NFL Draft Capsule: Minnesota Vikings

Minnesota showed a lot of promise last season behind their vaunted rushing attack. However, an injury derailed Adrian Peterson's rookie campaign, and he never returned to his pre-injury form. Defenses started to load the box against Minnesota's offense and tried to force QB Tarvaris Jackson to beat them. Simply put, he couldn't, and Minnesota stumbled down the stretch. They have the number one run defense in the NFL, but they absolutely cannot pressure the quarterback. In order to have a successful 2008-2009 season, Minnesota has to find a pass rush and develop their passing attack.

Offense

Offensively, Minnesota has one of the best lines and the best running back tandem in the League. Their shortcomings last season were in the passing game - so the Vikings spent big dollars on Bernard Berrian, hoping he could be their number one option. Sidney Rice showed promise as a rookie, but depth here is still an issue.

Public opinion says Minnesota needs to change direction at quarterback. Tarvaris Jackson was Brad Chilldress’s selection to be The Guy, but he has yet to show he can lead this team to the playoffs. Brooks Bollinger and recently signed Gus Frerotte are the backups, but neither inspires much confidence. Jackson will only be entering his third year next season, so it might be too soon to give up on him. But if the value is right in the first two rounds of the draft, Minnesota has to consider the options.

Defense

Minnesota has six defensive ends on the roster, and none of them have more than four years of experience. The Vikings have tried to add ends through the draft, but this still remains an area of need. In spot duty last season, Brian Robison showed that he could be a steady situational pass rusher. The depth here is good, but the Vikings need to add at least one starter. The defensive tackles are great—Kevin Williams and Pat Williams make up one of the best defensive tackle duos in the League. Pat Williams is getting up there in age, but the depth behind him is okay. Minnesota could look to add another, younger tackle in the draft, though.

The linebackers don’t inspire fear in opposing offenses, but they are adequate. The huge defensive tackles in front them occupy blockers, allowing the backers to roam and make tackles. Chad Greenway and E.J. Henderson both broke the 100 tackle mark last season. Ben Leber is the weakest of the group, but he doesn’t need to be replaced. If a good linebacker is available in the draft, Minnesota could go that route, although it is not their biggest need.

The secondary has two outstanding starters, with Antoine Winfield playing cornerback and Darren Sharper at one safety spot. The other starters are young and show promise, so the secondary should be on the rise next season.

Special Teams

Minnesota stole Ryan Longwell from division rival Green Bay last offseason to handle their field goal kicking duties. Longwell was a great addition, and he’s still in his prime for a kicker at 33. Chris Kluwe is a good, young punter, so there is no need to attempt to add a kicker or punter in the draft.

Bobby Wade and Maurice Hicks should perform Minnesota’s return duties next season. Again, both are adequate, so there is no need to look for return specialists in the draft.

Draft

Minnesota picks 17th in this April’s draft, and their primary focus should be on finding a starting defensive end. Even with the addition of Berrian, Minnesota should look to add another wide receiver to push Sidney Rice, as well. ESPN’s Todd McShay has Minnesota drafting CB Mike Jenkins (5'10", 197 lbs, South Florida). ESPN’s Mel Kiper, Jr. has them selecting DE Philip Merling (6'4", 276 lbs, Clemson). Having too much depth in the secondary is never an issue, but a cornerback in the first round does not make a lot of sense. If an end like Merling falls to the Vikings, he should be the pick.

Merling's draft stock has been all over the board this offseason, so he could be gone by the time the Vikings pick. If that's the case, Minnesota could look at wide receiver. WR Devin Thomas (6'2", 216 lbs, Michigan State) will probably be the highest rated receiver on the board, but, with the addition of Berrian, Minnesota will probably look to go in a different direction and reach for a defensive end like Calais Campbell (6'8", 290 lbs, Miami).

In the later rounds, look for the Vikings to add another wide receiver, depth along the offensive line, and maybe another quarterback, although probably not in the first two rounds.

Next Friday (April 25): Q2's NFL Mock Draft - Round 1