The Vikings’ Top 5 Roster Needs as Draft Month Hits the Calendar
K. Joudry
|
Based on depth alone, the Vikings’ top roster need is along the defensive line (earlier in the day, Josh Frey listed DL depth at #2 in his piece detailing Vikings roster needs).
Harrison Phillips is returning as the only locked-in starter. After Horrible Harry, there’s a journeyman contributor (Jonathan Bullard), an upside late-round selection (Jaquelin Roy), a bounce-back candidate (Jerry Tillery), and a solid depth piece (Jonah Williams). So, help is needed, a statement that stands even after accounting for some of the ways that edge rushers can soak up snaps along the defensive line.
The Vikings’ Top 5 Roster Needs as April Begins
And while the d-line obviously needs help, the focus from the masses rests on the quarterback position. Losing Kirk Cousins leaves the QB spot in a state of flux, so Vikings fans from Warroad to Spring Grove are looking for an upside option for under center.
Before getting there, though, consider the current lay of the land in terms of team need:
1. Defensive Line
2. Quarterback
3. Kicker
4. Offensive Line
5. Receiver
Landing a true franchise quarterback in the NFL Draft blows every other need to smithereens, at least when it comes to importance within the modern NFL. A true top passer has the capacity to mask any number of flaws, as we’ve seen from recent greats like Aaron Rodgers, Peyton Manning, Tom Brady, and, indeed, Patrick Mahomes.
So, if there’s widespread belief within the Vikings’ organization that a QB can become that player, then expect that position to be the priority on Thursday, April 25th. The trade cost will have been worth it and the defensive line will have to figure things out.
The Vikings could play a game right now and put together a pretty good offensive line. Christian Darrisaw and Brian O’Neill are a top tackle tandem and that’s what matters most. Garrett Bradbury has taken a step, Ed Ingram is improving, and Blake Brandel could be a solid LG. What’s lacking is depth, so Minnesota seems like a near lock to pickup at least one offensive lineman on Day 3.
Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison will look to prove in 2024 and they form the most formidable receiver tandem in the NFL. Seeing them land somewhere near 3,000 combined receiving yards won’t be surprising if the QB play is strong (a major if).
Finally, kicker.
Greg Joseph is now a Packer. John Parker Romo is holding down the fort as the current K1. Expect Minnesota to challenge Romo by bringing in some competition. Does that happen during the draft or afterwards? Or, perhaps, both?
The 2024 NFL Draft will end on Saturday, April 27th. At that time, the Vikings’ top roster needs will look different, especially upon considering who gets added in undrafted free agency. Plus, the summer months will likely give rise to some free agent additions.
In other words, the roster will continue evolving, so stay tuned.
These 7 Vikings Free Agents Are Yet to Find New Homes
K. Joudry is the Senior Editor for Vikings Territory and PurplePTSD. He has been covering the Vikings full time since the summer of 2021. He can be found on Twitter and as a co-host for Notes from the North, a humble Vikings podcast.