The Minnesota Vikings surprised people last year and then had one of the most active offseasons. What are the questions that emerge from this team?
How will the secondary shake out?
The Vikings lost Cam Bynum, and it will be interesting to see how they go about replacing him. It appears they will shift Josh Metullus from a slot into more of a safety role. This makes sense considering Minnesota is getting Mekhi Blackmon back from an injury; they signed Jeff Okudah, Isaiah Rodgers, and Tavierre Thomas as well. When you add in that All-Pro Byron Murphy can play in the slot, it looks like they may have Murphy play outside and slide into the slot at times. When he is in the slot, they will start Rodgers with one of Okudah or Blackmon across from him. Thomas would be the backup slot.
Will the defensive front upgrade lead to an improved Flores defense?
The Vikings defense was getting after with names that were not expected to do this. While regression could come for some, the Vikings are offsetting that by adding Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave upfront. Both have had a few injury questions in recent years, but if these two hit their potential, it could give Flores his best front as the Vikings coordinator.
How upgraded is the interior OL?
The Vikings signed Will Fries and Ryan Kelly away from the Colts and then drafted Donovan Jackson in the first round. The thought last year was that it was impressive that Kevin O’Connell could scheme around names that are less than stellar along the interior. The two veterans have played together, and while the rookie may need to adjust, this looks so much better on paper than it did last year.
Will Tai Felton start in three wide sets?
The Vikings closed out round three by selecting Tai Felton from Maryland, our biggest sleeper in the draft. He will have to beat out Jalen Nailor and Rondale Moore, but given the investment in him, the coaching staff feels that is more than possible. Felton could not have landed softer and will see soft coverages because of the names around him. He may not be consistent, but he could have peaks in a bestball fantasy structure.
Are the Vikings fine at quarterback?
The Vikings’ biggest question is whether all of the moves, the extra corner depth, and the upgrades on both sides of the trenches were worth shifting to JJ McCarthy rather than paying Sam Darnold. On paper, it makes a lot of sense, but McCarthy has a lot of questions. It is smart for the team to bring in Sam Howell, but this could be what holds back a strong roster.
