2014 MINNESOTA VIKINGS DRAFT PROFILE: ANTONE EXUM

[dead_poet]

Taking a step back to look at the whole picture, Antone Exum is a perfect fit for the Vikings at the safety position. He provides depth and competition at a position where quality players are difficult to find. His usage can quickly supplement a lack of cornerback depth. The scheme matches his array of skillsets. Exum provides tremendous value to the Vikings for a sixth round pick and may even contribute right away. Here’s to sustained health.

http://vikingsterritory.com/2014/analys ... ntone-exum

[jackal]

I hope Exum isn't another Child's pick for us ...

[Cliff]

I actually don't have a problem with the Vikings taking chances on injured guys that would have otherwise gone much higher in the draft. Especially with picks in the 6th round when many of those players don't pan out anyway. If it's a gamble either way might as well take the risk on the higher ceiling.

[jackal]

yeah 6th is okay but Childs was a fourth round pick I believe

[Cliff]

yeah 6th is okay but Childs was a fourth round pick I believe

That's true ... but Childs' injury actually got worse after the Vikings drafted him. He blew out both knees in training camp. I don't think he was as beat up as Exum heading into the draft.

[jackal]

yeah I was bummed because I watched the highlights of him and he appeared to be a great value in the fourth..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lmSgv7X5h0E

sometimes injuries just happen and there is nothing you can do about it

[Cliff]

yeah I was bummed because I watched the highlights of him and he appeared to be a great value in the fourth..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lmSgv7X5h0E

sometimes injuries just happen and there is nothing you can do about it

He had a lot of upside, it was unfortunate what happened to him.

[dead_poet]

That's true ... but Childs' injury actually got worse after the Vikings drafted him. He blew out both knees in training camp. I don't think he was as beat up as Exum heading into the draft.

I'm not too terribly concerned with Exum's knee. It was an ACL, which doesn't seem to be the speed/career-killer these days as it once was. Plus, he's only 23 so youth is on his side. I'm more concerned with his reactions/awareness, tackling ability/angles and fluidity.

[Eli]

He certainly looked badly out of position playing cornerback at VT. But I'm sure you say that for nearly every safety playing in the NFL today. Let's just hope he can tackle (or can learn to tackle) better than some of the safeties the Vikings currently have on the squad.

Competition, depth, and perhaps a diamond in the rough. He may or may not make it, but it's not a bad draft pick.

[jackal]

Let's just hope he can tackle (or can learn to tackle) better than some of the safeties the Vikings currently have on the squad.

I am really hoping this coaching staff is really big on fundamentals... in years past our corners would never turn and look for the ball and there
was a lot of times they were in a spot to pick a ball if they would have been aware..I would scream at the television,"look for the ball, stupid!!!"

[Purple bruise]

I am really hoping this coaching staff is really big on fundamentals... in years past our corners would never turn and look for the ball and there
was a lot of times they were in a spot to pick a ball if they would have been aware..I would scream at the television,"look for the ball, stupid!!!"

You are right, Cook was the "Poster Child" for that move

[sonicology]

Nice article

Excited to see what this kid can do, of all our late round picks I feel like he has the highest potential.

[jackal]

Nice article

Excited to see what this kid can do, of all our late round picks I feel like he has the highest potential.

I think Scott Crighton is going to be the hidden gem in this draft.

[sonicology]

I think Scott Crighton is going to be the hidden gem in this draft.

I've got high hopes for him also, but I see Exum as a potential starter from week 1 whereas Crighton is more of a rotation/squad player.