Offense
1. Running backs.
The biggest development came with the anticipated release of Dalvin Cook. That elevated Alexander Mattison to RB1. The switch was expected as soon as Mattison signed a modest extension in March. Kene Nwangwu and Ty Chandler will compete for RB2. At the start of of the offseason, it felt like Chandler had a slight lead. Now, it feels like Nwangwu will enter training camp as RB2. The elite speed of both backs will be a nice change of pace to Mattison’s physical running. Despite missing most of the offseason work, seventh-round rookie DeWayne McBride could be a training camp wildcard.
2. Versatility.
Some versatile offensive players will allow the Vikings to field varied personnel groupings. With fullback C.J. Ham and tight end Josh Oliver on the field, the offense can flip from a 22-power running formation to five-wide without making substitutions.
One of the biggest offensive issues last season was an inability to make defenses pay for using extra resources to slow Justin Jefferson. Indecision. The Vikings frequent need to get the ball to Jefferson made decisions for the defense real easy. If they can create pre-snap defensive indecision with versatile players and varied formations, moving the ball gets significantly easier.
3. Receiver competition.
I believe that four receiver spots are pretty much set.
Justin Jefferson
K.J. Osborn
Jordan Addison
Jalen Nailor
If the Vikings keep five receivers, the competition for the fifth spot should be fun. The top contenders:
Jalen Reagor
Brandon Powell
Trishton Jackson
Reagor and Powell are likely the Vikings top punt return candidates. That could play a role in deciding the receiver competition.
Defense
1. Brian Flores.
Hiring Brian Flores was the Vikings best move of the offseason. I sure hope that he’s happy and stays in Minnesota for at least two seasons. Today’s NFL is filled with fast and aggressive offenses. Last season, the Vikings played against those offenses with a slow and passive defense. It was a tough watch. I can not wait to see Flores’ aggressive and versatile defense on the field.
2. A defense that’s unpredictable.
Imagine that. Having a defense that gives an offense at least a moment of pause before the snap. Who’s blitzing? Who’s dropping? Opposing quarterbacks are going to have a lot of questions. Some of those questions might not be answered until the play is over. It’s going to be fun.
3. Josh Metellus.
If the offseason work is any indication, safety Josh Metellus is going to be a critical defensive player. And he might not even be a starter. He’s been spotted all over the defense in a variety of roles. Pass rusher, run defender, coverage. Continuing to call him a safety will be too limiting.
4. Cornerback competition.
The only certainty with the Vikings cornerbacks will be Byron Murphy Jr. After that, it’s wide open. Akayleb Evans appears to have the pre-training camp edge to start on the outside opposite Murphy. Andrew Booth Jr. and rookie Mekhi Blackmon are in the mix. In nickel, Murphy is expected to move inside. Some combination of Evans, Booth, and Blackmon look to be the contenders on the outside. Free agent Joejuan Williams should also be in the mix. Cornerback might be the most fun and close competition of training camp.
5. Defensive line.
The competition along the defensive line is also wide open. Entering training camp, I’m guessing that the top of the three-man defensive line depth chart looks like this:
Harrison Phillips
Khyiris Tonga
Dean Lowry
No offense to Tonga and Lowry, I’m hoping for a front that looks something like this:
Harrison Phillips
Jaquelin Roy
Esezi Otomewo
Perhaps I’m in a rush to get the young guys on the field. I really like the potential of Roy and Otomewo.
I can’t wait for training camp.
No comments:
Post a Comment