Kevin O’Connell had some interesting things to say about the direction the Minnesota Vikings want to go as they look ahead to the 2023 NFL season.
Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell spoke at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine on Wednesday, March 1, and he shed a little bit of light on what the team’s goals are for the offseason and the future of the franchise.
Although he was somewhat successful last season by winning the NFC North and making the playoffs, there are plenty of places the team could make some improvements to help them get closer to a Super Bowl appearance.
There are several ways the team could go about upgrading its roster this offseason. They have some hurdles they will need to overcome as well, including bloated contracts that are cutting into the salary cap.
Let’s take a look at some of the most notable things Kevin O’Connell said during his combine presser and what they could mean for the Minnesota Vikings as he enters his second year as the team’s head coach.
The culture in Minnesota
One of the biggest takeaways from this talk was that Kevin O’Connell is looking for players and coaches who fit the culture that the Minnesota Vikings are creating since the arrival of a new general manager and head coach.
So far, the Vikings have seemed to build a franchise full of individuals who have bought into the vision and direction the duo has for the franchise moving forward and they will continue to add people who fit that role.
Drafting and hiring talented individuals is one thing, but if they aren’t right for the organization, then it won’t work out well. Keeping a consistent message and goal is important in developing a good culture.
O’Connell mentioned his admiration and respect for new defensive coordinator Brian Flores and that he fits what the team is looking to accomplish. Last season, there seemed to be a disconnect on defense, so this is good to hear.
Hinting about a change?
There was an interesting question about what O’Connell would be looking for in a receiver in this year’s draft class. His response was so specific that he was either throwing out a quick example or had something in mind.
He talked about finding a player who fits into the team’s culture but also said that he likes players who can do multiple things well, adding the example of having experience as a punt returner at the college level.
The Minnesota Vikings traded for wide receiver Jalen Reagor last season and he took over the role as the team’s primary punt return specialist. He had some miscues and ranked No. 49 in average punt return yards with 6.4 yards per return.
It is definitely an area where the Minnesota Vikings could look to improve this offseason. Although Reagor has speed and some potential, it seems like the team got desperate and used 2023 NFL Draft capital to fill the need.
Excited about the young secondary
Sadly, several key members of the 2022 NFL Draft class were unable to stay on the field due to injuries, and knowing what to expect from them going forward is a bit of a roll of the dice at this point.
There was an update on first-round pick Lewis Cine that he is working hard and ready to start offseason activities. It sounded like the team had ideas on how to use the young safety, so it will be interesting to see his role next season.
Andrew Booth Jr. is another player who will get another opportunity to show his talent next season. Minnesota will need him to step up if they don’t bring back veteran corner Patrick Peterson for another season.
If the Minnesota Vikings can bring a strong pass rush to the 2023 NFL season, it would help and young secondary that is bound to take some lumps if they are thrust into a starting role in the new-look Vikings defense.
Finding explosive weapons
Of course, at this point, both Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and Kevin O’Connell have stressed the culture the Minnesota Vikings are trying to build but good character alone doesn’t move the chains on offense or stop opposing teams on third down..
in a statement that seemed obvious, O’Connell said the Minnesota Vikings are seeking explosive players in free agency and the draft and although that’s not a surprise, it does say a little about the upcoming draft.
The Vikings only own four selections in the 2023 NFL Draft at the moment, urging the question of whether Minnesota will play it safe or if they will swing for the fences with their limited picks this year.
From the sound of things, the Minnesota Vikings will be calculated but not super aggressive in the players they select. With their limited salary cap, hitting on draft picks is more important than ever as the team prepares for the future.