The Minnesota Vikings‘ view of former first-round pick Jeff Okudah is apparent.
Among six teams hosting Asante Samuel Jr. for a visit this week, the Vikings are desperate to improve their cornerback room. Okudah ranks 187th of 189 graded cornerbacks by Pro Football Focus with a defensive grade of 32.4.
However, if the Vikings cannot win the Samuel sweepstakes or are not convinced of signing him, they will have to consider a change internally and bench Okudah.
The Vikings’ best candidate to replace Okudah? Veteran Fabian Moreau.
With Okudah out with a concussion in Week 9, Moreau stepped in as the third cornerback behind Byron Murphy Jr. and Isaiah Rodgers. He played 24 of a possible 64 snaps and did not allow a catch on the lone target thrown his way, posting a 73.4 overall grade. Moreau currently ranks 38th among all cornerbacks.
While it’s just one game, Moreau has a stronger track record across his 115 games and 56 starts compared to Okudah.
Moreau also has proven himself before in Brian Flores’ system, stepping in to play 30-plus snaps in three games in place of Stephon Gilmore last season.
“If he wants to coach down the road, he can certainly do that,” Flores said of Moreau last season. “He’s very smart, understands the game … I feel like with the attrition in this league, you knew at some point we were going to need him, and he was ready to go.”
Why Vikings May Stick With Jeff Okudah
The conversation around playing Okudah or Moreau comes with its caveats.
On one hand, Okudah seemingly has a few plays a game where he gets burned for a big gain. In four of six games this season, Okudah has given up an explosive play of 20 or more yards in coverage. He’s allowed 15.9 yards per reception this season.
However, Okudah’s physicality lends itself to strong tackling. He has an 83.2 tackling grade, which ranks fifth among all cornerbacks. Okudah has given up just 27 yards after the catch in the entire season. So while Okudah may give up a big play or two every game, he mitigates the error often and seems to be sticky in coverage around the line of scrimmage.
Moreau is more susceptible to allowing catches underneath him. In 2024, he allowed seven receptions on 10 targets for 67 yards, two touchdowns and 9.6 yards per catch in coverage.
Okudah has only surrendered one touchdown this season despite the deep conversions against him.
If opposing offenses begin to target Moreau, it could be death by a thousand cuts. Meanwhile, Okudah is essentially guaranteed to give up an explosive play — making the decision more a matter of what the Vikings can stomach.
Byron Murphy Jr. Remains in Limbo With Vikings Seeking Asante Samuel Jr.
Last season, Murphy surfaced as a Pro Bowl-caliber corner by leading the position in interceptions.
This season hasn’t gone as planned for Murphy, who has been moved back outside with the struggles at the third cornerback spot. He’s allowed a 136.9 passer rating in 2025 compared to just 79.6 in 2024.
Murphy is at his best when playing instinctively in the slot instead of tailing bigger, physical receivers.
That makes the need for Samuel or another solution at cornerback vital if the Vikings are going to improve their coverage entering the final half of the season.
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