Minnesota Vikings: ESPN makes predictions for 2016 season

ESPN published a list of 100 predictions for the 2016 NFL season, and three of those predictions directly involve players from the Minnesota Vikings.

The offseason is a fun time for football fans. It isn’t nearly the same kind of excitement that comes from preseason, regular season, or the playoffs, but it’s fun to think about what could happen during the next year and just how different things could be from the year before.

Recently, ESPN released a list of 100 predictions for the NFL, and three of those predictions were from Ben Goessling about the Minnesota Vikings. They hit several different major players on team, all of which play different positions.

Here is a breakdown of each of the predictions made by Ben Goessling on the Minnesota Vikings in the ESPN 100 Predictions article:

"29. “Harrison Smith will have a new contract by the start of the regular season. The Vikings know they need to get a deal done with the Pro Bowler, who has become one of the NFL’s best at his position. General manager Rick Spielman took the somewhat unprecedented step (for him, at least) of admitting as much after last season.” — Ben Goessling"

Hopefully this is a given. Harrison Smith should be considered one of the cornerstones of a young Vikings defense that has helped the team turn into the threat they are today. Despite some injuries, Smith has been an elite level player and should earn a nice big payday as well as a long-term deal.

"56. “The Vikings will again try to get Adrian Peterson involved in the passing game, especially as they try to use him in the shotgun more effectively than they did last year. The running back said he wanted to be a better receiver after last season, and he has been working to improve there in the offseason.” — Ben Goessling"

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Every season, the Minnesota Vikings try to get Peterson more involved in the passing game. However, last year Peterson had to be taken out on 3rd downs because of poor pass blocking and not being as good of a pass catcher as other options on the team at the position. However, with Peterson’s work on these parts of his game this offseason, so this may be the year he’s able to contribute more in this part of the offense.

"80. “Vikings first-round WR Laquon Treadwell will start from day one. No one on the roster fills Minnesota’s need for a split end like Treadwell, who’s the kind of physical presence the receiver group has been missing.” — Ben Goessling"

This is more of a given than a prediction. First round wide receiver draft picks rarely redshirt for a season before grabbing a starting role. With the release of Mike Wallace this offseason, there is a big hole there that is just waiting for Treadwell to step in and take.

Next: Minnesota Vikings 2016 NFL Draft class

While some of these predictions are wishful thinking and others seem to be a given, it’s always fun to hear what people think the Minnesota Vikings will do to improve their team or make changes. What predictions do you have for the team this year and what do you think of Mr. Goessling’s submissions? Let us know in the comments below.

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