Vikings CB Gladney A Confident Fit With Tough-loving Zimmer

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Vikings picked cornerback Jeff Gladney in the first round of the draft for his spunk and speed at a critical position.

Gladney was the 31st overall selection, out of TCU. In college, he learned from a hard-nosed staff under coach Gary Patterson. That will prepare him well for playing for coach Mike Zimmer and the Vikings.

Zimmer has helped develop many cornerbacks over his career with a tough-love approach Gladney welcomes. Gladney is smaller than the team's prototype for the position, but long arms and a tenacious style sold the Vikings on him.