5 big plans most likely to go wrong for the Vikings in 2021

Secondary progress

Cutting ties with three starting cornerbacks was no doubt justified last offseason. However, it still left the Minnesota Vikings relying on youth within a positional group that tends to go through more growing pains than most when it comes to pro adjustment.

This is something that hurt the Vikings in crucial situations last season. Something that the front office was keen to rectify both during free agency and the 2021 NFL Draft.

Patrick Peterson, Bashaud Breeland, and Mackensie Alexander all arrived to strengthen their corner options. Xavier Woods was also chosen as the safety to replace Anthony Harris, who is now on the Philadelphia Eagles after failing to earn an extended deal on the franchise tag.

There remains hope Cameron Dantzler can emerge as a shutdown corner after some eye-catching performances as a rookie. What transpires with 2020 first-round pick Jeff Gladney is less certain with the player’s upcoming legal complications threatening his immediate and perhaps long-term future.

Harrison Smith is still anchoring the backend on the final year of his deal. He is playing at a high level, so if others around him live up to their end of the bargain, the secondary could become an area of strength once again.

However, with so many new arrivals, it might take some time to gel—something the Vikings simply don’t have.