The NFL Draft is always full of surprises. Teams spend months scouting, analyzing, and debating. But no matter how much they prepare, there are always question marks. Injuries, last-minute evaluations, and team needs can shake everything up. When it comes to the NFL Draft, there is one big question this year? Shavon Revel. The East Carolina cornerback was a projected first-rounder before tearing his ACL in October. Now, teams are watching closely, as we finally have an update on his recovery.

“East Carolina CB Shavon Revel — a first-round draft prospect who had ACL reconstruction Oct. 15 — is on track to be fully cleared this summer,” his surgeon, Dr. Daniel Cooper, told NFL teams in a letter. Well, that is certainly great news for all teams looking for a strong CB. But you know whose eyes would have especially lit up hearing this news? Kevin O’Connell and Matt LaFleur’s. Well, it’s obvious, right? Both the Vikings and the Packers really need a cornerback, and who better than Revel? In fact, both teams have already been linked with the young CB.

For the Packers, this news couldn’t be more timely. Jaire Alexander and Eric Stokes’ contract situations are uncertain. And yes, it’s almost certain that LaFleur will look to re-sign Alexander, but does that mean they won’t go after Revel. Definitely not! Ravel and Alexander can form a deadly partnership and can improve on an already decent defense. What more, Revel can eventually be a long-term solution for the Packers, eventually becoming that successor to Alexander. Well, it all makes sense, and LaFleur will certainly look to go after the young CB.

Meanwhile, the Vikings are in a tough spot at cornerback too. All three of their starters—Byron Murphy Jr., and Mekhi Blackmon—are set to hit free agency. That means they need to reload at that position. But here’s the good news: Minnesota has the cap space to make moves. O’Connell is definitely someone who would look to get some young blood into the team, and who would be better than the most sought-after CB in the NFL draft.

With his size, athleticism, and potential, Revel could fit perfectly into Brian Flores’ aggressive defense. At the end of the day, injuries are just part of the game, but knowing what lies ahead helps teams make the right choices. Now that we hear Revel should be cleared in the coming months, the big question is—will the Vikings or Packers make a move for him? And more importantly, will he be ready to step up when his name gets called? Well, eventually though, only one team can land up with Revel, so what does the other do?

The top 3 cornerbacks the Vikings and Packers should eye

Revel is one of the most sought-after cornerbacks in this year’s NFL draft, but that does not mean he is the only option. Well, let’s be honest, this draft does not have too many great cornerbacks. It really feels like there are just 4 CBs that can be taken in the first round, including Revel. Well, seems like many teams will need to look toward free agency to fulfill their requirements. But before that, who are the cornerbacks that one can look toward in the draft? Well, it’s Colorado’s Travis Hunter, Michigan’s Will Johnson, Texas’ Jahdae Barron, and well Revel.

Well, Hunter is a generational talent and is a two-way player, he can certainly give any team that flexibility. Should he be someone O’Connell can look at? Well why not, the Vikings do have requirements in WR and CB, so why not get a player who can do both? It would be really interesting to see if they can get Hunter though, given their draft pick spot, but hey, rumors are that Hunter’s draft value is in decline, so you never know.

For the Packers right now, Barron looks like the best option, and for them, they can even go after someone like Notre Dame’s Benjamin Morrison. Both of these players give them that stability they require at cornerback, and with veteran Eric Stokes most probably not returning, they need to sort a CB out soon.

The Vikings and Packers have big decisions to make. Revel’s recovery is on track, and he could be a great fit for either team. With few top CBs available, they’ll need to act fast. Whether they take a chance on Revel or look elsewhere, one thing is certain—draft night will be exciting.