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Robert Blanton | Defensive Back

Team: Minnesota Vikings
Age / DOB:  (23) / 9/7/1989
Ht / Wt:  6'1' / 208
College: Notre Dame
Contract: view contract details
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Recent News

Vikings S Robert Blanton (hamstring) has been sidelined since early in camp, and is uncertain for Friday's preseason game against the Chargers.
"We are hoping that he can play in this ballgame on Friday night so we can get some tape on him and evaluate him in game situations," coach Leslie Frazier said. A physical run stopper, Blanton was in the mix for snaps heading into camp, but his roster spot will be up in the air if he misses a third straight game. Tue, Aug 21, 2012 09:18:00 PM
Source: ESPN 1500 Twin Cities

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Player News

Date:
Robert Blanton - DB - Vikings

Vikings signed fifth-round S Robert Blanton to a four-year contract.

The second of two Notre Dame safeties drafted by Minnesota, Blanton is a former cornerback with questionable speed. The Vikings believe he can be a hybrid safety/corner who can "match up on tight ends, can actually play in the middle of the field or play off the hash." Blanton could push Mistral Raymond for the starting job opposite Harrison Smith.
Source: Jason Bernstein on Twitter
Tue, May 22, 2012 03:14:00 PM
Robert Blanton - DB - Vikings

Coach Leslie Frazier expects the Vikings to have an "open competition" at safety.

First-round pick Harrison Smith is penciled in at free safety after the Vikings traded up to get him, but Frazier's comments leave the door open for fifth-round pick Robert Blanton to beat out veterans Mistral Raymond and Jamarca Sanford at strong safety. Blanton is converting from corner, but we wouldn't downplay his chances of besting Sanford and Raymond after both had sub-par 2011 campaigns.
Related: Mistral Raymond, Harrison Smith
Source: Minneapolis Star-Tribune
Sat, May 5, 2012 12:53:00 PM
Robert Blanton - DB - Vikings

Fifth-round pick Robert Blanton worked as a starting safety as the Vikings opened rookie minicamp on Friday.

This is a rookie-only minicamp, so Jamarca Sanford and Mistral Raymond aren't there. Blanton's positioning does confirm that the college cornerback has been converted to safety, and we wouldn't diminish his chances of starting there.
Source: Tom Pelissero on Twitter
Fri, May 4, 2012 01:10:00 PM
Robert Blanton - DB - Vikings

The Vikings plan to use No. 139 overall pick Robert Blanton at safety.

It was initially unknown whether Blanton would be used as a safety or corner. At 6'1/208, the Notre Dame product is a physical defensive back who struggles with hip fluidity and off coverage. He'll compete for reps with Jamarca Sanford and Mistral Raymond behind first-round pick Harrison Smith.
Source: Tom Pelissero on Twitter
Sun, Apr 29, 2012 11:35:00 AM
Robert Blanton - DB - Vikings

Vikings selected Notre Dame CB Robert Blanton with the No. 139 overall pick in the 2012 NFL draft.

A very physical defensive back at Notre Dame, Blanton prefers to jam at the line of scrimmage and stay in the receiver's hip pocket. However, Blanton struggles in off man coverage to when forced to turn his hips and react to breaking routes. He is a great fit in the Vikings' cover two defense and consistently makes tackles at the line of scrimmage. Blanton could see slot cornerback snaps as a rookie.
Sat, Apr 28, 2012 02:10:00 PM

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