Minnesota has the draft in a little over two weeks, and it’s one that’s more important than usual.
The Vikings have no choice but to fill important positions in the NFL Draft. What ends up oftentimes being depth players, will now have to be starters in 2020-21, given the way the team’s salary cap worked out, and the talent who signed elsewhere in the offseason.
The Vikings, which has general manager Rick Spielman and head coach Mike Zimmer in contract years, will have to answer these three questions in order to assess the long-term future of the team.
Can the offensive line continue to improve?
The offensive line struggled in 2018-19, but this past season, the position group improved.
Minnesota switched to a system that was less about standard drop backs, and more about running the ball, and utilizing play-action passes and roll outs.
The switch worked, not only for Kirk Cousins, but also for the offensive line. It helped running back Dalvin Cook have a career year.
Pro Football Focus ranked the Vikings 29th on the offensive line after 2018’s final regular season game. This past season, the group ranked 19th after the regular season.
The Vikings have to make sure the team takes steps forward on the offensive line. Minnesota should draft a tackle or maybe even make a trade for Trent Williams, in order to ensure that the position group finds success. It’s crucial for the future.