikings were listed among three potential landing spots, along with the 49ers and Bills.
He brings an intriguing combination of size, speed, and ball skills that make him stand out among late-round prospects. Standing 6-foot-3 and weighing 186 pounds, he clocked an impressive 4.36 in the 40-yard dash. He also posted a 36½-inch vertical and a 10-foot-6 broad jump. In 2023, he tied for second in the FBS with six interceptions, leading the American Athletic Conference. He also recorded 24 tackles, nine pass breakups, and a forced fumble over 12 games.
Despite these numbers, Zah Frazier’s draft stock may be affected by his age—he’ll turn 25 in October—which is considered old for an incoming rookie. However, his maturity and polished instincts could allow him to contribute sooner rather than later, particularly in a nickel corner role behind projected starters Murphy and Rodgers.
The Vikings have struggled in recent years to find lasting talent at the cornerback position. Since 2020, they’ve drafted eight cornerbacks, yet only Mekhi Blackmon remains on the active roster. Frazier’s profile offers a glimmer of hope that Minnesota might finally strike gold with a developmental prospect who can grow into a starting role within a few seasons.
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