The Cornerback Conundrum 3.0

Seems like McCain (who has been a safety for a good 5 years now) is here to compete for slot CB, leaving Murphy and Griffin to be the boundary starters. He can also function as more depth at safety as the Vikings are unlikely to keep 6 again. He's going on 31 and according to PFF after having a career year in 2021, he took a big dip in 2022 and was a rarely used backup in 2023. Not exactly an inspiring addition, but a logical one given his ties to Flores. Has had strong coverage grades, but is not a good run defender which makes sense at 5'9". 

I put this together a few days ago, and now I think it is more relevant. Here is the balance between our CBs and Ss playing boundary CB vs slot CB.



There's been a narrative going around that Murphy was going to move to slot-only this year, but I don't think it ever was true. Flores mostly played safeties in the slot and with multiple CBs down, Metellus and Bynum are likely to play a bunch of those reps. My guess is McCain pushes for some whilst Murphy stays on the boundary - as if Murphy plays slot, then it means Evans or someone else is playing a big role.