The Minnesota Vikings were looking for additional cornerback help when free agency began in March. They signed James Pierre, a veteran who played his entire six-year career in Pittsburgh. His familiarity with Brian Flores, who had served as the Steelers' linebackers coach in 2022, and defensive backs coach Gerald Alexander appeared to make Pierre a shoo-in for the CB3 job.
There was little buzz when the Vikings drafted Chuck Demmings in the fifth round in April. However, with just over a week until Minnesota plays its first preseason game, Demmings may be challenging for the significant playing time.
Demmings always had the size, standing 6-foot-1 and weighing 193 pounds. However, his biggest hurdle would be making the transition from small-school
Stephen F. Austin to the NFL. So far, Demmings appears to have met that challenge.
"After displaying polish and physicality in coverage against the Vikings' top receivers in practice, Demmings has challenged veteran James Pierre for the No. 3 cornerback role and will certainly make the 53-man roster," ESPN's Kevin Seifert wrote of the cornerback last week.
The Vikings could use some more capable bodies in the cornerback room. Byron Murphy Jr. (1,045) and Isaiah Rodgers (963) were the only cornerbacks to play over 200 snaps for Minnesota last year.
Demmings is making his case to change that early in his rookie season. At worst, he provides intriguing depth behind Pierre.
This article originally appeared on Vikings Wire: Vikings rookie defender challenging veteran for key role
