The Vikings are built to run the ball down opponents throats. They have a good set of RB's, and a decent OL. They got into the playoffs with this formula, but fell short of their goal. The pieces are still in place for another run, so upgrades of certain weaknesses have to be addressed to make that push for the ring.
1. Draft Defensive Backs - Antoine Winfield will be 32 in June, and is the teams best CB. D.J. Moore and Alphonso Smith will be sitting there when the Vikings pick at 22. The Vikings should think about drafting a few CB's and even a Safety because Sharper is 34 and an unrestricted free agent.
2. Get Offensive Linemen - The Vikings rely on the run and their current group of O-linemen could use an upgrade. Depth is needed at the least, and Center Matt Birk appears to be on his way elsewhere. Getting an OT would be a big boost.
3. Draft A Wide Receiver - Sidney Rice has ability, but was not healthy in 2008. Last years rookie WR's, Jaymar Johnson and Darius Reynaud, did not pan out. The current corp is not acceptable, and an upgrade is needed. Hakeem Nicks will probably be strongly considered by the Vikings in the first round. If they decide to pass on Nicks, then they best address this position in the first few picks they have.
4. Keep An Eye On QB - Gus Frerotte did a decent job, but it is unlikely he will start in 2009. Tavaris Jackson is still a work in progress, but showed strides last year. Jeff Garcia should soon be available, and has a positive relationship with Brad Childress. Garcia could do the job in 2009 while the Vikings decide if Jackson or Booty have a future with them. Taking a flier on a QB in the later rounds might be an idea as well.
Minnesota is not far off from making a strong push for a championship, but their window might be smaller than others. There is some age on their line of scrimmage, and that is the strength of the team. 2009 is the year for them to get it done, because A.P. and the rest might not be around by the next time the team reloads for a run.
1 comment:
The Vikings need a QB first and foremost. Their window is closing. The D is getting older and soon Winfield and Pat Williams will lose a step. They are lucky D Coord Leslie Frazier didn't leave. Their D made great strides last year, and if Jared Allen can avoid the injuries he battled through last year, they can be even tougher. MLB E.J. Henderson should be back. Sidney Rice will be a third year guy and I think he can break out this year. Most of last year was lost to injury.
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