2014 Season Review
Minnesota has found their quarterback of the future, Teddy Bridgewater showed everyone last season why "Draft Twitter" and many writers were so high on him. Despite not taking a snap with Adrian Peterson behind him, while he sits in a pocket that eroded quickly and no ideal weapons to throw to. The offense was pretty much a mess around Bridgewater, but that's why this offseason is so important.
Under new head coach Mike Zimmer, the Vikings' defense made strides as a unit. But even more importantly we saw Zimmer's impact on young talent like Xavier Rhodes, Sharrif Floyd and Anthony Barr. There is plenty of reason for optimism but there are still some areas where the Vikings must improve to take the next step in 2015.
2015 Free Agents
Christian Ponder, Quarterback: The former first-round pick will hit the open market and could draw some interest as a young, backup who can hopefully be molded into a top-tier backup. Several teams will have interest, but you can count out the Vikings.
Jerome Felton, Fullback: While Felton has been one of the better blocking fullbacks in the league recently, he's no longer a fit for this team. He terminated his contract and will now find a different jersey to wear.
Joe Berger, Guard: Depth on the offensive line is key and while Berger ideally is a reserve guard for Minnesota, he has experience starting and is worth bringing back.
Matt Asiata: Asiata may not have impressed as a starter when Peterson was suspended, but he vultured plenty of touchdowns near the goal line from Jerick McKinnon. Minnesota could use more help at the running back position and there's nothing wrong with having Asiata as their third back on the depth chart.
Tom Johnson, Defensive Tackle: Johnson took a chance on himself last year signing a one-year deal to join Minnesota's defense as an interior pass rusher. After posting 6.5 sacks this season in a situational role, Johnson should find a decent pay increase on the open market.
Jasper Brinkley, Middle Linebacker: Brinkley's days as a starting middle linebacker are over and everyone knows it. He'll be 30 in July and the best situation for him is likely to return to Zimmer's defense as depth at linebacker.
2015 Salary Cap
16 Million
-Could free an additional $12 million by trading or releasing Adrian Peterson by June 1.
-Could free up $9 million by releasing Greg Jennings before June 1.
-Could free $7.1 million by releasing Chad Greenway.
Five-Biggest Need Areas:
Wide Receiver: With Jennings' future in doubt and Cordarrelle Patterson struggling to become a reliable receiving threat, wide receiver becomes a major need for the Vikings. Fortunately, the 2015 draft class is once again deep with No.2 and No.3 wide receivers on Day 2 and Day 3, while possessing a few potential No.1's in the first round. Minnesota could opt to draft a WR with the 11th pick, but trading down or waiting is the better plan.
Offensive Line: To put it nicely, the Vikings' offensive line was dreadful last season. The biggest culprits were Matt Kalil and Charlie Johnson who were obliterated on the left side of the line. Bridgewater was under constant pressure in his rookie season and while he played well, Minnesota must address the left side. Iowa OT Brandon Scherff could be a first-round option with the likely transition to guard, though 11 might be a little early.
Running Back: If Peterson is brought back, then running back becomes much less of a need with McKinnon always available to spell Peterson. But Peterson's future in Minnesota remains in doubt and in this situation, the Vikings might be better off drafting another running back. This is the deepest class we've seen at the position in recent memory and that should allow Minnesota to wait until Round 4 or 5.
Linebacker: Continuing to build the defense will remain a priority for Zimmer. After hitting one out of the park with Anthony Barr, the next step is to find a "Will" linebacker. While Shaq Thompson may not be available at the 11th pick, the Vikings could find plenty of talent in Paul Dawson. He would be an excellent fit for Zimmer's defense and could learn under him, while only costing Minnesota their second-round pick.
Cornerback: Minnesota has found their top cornerback in Xavier Rhodes, who blossomed under Zimmer's coaching into one of the better young corners in the game. Unfortunately, Captain Munnerlyn didn't deliver on expectations in the slot and Josh Robinson was inconsistent. Zimmer should look to add another corner to the secondary to compete with Robinson and add depth to the secondary in a pass-heavy NFC North
Potential Offseason Breakout Star
Antone Exum, Strong Safety: The Vikings sixth-round pick last season, Exum saw most of his rookie snaps come on special teams, a way many late-round rookies climb their way up the ladder. Now with a season under the belt and more confidence earned from the coaching staff, Exum has a chance to impress in offseason workouts. Robert Blandon was solid this season, but there is no reason Exum couldn't steal some snaps away and contribute on defense in 2015.
2015 NFL Draft Selections
1 (11)
2 (13)
3 (12)
4 (11)
5 (13)
6 (12)
7 (11)