The Vikings are coming off a big regular season, followed by a lackluster showing in the playoffs. This team needs upgrades on the defensive side and must decide what needs to be done with Adam Theilen. The Vikings have already cut linebacker Eric Kendricks, and fellow defensive player Harrison Smith will likely be cut. This will free up some cap space for this defense to go out and get some younger players and allow them to retain Patrick Peterson. Deciding on whether the Vikings will cut or keep Theilen will dictate how the Vikings approach the draft.
For some reason, the Vikings will continue to stick with Kirk Cousins. Cousins is a good QB; it is just hard to see him taking this team to the next level of them being a legitimate Super Bowl contender. With Aaron Rodgers seemingly leaving Green Bay, the NFC North could be undisputedly Minnesota’s if they choose to go for it. Since the Vikings will continue to stay with Cousins, they must ensure he is surrounded by talent. Justin Jefferson is one of the best receivers in the NFL and will be checked or doubled every time he steps on the field. The Vikings need another elite receiver to take some of that attention away from Jefferson. In this draft, a few guys look like solid compliments to Jefferson. Zay Flowers and Jalin Hyatt would be speedy receivers who could break off the line quickly and create space for Jefferson.
With the departure of Kendricks, however, the Vikings will need to find a replacement for him. The Vikings will have another pick in the 87th selection, and it will be tough for them to miss out on some top linebacker prospects in Jack Campbell, Trenton Simpson, and Drew Sanders. These players are considered early day-two selections, which could sneak into the late first round. The Vikings could move up some if any of these players start to fall.
Another exciting decision that looms for the Vikings is what will be done with the running back position. Dalvin Cooks has looked quite different since returning from injury, and he is still a solid runner in football and would be a great addition to any backfield. His trade value is yet to be determined but should be explored, especially with the NFL’s success with late-round running backs coming in and taking over backfields. The Vikings are a team with the potential to win their division again next year. Making that next leap to winning a conference title or competing for a Super Bowl is yet to be determined. It is tough to see this team making it that far with Kirk Cousins just because of the way he tends to perform in big-time moments. This team will be interesting to follow next year in a division where the Lions keep improving, the Chicago Bears are trying to rebuild, and the Packers could be entering a new era without Aaron Rodgers.