Minnesota Vikings Sign Undrafted Free Agent Corey Gatewood, Replace Allen

By Andrew Fisher

The Minnesota Vikings wasted little time in filling the spot left by recently retired cornerback Asher Allen, as they signed rookie free agent Corey Gatewood Monday.

Gatewood is out of Stanford, he stands 5’11 and weighs 188 lbs.

His college career ended a bit oddly. Gatewood was granted a fifth year of eligibility by the NCAA, and he started last season as a wide receiver, after spending his first four years as a defensive back. He ended up back on the defensive side of the ball before the season ended, after recording only 1 catch. He did record 9 tackles on defense, with a fumble recovery.

His pro day numbers were pretty impressive, running 4.44-40 yard dash, with a 40-inch vertical leap.

Overall this signing makes sense. The Vikings obviously had to fill a roster spot after Allen’s retirement, so why not give a rookie a chance. I’m not quite sure how I feel about Gatewood’s move to offense before the start of last season, because it would seem to indicate he wasn’t even one of the best DBs on the Stanford roster.

Obviously though, Gatewood is an athlete. He’s fast, and anyone who can play on both sides of the ball at the Division I level is talented.

As far as expectations for Gatewood? I don’t have any. He’ll probably end up on the practice squad, or being a reserve with little playing time. If he does surprise some people at Vikings camp, that’s a good thing. If we see Gatewood on the field, it must mean he’s performing well.

Follow Andrew Fisher on Twitter @the_realfish

 

 

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