Vikings sign 2018 first round pick Mike Hughes to loaded secondary
The Minnesota Vikings bolstered their secondary Thursday, coming to terms with 2018 first round draft pick Mike Hughes.
Hughes, a cornerback from the University of Central Florida, was the 30th overall selection in the draft this spring. All eight Vikings draft picks from 2018 have now been signed, putting the team’s roster at 90 players heading into next week’s training camp.
With his first round selection, Hughes makes UCF history as the highest drafted defensive player from the school. He is the second UCF player the Vikings have drafted after drafting quarterback Dante Culpepper 11th overall in 1999.
Last season, his only at UCF, Hughes notched four touchdowns from two kickoff returns, a punt return and an interception return.
He averaged 31.7 yards per kickoff return, putting him third in the nation. His four interceptions were tied for the team lead last season. The 2017 Knights finished with a perfect 13-0 season.
From New Bern, North Carolina, Hughes spent his first collegiate season at the University of North Carolina before heading to Garden City Community College. From there, he signed with UCF.
Hughes joins Terence Newman, Xavier Rhodes, Harrison Smith and Trae Waynes as first round selections in the Vikings secondary heading into the 2018 season.