With the 30th pick in the NFL Draft, the Minnesota Vikings selected cornerback Mike Hughes on Thursday night.
Hughes was a star defensive back for the undefeated Central Florida Golden Knights, and on Wednesday he told ESPN that they would’ve beaten Alabama in the national championship game had they been given a chance.
The #Vikings had trade offers, but take #UCF CB Mike Hughes. He had off the field issues, but can’t argue with the talent. He goes No. 30.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 27, 2018
According to NFL.com, Hughes spent his freshman season at North Carolina before a sexual assault allegation that didn’t result in any criminal charges led to him transferring to a junior college in 2016.
Hughes then played for Central Florida last season and finished with 44 tackles, 11 pass breakups, and 4 interceptions. He also had three return touchdowns on special teams.
https://twitter.com/MySportsUpdate/status/950449278383685633
The Vikings needed help at cornerback, and they've found it in UCF's Mike Hughes #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/mhPaKcEJPG
— PFF (@PFF) April 27, 2018
The Vikings’ biggest need was arguably offensive guard, but linemen were dropping like flies ahead of their pick.
- Quenton Nelson, G, Notre Dame – 6th to Colts
- Mike McGlinchey, T, Notre Dame – 9th to 49ers
- Kolton Miller, T, UCLA – 15th to Raiders
- Frank Ragnow, C/G, Arkansas – 20th to Lions
- Billy Price, C, Ohio State – 21st to Bengals
- Isaiah Wynn, G, Georgia – 23rd to Patriots
Iowa’s James Daniels and Texas El-Paso’s Will Hernandez were still available, but Minnesota elected to go with Hughes.
