Roster And Draft Class Breakdown: Minnesota Vikings
Roster And Draft Class Breakdown: Minnesota Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings have a new coach in Kevin O'Connell. He brings in a new style and a winning mindset. Mike Zimmer became stale. Can a new coach led to success? Let’s break it all down.
Offense
Kirk Cousins needs to win, and he has to throw the ball to do it. It can’t be the Dalvin Cook show all day. He is one of the best ground threats in the game. But, he will get worn down. Ty Chandler was added in round five from North Carolina. He adds speed and depth. Justin Jefferson, Adam Thielen, K.J Osborne, and Irv Smith are the feature pass catching options. Jalen Nailor is a sixth round pick from Michigan State. He won’t crack the rotation for a while. Nick Muse was a seventh round pick from South Carolina. With Irv Smith and others ahead of him, good luck breaking through. CJ Ham is one of the best fullbacks in the league and he can do a bit of everything. We’ll see if he fits in Coach O’Connell’s scheme. Christian Darrisaw, Ezra Cleveland, Garett Bradbury, Jessie Davis, and Brian O’Neil are on the line. Vederian Lowe is a sixth rounder from Illinois. We won’t see him for a while.
Defense
Harrison Phillips, Dalvin Tomlinson, and Jaylen Twyman are the first layer of the base 3-4. Fifth round pick Eszei Otomewo from Minnesota (the college) will fight for a rotation spot. Danielle Hunter, Eric Kendricks, Jordan Hicks, and newcomer Za’Darius Smith are in the heart of it all. Third round pick Brian Asamoah from OU will fight for a spot inside. The secondary is interesting. First round pick Lewis Cine from UGA joins Harrison Smith at safety. Cameron Dantzler and Patrick Peterson are at starting corner, but second round pick Andrew Booth from Clemson will be there soon enough. Fourth round pick Akayleb Evans from Missouri has a harder path.
Misses And Projection
Tight end and DT depth could be a bit better. The Viks could use a more pass rushing tackle. As I said before, the North is a toss up besides Green Bay. I see another season with a playoff miss coming up as they settle in to the new system.