NFL draft: Minnesota Vikings select TCU CB Jeff Gladney at 31
TCU’s “junkyard dog” is headed to the Minnesota Vikings.
Cornerback Jeff Gladney was selected by the Vikings with the 31st pick in the first round of the NFL draft on Thursday night.
Gladney will join former TCU teammate and offensive tackle Aviante Collins on the Vikings. Gladney is the first TCU player selected by Minnesota since defensive tackle Shawn Worthen and wide receiver Cedric James went in consecutive picks in the fourth round of the 2001 draft.
Gladney, despite being only 5-foot-10, has been described as a “junkyard dog” for his feisty playing style that made him a favorite among NFL evaluators.
“He’s a smart football player, he knows how to use his hands and not get penalties,” ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. said. “I love his savvy and I love the fact that he’s already a guy coming into the NFL who should be a rookie starter and help that Minnesota secondary.”
Gladney had 15 passes defensed in each of the past two seasons. He finished his college career with 43 passes defensed, five interceptions and six tackles for loss.
Gladney showed he could play well banged up, battling a meniscus injury all of last season. As TCU secondary coach Paul Gonzales said, Gladney is one of the toughest players physically and mentally.
“Jeff’s one of strongest kids in our program,” Gonzales said. “He won the pound for pound deal on Night of Champions [TCU’s weightlifting showcase]. You’re not looking at a kid who is undersized, or weak. He’s a very strong kid. You mix that with his speed, I think he’s going to be fine at the next level.”
Gladney performed well in Combine tests considering his knee injury, running a 4.48-second 40-yard dash. That tied for 12th among cornerbacks at the Combine.
Gladney also had 17 reps on the 225-pound bench press.
This story was originally published April 23, 2020 at 11:11 PM.
