Nothing is guaranteed for Minnesota Vikings cornerback Dwight McGlothern.
An undrafted rookie a year ago, McGlothern impressed enough to earn a roster spot but saw the field for just 19 defensive snaps last season. There’s still plenty to prove for the 23-year-old out of Arkansas.
But he’s also done plenty to keep his name in conversation at training camp so far.
At practice on Wednesday, July 30, McGlothern jumped a route and out-leveraged the receiver to snare the ball, thrown from backup Max Brosmer, for his third interception in as many days this week.
This one was special. After celebrating with the defense, McGlothern ran across the field and handed the ball to the offense’s alpha, Justin Jefferson.
“Justin have anything for ya after you handed him the ball,” a reporter asked McGlothern after practice.
“Ha, we was talking trash. I like to trash talk, I wish he was out there,” McGlothern said of Jefferson, who is sidelined with a minor hamstring injury. “He’s a great receiver, I know he’s great, so it put an edge on me to try and see where I’m at.”
While McGlothern is considered in competition for a roster spot again this summer, he’s making himself on the field with his playmaking and off the field with his personality.
https://x.com/vikingzfanpage/status/1950698089787929073
Dwight McGlothern Has Candid Moment With ‘Favorite’ Vikings Teammate
Another moment for McGlothern during his media availability on Wednesday was a candid interruption from Jeff Okudah, the former No. 3 overall pick by the Detroit Lions.
Asked about his three interceptions this week, McGlothern didn’t get too far ahead of himself.
“It’s a blessing, for sure. I just have to keep making plays and having the coaches believe in me. I’m just trying to touch the field this season, that’s all I’m trying to do,” he said.
Later, McGlothern was asked about the energetic response to his play.
“It’s pretty cool, without the fans, practice would be quiet for real,” McGlothern said before Okudah crossed the camera frame.
“Who your favorite teammate?” Okudah chanted several times.
“He is one of my favorite teammates, for sure” McGlothern chuckled.
https://x.com/vikingzfanpage/status/1950724853033767358
How Far Can McGlothern Go?
Coming out of college, McGlothern boasted the best Pro Football Focus grade (91.3) of any FBS corner in 2023, which included a coverage grade of 91.8.
However, the NFL at large questioned McGlothern’s prospects at the next level with boom-or-bust potential given his aggressive and instinctual style of play.
Last preseason, McGlothern allowed just two receptions on four targets for seven yards on 46 coverage snaps. He also had an interception that he returned 91 yards against the Cleveland Browns.
https://x.com/Vikings/status/1824931631376859210
McGlothern has largely been a positive when on the field, even in his limited action in the regular season.
However, Brian Flores’ defense does require discipline in coverage that is much more of a developmental stepping stone for younger players than a skill they can be expected of on Day 1.
In McGlothern’s case, he appears in good standing as a budding contributor who is poised for more playing time this season.
Byron Murphy Jr. and Isaiah Rodgers appear to be locks for the top two spots in the cornerback room, followed by a battle between Mekhi Blackmon and Okudah, who have both taken first-team reps in practice.
McGlothern is next in line and could potentially push for the No. 3 spot if he continues to make plays.
