Rookie CB Cook is expected to improve Vikings defense

Overall, the Minnesota Vikings had a winning season in 2009, but still many people regret for their beloved team’s failure to have a Super Bowl appearance and bring home a Super Bowl title. The playoff loss to the New Orleans Saints made it clear that the Vikings need much improvement with their defense, especially the cornerback.

That need explains well why the Vikings used their first pick of the 2010 NFL draft to draft former Virginia cornerback Chris Cook, who is in perfect size for a cornerback. With a height of 6-2 and weight of 212 lbs, Cook is physical enough to make smooth bump and run coverage. His first-rat hands and instincts can help him to make an interception in good position. With all the talents and advantages, Cook is highly expected to make his most contribution to the Vikings even though he is only his first season of wearing the Vikings jersey.

Cook is also facing a great chance to obtain a starting job as a rookie. The Vikings’ both starting cornerback Cedric Griffin and Antoine Winfield are taking care of some injured parts of their bodies. Even if the two are fully recovered from injuries before the regular season, it will still take some time for them to get back in shape. The other cornerbacks on Vikings’ roster include last year’s third-round pick Asher Allen and recently signed free agent Lito Sheppard. As an experienced veteran, Sheppard is expected to have significant playing time, but Allen appears not to be a competitive contender for the starting job because he has a less impressive size of 5-9 and lacks top end speed. So, Cook will face threatens mainly from Sheppard if he is aiming at starting role. But even though he does not managed to get the starting job, he is still very likely to have plenty of playing time as a backup.