By: Mike Rifkin
If you were to sum up the Minnesota Vikings 2021 season in one word to me that word would be disappointing. The Vikings finished with an 8-9 record which was second in the NFC North. After the season the Vikings fired General Manager Rick Spielman and coach Mike Zimmer. Zimmer was fired after eight seasons. Spielman was replaced by Kwesi Adofo- Mensah who was the Vice President of Football Operations for Cleveland Browns. Zimmer was replaced by Kevin O’Connell, the Rams offensive coordinator. O”Connell inherited an offense that was twelfth in the NFL in total yards averaging 362.8 yards per game and 25.0 points per game.
O’Connell will reunite with quarterback Kirk Cousins, who he coached for one season in Washington. Cousins is often criticized for not being worth the contract he signed. It’s a fair criticism of Cousins but Cousins has put up good numbers. In 2021 Cousins had a 66.3 completion percentage 4,221 yards, 33 touchdowns and seven interceptions and averaged 271.0 yards per game. Is Cousins going to be Aaron Rodgers, no but he does enough with what he has to elevate Minnesota.
O’Connell will also be getting one of the best Running Back duos in the NFL. Dalvin Cook was fifth in the NFL in rushing with 1,159 yards averaging 89.2 yards per game and had six touchdowns in 13 games played. Cook is one of the elite running backs in the league he just has to stay healthy, in his career Cook has never played a full season. Alexander Mattison is one of the best backup running backs in the league In 16 games played Mattison posted career highs in yards with 491 and touchdowns with three. If Minnesota wants to keep Cook healthy using Mattison more would surely help them.
The Vikings offense also possesses one of the best receiving duos in the NFL with Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen. Jefferson was second in the league in receiving yards with 1,616 yards, fourth in catches with 108 and had 10 touchdowns. In his two seasons in the league 196 catches for 3,016 yards and 17 touchdowns. Adam Thielen had 67 catches for 726 yards and 10 touchdowns in 13 games played. K.J Osborn had a breakout season with 50 receptions for 655 yards and seven touchdowns.
The Viking defense gave up 25.1 points per game in 2021. They gave up 383.6 yards per game which ranked 30th in the NFL, they were second in sacks with 51 and were fifth in turnover differential with a +11. Safety Xavier Woods and linebacker Anthony Barr were tied for the team lead with three interceptions. Defensive End Danielle Hunter had six sacks but was limited to seven games due to a torn pectoral muscle. The two prior seasons Hunter had 14.5 sacks in both seasons.
The Vikings currently sit 14 million dollars over the salary cap. Ways the Vikings could save cap is trading defensive tackle Michael Pierce before June 1st would save them 6.5 million dollars, Trading defensive Tackle Armon Watts could save 2.54 million dollars, Trading Center Garrett Bradbury could save 2.25 million dollars. Minnesota also has to find a way to restructure Kirk Cousins contract and his 35 million dollars guaranteed. Trading Cousins would create 45 million dollars in dead cap for the Vikings.
Free agency
- Sign Brian Allen – If the Vikings get rid of Bradbury Allen is a perfect replacement. He played for Kevin O’Connell with the Rams.
- Sign Maxx Williams – Former Cardinal went to the University of Minnesota and is coming off a torn ACL which means he won’t be an expensive pickup. Vikings have a need at tight end
- Re-sign Xavier Woods and Patrick Peterson. Woods tied for the team lead with three interceptions and both he and Peterson bring a good veteran presence to the defense.
Draft
RD 1 (12) – Ahmad Gardner Cornerback Cincinnati: The best corner in the draft Gardner is a tall corner who had a good career with the Bearcats. Needs to improve on some things but can start day one. Other names to watch: Derek Stingley Jr Cornerback LSU, David Ojabo Edge Michigan, Charles Cross OT Mississippi State
RD 2 (46) – Damone Clark Linebacker LSU: Brings size and speed to the linebacker position. If Anthony Barr departs in free agency Clark can replace him. Other Names to watch Jalen Wydermyer Tight End Texas A&M, Jaquan Brisker Safety Penn State
RD 3 ( 77) – Charlie Kolar Tight End Iowa State: More of a receiving tight end Kolar put up solid numbers for the Cyclones. If the Vikings sign Maxx Williams he can be the blocking tight end for the duo and give Kirk Cousins another solid weapon. Other names to watch Verone Mckinley Safety Oregon, Christopher Allen Edge Alabama.
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