This Thursday, Commissioner Roger Goodell will step onto the podium at the Auditorium Theater of Roosevelt University in Chicago and announce that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are on the clock with the first pick of the 2015 NFL Draft. The Last Word On Sports NFL department has been bringing you the top three needs of each franchise leading up to the draft. Today, the Minnesota Vikings are under the microscope, and they have been a team that has had a tumultuous offseason to say the least.
While coaching changes were minimal and free agency was largely quiet, the continuing saga that is Adrian Peterson trundles along. Draft night may bring an exciting end to this debacle, as many rumors have been surfacing about a blockbuster trade that involves a high draft selection along with a starting caliber player. Many of these rumors must be taken with a grain of salt, but if such a trade were to occur, running back would become a priority. Last season’s absence showed that the Vikings can have a serviceable running game without All Day in the backfield.
The Vikings have seven selections this draft, but they have no sixth rounder. They hold the 11th overall pick and general manager Rick Spielman has the philosophy of attempting to acquire 10 total selections over the draft weekend. This could indicate the possibility of several trade downs, but it is important to remember that this is the general manager who has selected seven first-round players in the past three years.
Minnesota Vikings 2015 NFL Draft: Top 3 Needs
Cornerback
When the Vikings agreed to terms with veteran cornerback Terence Newman, they showed their hand. There is very little faith in the abilities of Captain Munnerlyn and Josh Robinson to play opposite Xavier Rhodes at the other outside cornerback position. Munnerlyn is better suited to the nickel corner role that he occupied during his time at Carolina. Robinson, while being a serviceable corner, is just not tall enough to play against the likes of Detroit’s Calvin Johnson and Chicago’s Alshon Jeffery.
When you face these teams twice a year it is important to have a secondary that can handle tall receivers. Look for the team to target tall corners that can play press coverage and are aggressive. Head coach Mike Zimmer likes these traits in his defense and he has helped players like Rhodes and Harrison Smith excel in his scheme.
Guard
Now that Minnesota has found its starting quarterback in Teddy Bridgewater, keeping him safe becomes the next priority. Currently the listed starter at left guard is last year’s fifth-round pick David Yankey. While the development of mid-round players is the target of every NFL franchise, Yankey has not played a single offensive snap in his short professional career. It is probably too early to force him into a starting position. The coaching staff commented on his need to develop as a player and increase his size going into the offseason. Added to this is the growing concern regarding left tackle Matt Kalil. After becoming a Pro Bowler in his rookie year, Kalil saw a huge regression in his next two seasons, leading many to question if he is the right fit for the team.
A player who could fight for both left guard and tackle could be the best option. While many would hope to see this position addressed on the first night of the draft, history has suggested that Spielman likes to invest in guards in rounds five and six of the draft and allow them a season or two to develop.
Linebacker
It is unclear if Minnesota will want to invest at outside or inside linebacker more. At inside linebacker, Jasper Brinkley’s second stint with the team came to an end after he signed with the Cowboys this offeason. The Vikings are left with no true starter at the position for now. Audie Cole impressed when he was called into action last season and the Vikings signed Casey Matthews (Clay’s brother) during free agency, but the coaching staff seems unconvinced by the two players’ abilities to play all three downs. The Vikings have been searching for a three-down inside linebacker since E.J. Henderson retired in 2011.
At outside linebacker, Chad Greenway will be around for one last season, but his production has slipped dramatically and he can no longer be viewed as anything but a veteran leader. He will stick around during the defensive rebuild, but his future with the team is minimal. Anthony Barr was incredibly impressive during his rookie campaign opposite Greenway and acquiring a player who could complement Barr could be something Mike Zimmer desires.
You can find your favorite team’s offseason needs and prospect profiles at The War Room: Last Word’s 2015 NFL Draft Headquarters.
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