When Kwesi Adofo-Mensah arrived in Eagan to help reshape the organization, it certainly was excited. After seasons of middling success, it was time for the Wilfs to inject something new into Minnesota. As training camp begins league wide, it’s about that time to look back at how the offseason was utilized in Minnesota with a list of the pros and cons.
Con: Early Stumbles During the Draft
Except for a few players that were projected to go in the top 10, the mid round of this year’s draft was uninspiring. Many in Minnesota were hoping the team would attempt to trade the 12th off to another team in exchange for a first rounder in next years draft. But when the details of the Lions trade flashed across the screen, you could almost hear the masses tweeting condemnation.
Giving the Lions the pick used on Jameson Williams (a projected top WR) was brutal for Vikings fans to endure. And while the trade in the second round with the Packers was better in terms of value gained, many will look to this next season to see who truly won these deals.
Pro: Bringing a Championship Culture
In the slew of interviews since his hiring, Kevin O’Connell has continued to impress the SKOL state. Winning a Super Bowl was certainly his crowning achievement to date, and O’Connell is looking to bring that Midas touch to a championship starved team. The last time the Vikings were in the NFC championship was five seasons ago. And as far as Super Bowl appearances go, the starting QB was Fran Tarkenton.
Some believe that O’Connell’s hiring will be a boon to Kirk Cousins’ performance. Colin Cowherd thinks that the Vikings will be the NFL’s Cinderella story this year because of the HC’s stark contrast to Mike Zimmer.
"I know you think I'm out of my mind…"
—@ColinCowherd has picked his surprise team for the NFL season pic.twitter.com/qk8xGdBJBa
— The Volume (@TheVolumeSports) July 18, 2022
Con: Losing Tyler Conklin
The Vikings have Irv Smith Jr. at tight end. Fantastic! But after that, the roster looks bleak. Ben Ellefson? Nick Muse? Johnny Mundt? If Smith goes down this season, the TE depth is non-existent. If this worse case scenario becomes a reality, then what? Most likely, FB C.J. Ham might pick up some of the blocking duties of TE, and or the Vikings may put an extra WR on the field. But if they have the next man up mentality, consider the loss of Tyler Conklin to be devastating.
Pro: Juicing the Defense
The 2021 Vikings were ranked by Pro Football Reference as having the 24th overall defense and it showed. Losing games purely based on a defense that crumbled under any sort of pressure, it needed an overhaul. In fact, the horrendous defense is the leading reason why some would consider the Vikings as a team possibly in need of a rebuild. But after making impressive signings with names like Za’Darius Smith and Harrison Phillips, the Vikings looked to be reloading.
And that doesn’t even include players acquired through the draft. The additions of Lewis Cine and Andrew Booth will boost a struggling secondary early on. Brian Asamoah will look to learn from veteran LBs Eric Kendricks and Jordan Hicks. Suddenly the Vikings defense doesn’t look so old and out of step.
A Potential Wildcard?
Recently QB Nate Stanley was released from the Vikings roster opening up a spot for another free agent signing. Before his signing with the Buccaneers, some believed it may have been for a Kyle Rudolph homecoming. His addition certainly would’ve boosted a lacking TE room. But now what? It could be that the spot that was opened up could be to add to the defensive line or a center. Replacing Bradbury with FA J.C. Tretter would absolutely improve the Vikings OL. But maybe Ndamukong Suh is the final piece to create the Purple People Eaters 2.0?
As the Vikings head into training camp this upcoming week, look for them to make one final splash before preseason starts.