Washington cornerback Trent McDuffie takes part in the vertical leap drill during Washington’s NFL soccer Pro Working day, Tuesday, March 29, 2022, in Seattle. (AP Picture/Ted S. Warren)
AP
12. MINNESOTA VIKINGS (8-9)
Past Year: The Vikings lost their very first two online games in crushing manner to eventual playoff teams Cincinnati and Arizona and never ever definitely recovered, not spending a single week higher than the .500 mark. They matched the NFL’s all-time report with 14 games resolved by 8 factors or fewer, successful only 6 of those people although their late-sport defense unsuccessful them poorly. Quarterback Kirk Cousins experienced a further sound year throwing to star receiver Justin Jefferson, but he missed a critical sport at division winner Green Bay with COVID-19. Basic manager Rick Spielman and head coach Mike Zimmer were being both of those fired the day right after the period, paving the way for the Kwesi Adofo-Mensah/Kevin O’Connell routine to start off. O’Connell came with a Super Bowl ring just after profitable the championship as offensive coordinator of the Los Angeles Rams.
Free of charge Agency/TRADES: Signed LB Za’Darius Smith, DT Harrison Phillips, LB Jordan Hicks, CB Chandon Sullivan, G Jesse Davis, G Chris Reed, G/C Austin Schlottmann, CB Nate Hairston and TE Johnny Mundt. Re-signed CB Patrick Peterson, P Jordan Berry, K Greg Joseph and QB Sean Mannion. Signed Cousins to a one-calendar year deal extension. Released DT Michael Pierce. Lost TE Tyler Conklin, S Xavier Woods and C Mason Cole. LB Anthony Barr, DE Everson Griffen, DT Sheldon Richardson, CB Mackensie Alexander and OT Rashod Hill remain free brokers.
THEY Will need: CB, DL, inside OL.
THEY Never Need: WR, RB, OT.
Probable Initial Choose: LSU CB Derek Stingley Jr. Washington CB Trent McDuffie Florida State DE Jermaine Johnson II.
OUTLOOK: Bringing again Peterson was a huge improve to the secondary, but the Vikings nevertheless have to have extra cornerbacks. The defensive line depth also ought to be tackled, even though retaining Danielle Hunter and signing Smith presents the Vikings an enviable pair of pass rushers if they are balanced. Following prioritizing the offensive line with numerous early picks about the final 4 drafts, the Vikings show up to have at last established a feasible core to shift ahead with. Tackles Brian O’Neill and Christian Darrisaw and left guard Ezra Cleveland are set in their spots. Proper guard continues to be a dilemma mark, but the Vikings signed three free agents to compete there. Heart Garrett Bradbury, their first-rounder in 2019, enters a pivotal year, with his prospective alternative lurking in this draft.
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