After a Trying Season, Vikings Are Left With More Questions Than Answers

After tying the record for worst season in team history, the Vikings face arguably the most critical off season in their history. The team faces gaping holes at several key positions, and won’t be able to address all of them in one draft.

Most notably, the Vikings are lacking playmakers at cornerback and both strong and free safety. The Vikings also lack a strong offensive lineman at both guard spots to protect Christian Ponder. The Vikings also lack a wide receiver with the ability to stretch the field and put a strain on opposing defenses.

All of these needs can’t possibly be addressed over the course of one draft. Free agency is a good way to add proven players, but it can often lead to bidding wars and paying more than you would normally want to for one particular player. That is why this draft is critical for the Vikings. They need to add young players that will plug major holes at multiple positions.

As for the #3 pick, there are several players they can choose from. If he hasn’t already been selected, left tackle Matt Kalil would provide stability on the offensive line. Cornerback Morris Claiborne would give the Vikings a shutdown cornerback to pair with opposing teams #1 wide receiver. Wide Receiver Justin Blackmon would give them a legitimate wide receiver that opposing defenses had to plan for. There is also the possibility they will try to trade down in order to accumulate multiple picks to try to fill as many holes as possible.

Regardless of what the Vikings do in the draft, we can be assured that they will try to fill other holes through free agency and trades. Expect this offseason to be a busy one to say the least.