The Viking Age
FanSided

3 positions Vikings won’t target with top draft pick after free agency

By Nik Edlund

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - OCTOBER 25: Cornerback Patrick Peterson #21 of the Arizona Cardinals celebrates in the end zone his interception of a pass by quarterback Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks in the fourth quarter of the game at State Farm Stadium on October 25, 2020 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - OCTOBER 25: Cornerback Patrick Peterson #21 of the Arizona Cardinals celebrates in the end zone his interception of a pass by quarterback Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks in the fourth quarter of the game at State Farm Stadium on October 25, 2020 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 4
Next
Minnesota Vikings
(Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images) Anthony Barr /

Linebacker

Linebacker wasn’t a huge need for the Minnesota Vikings before the start of free agency, and it sure isn’t after the first wave concluded. The team got Anthony Barr back, and while there was some thought they could flat out cut him, they ended up restructuring his contract, getting their strong side linebacker back on the field for 2021.

Next to Barr on the inside is, of course, Eric Kendricks, who is still underrated league-wide but is one of the best in the entire NFL. On the weakside is Troy Dye, who is looking to take the next step in his progression after an underwhelming rookie season.

So while the depth was questionable, the starting trifecta was back intact, and then Minnesota signed Nick Vigil to a one-year deal. Vigil isn’t elite by any means, but he’s a capable player who could push Troy Dye for a starting job. With Blake Lynch already on the squad, he puts them five deep at the linebacker position, and it really pushed this need to the backburner.

There will be some players who could be available at pick No. 14, who would tempt the Vikings. Micah Parsons is coming off a huge Pro Day and would be a potential game-changer at the position and the eventual replacement for Anthony Barr if he leaves in free agency following the season.

Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah is another player who has elite physical traits and could be used in various ways by Mike Zimmer. While it would be hard to pass on one of these talents, Minnesota has bigger needs to address and can’t give in to those temptations.

Home/Minnesota Vikings Draft