Minnesota has had its share of offseason turnover, but the team has attempted to reload through the draft and free agency.
The Vikings drafted Justin Jefferson, who can come in and replace some of Stefon Diggs’ production. Diggs was traded to the Bills for draft picks.
The team also saw a mass exodus in the secondary, most notably two starting cornerbacks and a nickel corner.
There are some reasons I picked more than 22 starting positions for this piece, despite there only being 11 starters on each side of the ball.
The first is because of the nickel package that the Vikings so often employ. The nickel corner is important so I predicted who that will be. The next is that the Vikings can play three wide receivers, so I guessed who those three would be.
Who gets the starting spots? See below for all the predictions and analysis!
Offensive line:
Riley Reiff, Pat Elflein, Garrett Bradbury, Dru Samia, Brian O’Neill
Analysis: Reiff keeps his spot on the offensive line, beating out Ezra Cleveland. Cleveland could possibly earn the starting position later on, but he might need time to adjust. Samia steps into the starting right guard spot to replace Josh Kline.
The backs:
QB Kirk Cousins, HB Dalvin Cook, FB C.J. Ham
Analysis: No surprises here. Cook will have to stay healthy, and if he doesn’t, expect a heavy dose of Alexander Mattison and Mike Boone.
Wide receivers/tight end:
Adam Thielen, Justin Jefferson, Quartney Davis, TE Kyle Rudolph
Analysis: This is my first pretty crazy choice. I think Davis is good and has the potential to play as the wide receiver three. Bisi Johnson, Tajae Sharpe and Chad Beebe will definitely give him a run for his money when it comes to that third wideout spot. K.J. Osborn is more of a special teams player, in my opinion, but I think he could at least make the team.
Defensive line:
Danielle Hunter, Michael Pierce, Armon Watts, Ifeadi Odenigbo
Analysis: Another interesting choice. Watts beats out the incumbent starter Shamar Stephen, the draftee James Lynch and other players to earn the three-technique defensive tackle spot. Odenigbo steps into Griffen’s old role. Pierce is an obvious choice for defensive tackle at this point, so is Danielle Hunter at defensive end.
Linebackers:
Eric Kendricks, Anthony Barr, Eric Wilson
Analysis: First two choices of Barr and Kendricks are no-brainers. Wilson ends up winning the spot over Ben Gedeon and the rookie Troy Dye.
Safeties:
Anthony Harris, Harrison Smith
Analysis: You’re not going to believe this: When I had to predict who the Vikings would start at safety, I went with Harris and Smith. OK, so that’s sarcasm and the two Minnesota safeties might be the best in the NFL, so it’s an easy choice.
Cornerbacks:
Mike Hughes, Holton Hill, Jeff Gladney
Analysis: Gladney needs time to adjust to the NFL. He becomes the nickel corner, taking on a slightly smaller role than Hill and Hughes, both of whom are out wide. Gladney could eventually take a starting role out wide from Hill or Hughes if he progresses.
