First, we have to look at the players the Vikings cut or didn’t re-sign and also the ones they brought in this offseason.
Free Agent Acquisitions:
- Anthony Barr – LB (re-signed)
- Brett Jones – G/C (re-signed)
- Dan Bailey – K (re-signed)
- Ameer Abdullah – RB (re-signed)
- Rashod Hill – OT (re-signed)
- Anthony Harris – S (re-signed)
- Matt Wile – P (re-signed)
- C.J. Ham – FB (re-signed)
- Shamar Stephen – DT
- Sean Mannion – QB
- Jordan Taylor – WR
- Jordan Martin – DB
- Greer Martini – LB
- Karter Schult – DE
- Duke Thomas – CB
- Derron Smith – S
- Dakota Dozier – OG
- Josh Kline – OG
Free Agent Losses:
- Sheldon Richardson – DT
- Marcus Sherels – CB
- Nick Easton – G/C
- George Iloka – S
- Trevor Siemian – QB
- Tom Compton – OG
- Andrew Sendejo – S
- Latavius Murray – RB
After all of these transactions, Minnesota clearly has more defined needs than others before we hit the draft.
The Vikings were lucky to be able to re-sign Anthony Barr, which would’ve created a huge hole at linebacker. The loss of Sheldon Richardson hurts badly, but at least Minnesota was able to bring back a familiar face in Shamar Stephen.
Listed below are the Vikings’ biggest needs as we approach the 2019 NFL Draft.
Team Needs:
- Offensive Guard
- Wide Receiver
- Running Back
- Defensive Tackle
- Safety
- Offensive Tackle
- Linebacker
- Tight End
Obviously, Minnesota’s offensive line is the biggest issue with left guard being the largest hole. After that, it’s a toss-up between running back and wide receiver.
The backup running back job is a big question mark, as is the team’s third wide receiver spot. The Vikings also need a penetrating defensive tackle, another safety, and backup offensive tackles. Minnesota also needs to think about the future at tight end and possibly use a later-round pick on one.