2011 NFL Draft Needs: Minnesota Vikings

by GarrettFalk on Mar 2, 2011 4:26 PM EST in Mocking the NFC North

With the Brett Favre saga finally behind them, (wink wink) the Minnesota Vikings can finally turn the page to the next chapter of their franchise. After finishing with a 13-5 record in 2009-10, the Vikings took a major step back this past season. Following an embarrassing week 10 loss to the Chicago Bears, the team fired Brad Childress and named defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier as the interim coach. Frazier took control of the team and guided them to a 3-3 record over their final six games and Minnesota finished the season with a dismal 6-10 mark.

The biggest struggle last season came from the quarterback position where Favre was no where near his form of 2009-10. After an injury to Favre late in the season, the Vikings turned to Tavaris Jackson and he fared no better until he eventually got hurt himself. Enter Joe Webb who used his athleticism to guide Minnesota to an upset win over the Philadelphia Eagles late in the season. So where does that leave Frazier, the newly anointed coach, and the Vikings at quarterback? The answer is simple: still searching for answers.

1. Quarterback: Favre finished the season with only 11 touchdowns and with an offense that was loaded with talent at the skilled positions that is unacceptable. Missing Sidney Rice for the majority of the season hurt Favre, but with Percy Harvin and Visanthe Shiancoe he still had weapons. If a new CBA can be reached don’t be surprised if Frazier chooses to bring in a quarterback via trade or free agency. Vince Young is one name that has been rumored to Minnesota because of Frazier’s ability to connect with his players. Even if they sign or trade for a signal caller look for them to draft one at some point.

2. Defensive line: The Vikings can use help at both end and tackle along the defensive line. What once was a dominant line a few years ago started to show its age last season and an infusion of youth is needed. Pat Williams and Ray Edwards are free agents and there is a possibility neither of them return. Jared Allen saw a dip in his stats last year, but he still finished with 11 sacks. Frazier will have plenty of interesting options to consider at both defensive line positions in the draft.

3. Cornerback: After meniscus tears in both knees ended rookie Chris Cook’s season early, the Vikings still have plenty of question marks at the cornerback position heading into next season. Cook, who saw action in only six games in 2010, will look to get back to the form that made him the 34th overall pick in 2010. Minnesota still has 12-year veteran Antoine Winfield, who has been a stalwart at the corner position since he came over from Buffalo in 2004. Winfield, arguably the best tackling corner in football, isn’t getting any younger and adding some depth to the position is a must.

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Ummm.....

I hate to be that guy…but Childress was actually fired after an even more embarrassing home loss to the Packers in week 11.

by PackApologist on Mar 2, 2011 5:03 PM EST reply actions

Irrelevant, because 2010 didn't happen

/denialed
//end denial

To respond the the article, I think the Vikings need to shore up OL, and DBs in the draft. If the front office is doubtful about Rice’s return, take a WR early because without Rice that WR core is very weak.

I see the argument for DL, but Vikings had a lot of depth there last year and I think Jared Allen bounces back. If a DL who is great value is available at one of their picks, I could see the Vikes grabbing him. But I think LB is more of a need than DL.

by UGAVike on Mar 2, 2011 7:52 PM EST up reply actions

I think safety is there biggest need behind QB

Vikings safeties were awful last year from what I’ve seen and heard from other Vikings fans. Vikes Winfield might be old but can still get the job done and a healthy Griffen makes them a servicable duo. I’ve heard that they are high on last years second round pick Cook as well. Give me QB, S, OLB, OL, DL, CB as there biggest needs.

I remember watching the Broncos vs Vikings preseason game last year and Mike Mayock was the commentator for the Vikings and he said that the defensive line for the Vikes is stacked, but no one gets to see them play will Allen, Williams wall, and Edwards in front of them. I feel like Guion has some skills as well as the kid from USC if he can get his head screwed on straight and off the alchohol. The vikes don’t have much depth behind Greenway and Leber at OLB and could really use an upgrade over Leber, who is a below average starter IMO.

In Tebow I trust

by nacaboose on Mar 2, 2011 5:53 PM EST reply actions

As a Vikings Fan I Disagree

Defensive line is a need but should be addressed in later rounds as it isn’t a pressing need, Kevin still has plenty left, Jared has a 4-5 years left as at least a starter, have a few options at the opposite end and just signed the sack leader from the CFL (previous sack leader of CFL was Cameron Wake – who admittedly had better stats but come on). Other DT is a need but played half the snaps last year without Pat and the run D wasn’t terrible, so later round pick should be fine.

Cornerback same thing as Ced should return and Cook should be healthy, we picked him 2nd pick 2nd round last year so unless we are going to just say yea we effed up already this is not an area that needs to be looked at in the draft as a free agent is fine for the next 2 years.

Offensive line play was terrible, that should be up there, could use a tackle for now and another for the future. Could use a guard for now and another for the future. Could look to replace Sullivan at center.

Safety is arguably Vikes biggest need as they don’t have 1 startable safety on roster.

Linebacker is in the same field as Defensive Line as Leber will be gone.

Wide receiver as Sidney Rice is at best a 50/50 shot returning. Percy is only other startable player on roster. Again I’d go for a later round guy here unless J Jones falls.

Running Back – Because we wasted 2 picks (2nd and 3rd rounders) last year on Toby Gerhart, when everyone knows drafting any running back in the first 3 rounds is stupid unless he weighs 220 and runs a 4.3, and even those guys don’t win Super Bowls anymore apparently. So we might as well draft another one and really get this position set. Jeses H Christ Minnesota sports…

by JonnyCream on Mar 2, 2011 6:25 PM EST reply actions

If Locker's there at 12, take him. Otherwise...

If Locker’s gone, then you might as well build up the OL and DL. If nothing else, get the team stronger up the middle. The Vikings were getting out-muscled on both sides of the ball in 2010.

by jimbo55403 on Mar 2, 2011 10:28 PM EST reply actions