Quarterbacks
Kirk Cousins is primed for another statistically terrific season. He just has to lead the team to wins. Most importantly, he has to lead the team to wins in big games (playoff games). Nick Mullens is fine as the backup. If there’s quarterback concerns, it’s the future of the Vikings quarterback position. The offensive line did him no favors but rookie Jaren Hall had a rough time against the Seahawks. But, he did a great job of avoiding disastrous plays.
Concern Level: For this year, it’s low.
Running Backs
As long as he stays healthy, Alexander Mattison will be productive as RB1. Ty Chandler has been terrific in preseason games. He has to carry that into the season. Beyond Mattison and Chandler, there’s concern. That’s why the Vikings have been auditioning running backs.
Concern Level: Moderate
Receivers
This is a position of strength. Once Jalen Nailor returns from injury, the top four receivers feel set and very promising. Competition for the 5th spot is well contested. It may even force the team to keep six receivers.
Concern Level: Very Low to none.
Tight Ends
With T.J. Hockenson, Josh Oliver, and Johnny Mundt, tight end is another position of strength. Nick Muse is doing his best to force the team to keep four.
Concern Level: Very Low to none.
Offensive Line
It wouldn’t be the Vikings if there wasn’t offensive line concerns. The concern this year is lower than recent years. The offensive tackles are great. There’s concern with the interior. I believe that center Garrett Bradbury and left guard Ezra Cleveland will be fine. I still have decent hopes for right guard Ed Ingram. I like backups Vederain Lowe, Oli Udoh, Blake Brandel, and Austin Schlottmann in spot starts.
Concern Level: Moderate
Defensive Line
There are no real standouts in this group. I’m hoping for a solid, workman-like performance this year from the group. I’m hoping that youngsters Jaquelin Roy and Esezi Otomewo develop quickly. Despite modest draft status, they have the most potential to develop into standouts.
Concern Level: Moderate
Linebackers
This is an interesting group. While veteran Jordan Hicks and second-year Brian Asamoah are the projected starters, undrafted rookie Ivan Pace Jr. has been the talk of training camp. He’s making a strong case to be one of the starters. Hicks is expected to be the veteran leader of the group and the defense. Could the Vikings decision-makers be so bold as to go with explosive youngsters Pace and Asamoah.
Concern Level: Moderate. I really like the potential of this group but the youth and inexperience brings uncertainty.
Cornerbacks
This has been the biggest position of concern all offseason. I think that the Vikings cornerbacks are going to surprise. Byron Murphy Jr. is going to shine. I have high hopes for second-year Akayleb Evans and rookie Mekhi Blackmon. Joejuan Williams has shown promise. My biggest concern is Andrew Booth Jr. He was drafted in the second round last year to be an early starter. He looks far from that.
Concern Level: Fairly little. With the top three to four corners and a versatile safety group, I think that the Vikings secondary is going to be an impactful group.
Safeties
Harrison Smith, Camryn Bynum, Lewis Cine, Josh Metellus, Jay Ward. This is the deepest Vikings safety group in my time with the team. The group rivals receiver and tight end as the deepest on the team. Theo Jackson is probably be a starter most years and I don’t see him making the team. Hopefully, the talent and depth translate to stellar play on the field.
Concern Level: Very Low to none.
Specialists
The concern revolves solely around the kicking. The Vikings need the consistent kicking that they haven’t since Ryan Longwell.
Concern Level: Until Vikings kickers stop missing extra points, the concern level will be very high.
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