EAGAN, Minn. (AP) — The Minnesota Vikings selected Central Florida cornerback Mike Hughes with the 30th pick in the first round on Thursday night, resisting temptation to pass up a premium position while counting on depth in the pool of offensive linemen to help them later in the draft.

Hughes played only one season for UCF, helping the Knights finish undefeated in 2017 with four interceptions, 11 pass breakups and four touchdown returns. He scored twice on kickoff returns, once off an interception and once on a punt return.

Hughes became the third cornerback drafted in the first round by the Vikings in the last six years, with current starters Xavier Rhodes coming in 2013 and Trae Waynes coming in 2015. Terence Newman became a free agent and has not yet re-signed. Mackensie Alexander, their second-round pick in 2016, has yet to hold of the nickel role. So the 5-foot-10, 189-pound Hughes ought to have a place in coach Mike Zimmer's defense, with the ability to play outside or inside.

Returning kickoffs would be welcomed, too, where the Vikings have yet to find a productive replacement for Cordarrelle Patterson after his departure following the 2016 season. Punt returner Marcus Sherels, entering his ninth year in the NFL, dropped off a bit in 2017.

Hughes started his college career in his home state with North Carolina, but he left the program after one year. He was involved in an altercation at a fraternity house on campus that led to a misdemeanor assault charge. He also told the NFL Network last week that there was a sexual assault allegation against him , a case that authorities dropped for insufficient evidence. After spending the 2016 season at a community college, Hughes transferred to UCF.

Hughes met with the Vikings at the scouting combine and on a draft prospect visit to team headquarters.

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