Depth at safety
The Vikings are better equipped at this position than they were a season ago, but it still is a shaky unit as a whole.
Minnesota lost Anthony Harris in free agency, but that was an expected move. They replaced him with former Dallas Cowboys safety Xavier Woods and added some depth in this year’s NFL Draft with fourth-round pick, Cameron Bynum.
The Vikings also have Josh Metellus returning for his second year in the system and Myles Dorn who they kept on injured reserve last season, which likely means the team believes he has a future in this league.
There’s no doubt Harrison Smith is one of the best safeties in the league even at the age of 32. If he goes down with injury or is suspended a game due to a questionable call, Minnesota could be in trouble.
Woods had a down season last year, and his overall effort was questioned at times. If a change of scenery doesn’t do him good, he could be a liability.
Bynum is a rookie learning a new position, and he will come with his fair share of growing pains. Metellus saw time mostly on special teams in his rookie season and will be just as raw as Bynum. Dorn hasn’t played a meaningful snap either, making the Vikings’ overall depth at safety very sketchy.
Minnesota lucked out a year ago when it came to the health of their starting two safeties. They will need to hope that trend continues as the overall depth of this unit is very concerning.