EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. (AP) — The Minnesota Vikings have taken Florida State cornerback Xavier Rhodes with the 25th overall selection in the NFL draft.
The Vikings drafted the big cornerback with their second first-rounder on Thursday night. He had four interceptions and 12 pass breakups as a junior last season and gives the Vikings some much-needed size at cornerback in a division that features receivers Calvin Johnson and Brandon Marshall.
Rhodes will help the Vikings overcome the loss of veteran Antoine Winfield, who signed with Seattle after being released in the offseason.
The Vikings surprised some by passing on Notre Dame linebacker Manti Te'o, who was available as well.
Earlier in the draft, the Vikings drafted Florida defensive tackle Shariff Floyd at No. 23.
