The end of last year for the Minnesota Vikings was tough on multiple fronts, from the offensive line getting beaten up to the defense falling apart.
Minnesota made the effort over the offseason to improve the defense, with Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave the biggest additions to the unit. Cornerbacks Isaiah Rodgers and Jeff Okudah give the secondary depth.
While the unit still boasts a wealth of talent within defensive coordinator Brian Flores' system, some questions remain surrounding the defense that could concern fans entering 2025. One part of the defense has gotten more attention than any other.
Minnesota Vikings secondary can either have the team sink or swim in 2025
Bleacher Report's Alex Ballentine reently examined each NFL team's biggest strengths and weaknesses on the roster. The Vikings' secondary has Ballentine concerned with whether they have enough to work with in 2025.
"There's no question a Brian Flores defense is going to get pressure. The defensive coordinator is one of the best in the league at dialing up ways to make quarterbacks uncomfortable.
That will be more important than ever as the Vikings break in a secondary that has questions. They brought Byron Murphy Jr. back and he does his best work in the slot.
That leaves openings at outside corner that will be filled by some combination of Mekhi Blackmon, Isaiah Rodgers and Jeff Okudah. All three are far from proven options at this point."
Minnesota's secondary was a problem last year, as the defense ranked 28th against the pass, allowing 242 yards per game. Cam Bynum and Stephon Gilmore were good key pieces that are no longer on the roster.
Blackmon was out last season with an injury, so his return is a good start to what is an interesting cornerback room. Rodgers has been receiving praise from Flores all offseason, as he appears to be in line to start alongside Blackmon and Murphy.
The safety positions remain solid with Josh Metellus and Harrison Smith starting. One concern is whether Smith can continue to play at a high level as he nears the end of his playing days. Their depth at the position is also a concern, which brought some criticism in the offseason for not selecting a safety in the NFL Draft.
It's not that the secondary is in bad shape, but there are too many questions. If Rodgers is the choice as a starter, can he handle the workload on a consistent basis? Will Metellus live up to his contract extension, which he's been wanting all offseason?
Minnesota can't afford to fall flat on its defense with an inexperienced quarterback in J.J. McCarthy playing. The defense has to be at its best if it wants to make a run at the playoffs and potentially a Super Bowl.