Minnesota was a team poised for success in 2015. Coming off a 7-9 year in 2014, Minnesota dominated the North division: Going 5-1 in inter-division play. Minnesota was able to win these games because of their incredible consistency across the board. Multiple players were graded in elite top-of-their-position status by Pro Football Focus, including Adrien Peterson, Anthony Barr, Harrison Smith, and Everson Griffen. The only non-playoff team Minnesota lost to in 2015 was San Francisco. The Vikings featured a steady ability by Teddy Bridgewater to perform just well enough to succeed. They were one botched field goal away from a chance to play world beaters against Carolina. While nothing shocked, Bridgewater was able to play well enough to earn league-wide recognition. The roster starred four Pro Bowlers: Bridgewater, Griffen, Smith, and Peterson. General manager Rick Spielman will be looking to ride the wave of 2015’s success, not messing too much with a winning formula. The Minnesota Vikings off-season focuses on the chance to contend for the NFC title.
Minnesota Vikings 2016 Off-Season: Top 3 Needs
Pass Blocker
Vikings blockers can produce and they have produced a Pro Bowl running back year in and year out. The concern with the only group to start all 16 games together as a unit is their ability to pass protect. Pro Football Focus had Bridgewater under pressure in 46.9% of drop backs, a league high. The blockers gave up 44 sacks, tied for sixth-worst in 2015. And while most mobile quarterbacks come with elevated sack numbers, this is a trend that won’t keep Bridgewater healthy. The play of their offensive line hinges largely on the health and performance of Matt Kalil. After playing exceptionally in his rookie year, Kalil fell into the basement of linemen in the NFL. Widely considered one of the worst pass protectors during the past two seasons, the organization has a decision to make regarding his future. Kalil is currently signed until after this upcoming season.
This organization will most likely look at a handful of linemen. Look for the Vikings to target Jack Conklin (Michigan State) heavily in the draft. Conklin is a perfect scheme fit and will provide an immediate remedy for the pass protection woes. Free agents the organization could target include Ronald Leary (Cowboys) and Ramon Foster (Steelers).
Wide Receiver
The Vikings run an Air Coryell offense. This scheme is based on taking deep throws, power running, and throwing to specific spots on the field. The Vikings were able to execute the power running and acute targeting in 2015. Peterson seemed unstoppable on the field and Bridgewater ranked in the top ten for completion percentage. The Vikings swung and missed with Mike Wallace, leaving their core without a deep ball threat. The emergence of Stefon Diggs assisted greatly, as put up a respectable stat line for a 22 year old at 52 receptions for 720 yards and four touchdowns.
The wide receiver corps will need to be upgraded with a downfield weapon that can also be quick enough to excel in mid-range route running. A few names that would work well in their system include Sterling Sheppard (Oklahoma), Michael Thomas (Ohio State), and Corey Coleman (Baylor). NFL free agents that could be on Minnesota’s radar vary from Brandon Tate (Bengals) to Jermaine Kearse (Seahawks).
Defensive Line Depth
This isn’t an area that is exactly struggling with Minnesota. Two of their top three leaders in sacks weren’t starters. The concern is where these players will be in two years. The likely action is for Danielle Hunter (6 sacks as a 21 year old) to be promoted. Along with other younger players in the organization to grow and possibly leave, Minnesota is playing with fire in their depth charts.
The organization will look to stock up on cheap young talent in order to fill the productive bench roles. A way that Minnesota can combat this trend would be by using more situational players. They’ve been thriving by using third down pass rushers and run specialists in order to limit snaps. The concept has worked so far, but will need constant updating.
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