Vikings’ greatest 2017 offseason concerns

After a brilliant 5-0 start to their season, many believed the Minnesota Vikings were Super Bowl bound. This was not to be as they dropped eight of their last 11, finishing with an 8-8 record and failing to secure a spot in the postseason. The Vikings’ needs became obvious over the second half of the season as the injuries piled up and their flaws became apparent.

Despite the defense playing at an elite level, the deficiencies on offense were too much for this team to overcome. While the passing attack improved from the league’s 31st ranked unit to the 18th, the running game collapsed with Adrian Peterson missing the majority of the season due to injury and the offensive line vastly underperforming.

As Minnesota transitions into offseason mode, they must find a way to address their greatest concerns both on and off the field to take advantage of their talented roster. There are plenty of holes to plug as it became evident over the second half of the year that there were would be much work to do this offseason. Adding the right pieces in free agency and the draft will be key to making the Vikings a true contender in 2017.

It is imperative that Minnesota upgrades their weaknesses and adds improved depth across their roster, most notably the offensive line, which was one of the worst in the NFL. Other areas of concern include the running back, cornerback and defensive tackle positions. Until the Vikings address these crucial areas, they will be doomed to mediocrity and fail to contend not only in 2017, but for years to come.

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Offensive Line

Minnesota’s chief area of concern this offseason is the offensive line. This group proved to be a trainwreck in all phases last year as they were not only a liability in pass protection but struggled to create open running lanes as well. Despite addressing many key positions on the offensive line and adding what looked like improved depth, the Vikings still put together one of the worst offensive fronts in the league.

As the injuries mounted, they were forced to rely on the next man up and that’s when the house of cards came crashing down for Minnesota. They simply cannot settle with the current roster. The Vikings need to find upgrades at both left and right tackle that can be long term fixtures along the line. They need to find a capable starter opposite of Alex Boone at right guard, as Brandon Fusco proved inadequate and was consequently recently released.

The Vikings will need to add quality depth to offensive line through the draft and free agency. They cannot simply rely on just one of the other as last year’s disaster proved. Minnesota will have to spend early picks on young linemen with high upside. Though not as deep as last year’s class, the talent is there in 2017’s crop. They will also have to look for a few diamonds in the rough through free agency and look for some veteran help that can provide an immediate impact.

The most glaring weakness was at offensive tackle, where they lost both tackles, Matt Kalil and newly acquired Andre Smith, early in the season to injury. T.J. Clemmings proved disastrous at left tackle and was often outmatched, missed blocks and all too often gave up the blindside.

Running Back

The Vikings’ future at running back is anything but certain. It is unknown whether Adrian Peterson will remain with the team in 2017. If he does, he will have to take a significant pay cut to finish out his career in purple and gold. However, it is just as likely that he decides to test the waters of free agency in search of greener pastures.

With no heir apparent, there is an immediate need to find a long-term answer at running back. Jerick McKinnon did not look capable of handling the starter’s load in Peterson’s absence and appears to be more of complimentary back than destined for the feature role. Matt Asiata is set to be a free agent if not retained by the Vikings. The plodding bruiser is one-dimensional as a runner and lacks the skill set of an every down back.

That leaves Minnesota with just C.J. Ham and Bishop Sankey to fill the void if Peterson does not return with the team in 2017. With so much uncertainty at the position the Vikings must find their primary back of the future. This could be done through the draft with a loaded 2017 class that affords Minnesota plenty of opportunity to address the need.

Getting the ground game going needs to be a priority this offseason as the Vikings’ ground attack was one of the worst and least efficient in the NFL. With some help on the offensive line and the addition of a young, talented and exciting back, could go a long way in revitalizing Minnesota’s running game.

Cornerback

The Vikings had one of the more underrated secondaries in 2016. This group showed impressive depth but struggled at times with the inexperience of youth. The emergence of Xavier Rhodes as the team’s number one corner helped take some of the pressure off of Minnesota’s defensive backfield. He often held opposing top wideouts in check and has the look of a true shutdown corner.

With Captain Munnerlyn a pending free agent and Terence Newman likely to retire, the Vikings would be forced to rely on Trae Waynes and Mackensie Alexander this year. Their youth proved problematic and was a liability at times as opposing quarterbacks went out of their way to pick on them. Unless they are able to take a big step forward, Minnesota could use some depth at the position for the future.

Picking up a veteran corner or two through free agency would go a long way to adding experience to what otherwise could be a very young secondary in 2017.

Defensive Tackle

Minnesota has plenty of talent at this position, but are lacking in consistency. Linval Joseph had a breakout season in 2016 and has the makings of star on the rise. Sharrif Floyd has the talent to be a starting defensive tackle in this league, but has been prone to injury over the tenure of his career. Floyd managed to get on the field for just one game in 2016 due largely to his knee issues. At this point Floyd is an unknown.

The Vikings could use another playmaker along the interior of the defensive line opposite of Joseph. Tom Johnson and Shamar Stephens were serviceable options but may not be long term answers. 2016 practice squad standout, Toby Johnson, has potential but is no guarantee at this point in his career.

Minnesota could look to spend a mid-round pick on what is shaping up to be a solid 2017 class or attempt to find a capable talent in free agency.

– Miles Dittberner, is the National Editor of cover32 and also covers the Minnesota Vikings. Like and follow on Facebook and Twitter.

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