The Minnesota Vikings seem to be moving in the right direction after the first year of Mike Zimmer’s coaching and the young talent on the squad. Despite that, there is always room for the team to get better. Free agency and the NFL draft are both excellent ways to bring competition and star power to the team, but it’s not always easy to know what to look for in players. Will they fit the team’s scheme? Will they be able to fill the role needed?
In a recent article from Fox Sports, Minnesota Vikings general manager Rick Spielman discussed how he has a much better idea of what this team is looking for in the talent they bring in this offseason:
"“Heading into the second year now there’s such a clearer understanding about the direction we need to go, as far as what specifically each position trait is required to be effective in this scheme,” Spielman said last week."
Jun 11, 2013; Eden Prairie, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings general manager Rick Spielman watches the players perform drills at the Minnesota Vikings Minicamp at Winter Park. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
The time that Spielman is spending with Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer should really help to continue moving this team in the right direction. Previously, the team seemed to be about taking the best player available in the draft and trying to make him work inside the schemes provided. Now, the team’s management and scouts know specific things to look for in players.
"“I think this is the clearest we’ve ever been on a direction with the coaches and the scouts all speaking the same language and identifying those same traits,” Spielman said. “With coach Zim, there’s usually not a lot of gray area with him.”"
Luckily, Mike Zimmer isn’t the kind of head coach to be afraid to vocalize his needs or desires. If the Minnesota Vikings can continue to develop this team to fit the vision that Zimmer and Spielman have, this team could have a very bright future on their hands.
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