Analyst Says USC CB Mekhi Blackmon Was Vikings' Best 2023 Draft Pick

NFL analyst Brett Kollmann, host of "The Film Room" on YouTube, is a big fan of Vikings third-round draft pick Mekhi Blackmon.

"Forgot to say this at the time but Mekhi Blackmon was the Vikings best pick imo," Kollmann tweeted this week. "Probably will start week one. Hell, depending on (Andrew) Booth's health he might even be CB1 by Halloween. Had like 20 forced incompletions last year and is about as battle tested as they come. Love that kid."

Blackmon, a cornerback out of USC, should have a great opportunity to compete for an immediate starting role in Brian Flores' defense. He spent six years in college, including four at Colorado, and broke out with a big 2022 season at USC that included three interceptions, two tackles for loss, and 12 passes defended.

Because Blackmon was in college for six years, he's actually older than Vikings second-year corners Andrew Booth Jr. and Akayleb Evans, who figure to be his primary competition for playing time. Blackmon just turned 24, Evans turns 24 this summer, and Booth won't even be 23 until September.

Blackmon had some issues with pass interference penalties last season, but the Vikings love his stickiness in coverage and his ability to make plays on the football. They also think he'll be an asset in run defense.

I'm not sure about Kollmann's claim that Blackmon could be the Vikings' CB1 by Halloween, given the presence of fifth-year pro Byron Murphy Jr. on the roster. Murphy is just a year older than Blackmon at 25, but the former second-round pick started 48 games for the Cardinals over the past four seasons. He'll be the team's top cornerback all year, barring something unexpected.

With that said, Blackmon starting Week 1 does not feel far-fetched at all, particularly given Booth and Evans' struggles to stay healthy in their rookie years.

"Mekhi/Murphy/Booth as the week one trio, if I had to guess," Kollmann added in a reply.

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