NFC North
The First Look: Minnesota Vikings
By Vincent Thomas
Apr 23, 2008, 10:11

This team looks to have tried and made significant moves this off-season. Just missing the playoffs by a hair last season, the Vikes look to be a serious contender in the race for the NFC north. I’ll investigate some of the FA moves they made and possibilities that may still lie ahead. Several areas need to be addressed, and some already have been. So let’s take a look at what the team may need to do to return to the second part of the season “the playoffs”.

One area of concern would be that of the QB position. Tarvaris Jackson has shown improvement over his 1st season as starter, but the team doesn’t have an adequate backup in the event that Jackson was to start off badly or have an injury. The team picked up veteran QB Gus Frerotte this off-season, to backup Jackson, but will he do. In this win now world of the NFL, many believe the team needs to have a stronger backup. One that could still take the team to the playoffs in the event Jackson was to go down. The team has yet to meet such a need. Frerotte is just a spot starter at best, and possibly a mentor type for Jackson. The team could use a high draft pick in the draft to at least give Jackson competition for the starter’s position.

The next cause for concern would be the offensive line. Pro bowler Matt Birk is in his last year of his contract, and has not shown up to camp. Bryant McKinnie has had run-ins with the law, and his status is uncertain going into the season. The team has shown real lack of ability of being able to run to the right, so a lineman high in the draft is a possibility for the team.

Note of importance, the Vikings did acquire one of the major WR off-season pickups in Bernard Berrian. The team also released WR Troy Williamson whom never panned out with the #7 overall pick in the ’03 draft. The position has seen recent improvement, but still could have 2nd day significance in the draft if the right player were to fall.

Moving on to the defensive side of the ball, we’ll take a look at the DE position. The passing defense is taking a beating due to lack of QB pressure. The lost of possibly Kenechi Udeze for the season being recently diagnosed with leukemia will get a marrow transplant from his brother. Injuries to Erasmus James and Ray Edwards have the position at a critical state. This state of affairs has the team in hot pursuit of franchised player Jared Allen of the KC Chiefs. As it currently stands, the club has agreed to terms bringing Allen to the team. The team may seek a late round pick on draft day for developmental purposes.

The other area the Vikes improved on is in the secondary, which was much needed. The team released S Dwight Smith for yet another off field incident. No fret, cause the team acquired S Medieu Williams from Cincinnati in unrestricted free agency. The team could still seek the services of a young stud in the draft, due to the aging factor of some of the teams’ secondary players. The team probably wouldn’t draft a player until the second day.

More of come after the draft, until then, see ya.

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