Despite cornerback being one of the most common positions in Minnesota Vikings mock drafts, the organization declined to spend any picks on a corner in this year's draft. They passed on consensus No. 13 overall pick Will Johnson, who fell to No.
47 overall, over concerns about his health and testing. They also did not overly invest in undrafted rookie free agency, signing just two rookie cornerbacks in Kansas State's Keenan Garber and Utah's Zemaiah Vaughn. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, they have extended a chance to make an upside signing on a rookie minicamp tryout, who No.
2 overall pick Travis Hunter admitted was a menacing matchup. Colorado Buffaloes defensive back Travis Hunter (12)Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images At the NFL Scouting Combine, Hunter pointed to Nebraska cornerback Tommi Hill among the toughest corners he faced in college. Hill was invited to Vikings rookie minicamps, according to the Nebraska football's official Instagram account.
"Toughest corner, probably from either Nebraska or Oklahoma State," Hunter said at the combine, referring to Hill, his primary matchup against the Cornhuskers. In Nebraska's Week 2 win over Colorado, Hill picked off Shedeur Sanders in the first quarter and battled all game with Hunter, who caught ten passes for 110 yards but had to work hard for it. Hill had an 82.7 coverage grade by Pro Football Focus (PFF) in that game.
Hill was garnering first-round buzz after an impressive 2023 season. He allowed 25 receptions on 46 targets for a 54.3% completion rate and just 9.7 yards per reception, resulting in a 40.4 passer rating when targeted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, Hill's senior year was derailed by injury.
He dealt with a lingering plantar fasciitis injury in his foot and attempted to play through it until he was shut down for the year. He did not do any athletic testing at the NFL Combine, which clouded his outlook as a prospect. When healthy, Hill is a menacing cover man due to his size and football IQ.
At 6-feet, 213 pounds with a 6-foot-7 wingspan, Hill has the length and width to develop into a dominant press corner. His quickness remains a question, however, if he cannot keep up with the speed of the NFL, there is a potential for him to move to safety as a downhill enforcer. The consensus board showed Hill with a fifth-round grade.
If he can make a good impression with the Vikings, he could be the team's next undrafted steal like Ivan Pace Jr. was in 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related: Vikings' 2025 NFL Draft Described in One Word Related: Vikings Take Steep Fall in Latest NFL Power Rankings Post-NFL Draft
