Minnesota Vikings Depth Chart 2018 Vikings Depth Chart

Preseason Analysis: Vikings Hope to Turn Super Bowl LIII Purple

Minnesota did not do much in the draft for offensive players, mainly because they didn’t need to. Tyler Conklin was drafted out of Central Michigan, but is still behind Kyle Rudolph on the depth chart, and will be all year. The big news of the offseason was Kirk Cousins signing for a handsome amount of money. This could push Minnesota over the hump, who have been close the last few years. The receiving core remains pretty much the same, with the only addition being Kendall Wright. He will likely not be a big factor but might see some 3-WR set work with Laquon Treadwell. With Dalvin Cook back, everything will be determined as far as how healthy he is after such a severe injury. Minnesota lost Jerick McKinnon, but still have Latavius Murray who showed some quality last year in relief. Minnesota does lack a speed guy out of the backfield as far as McKinnon’s talents go, but still have more than enough to be an elite team in the NFC North. Cousins and company will be a prime offense this season, but volume should be fairly spread out given the amount of mouths to feed and a sturdy run game.

There have been 52 Super Bowls played, since the Packers dismantled the Kansas City Chiefs in 1967. Most years, an NFL team has an opportunity to play in front of their home fans. Never has a team won the big game, and only twice have they even made it to play in a stadium close to their actual home field. In last year's Super Bowl, the Minnesota Vikings had a chance to play on their home turf, but that chance was squandered in the City of Brotherly Love. The Eagles, ending their chance to make NFL history, embarrassed Minnesota in Philadelphia. However, after falling short last year, the Vikings are currently a 14 to 1 projection to end up in Atlanta for Super Bowl LIII. Mike Zimmer is ready for his 5th season. The customary four-year theory for coaches to realize the success of their system showed outstanding results in year number four. Behind a powerful offensive line, Minnesota will try to continue Zimmer's penchant for ball control. It's the old-fashioned, who makes the fewest mistakes usually wins, philosophy.

Getting Offensive in Minnesota

Oddly enough, the quarterback who methodically led Minnesota to 13 wins in 2017 is now throwing in the mile high air of Denver, Colorado. The Vikings GM Rick Spielman and offensive coordinator John DeFilippo obviously didn't feel Case Keenum had enough to take them to the next level. They outbid other suitors to land coveted free agent Kirk Cousins. Cousins put up respectable numbers during his stay in the Nation's Capitol, but he never could push the Washington Redskins into the playoff limelight. He has a cast of superstars around him in Minneapolis that is going to give defensive coordinators a few sleepless nights. Back healthy is second year speedster out of Florida State, Davon Cook. All eyes will be on him, as he prepares for his second season after year-ending ACL surgery in 2017. In only four games, Cook showed an incredible field presence, blended with lightening speed and a nose for the goal line.

Stefon Diggs and Adam Thielen have been a nightmare for defensive backs to cover. With Cousin's strong arm, these two look to put up potentially career best numbers. Spielman added two intriguing veterans, Kendall Wright and Tavarres King. With a sneaky 5th round draft pick, Minnesota added former basketball star, TE Tyler Conklin. Conklin could see field time along with Pro Bowl veteran Kyle Rudolph. This set may have defenses scratching their heads on how to cover a pay of prolific pass-catching tight ends. With Cousins quarterbacking the Vikings, odds are they will produce points; sometimes a lot of points.

Minnesota Is Downright Defensive

The best regular season defense in the NFL worked to get even better. Minnesota led the league by giving up under 16 points per game. However, their turnover ratio didn't meet Zimmer's expectations. The Viking's front office added Seahawk defensive lineman Sheldon Richardson, plus two defensive players with two out of their first three draft choices. Mike Hughes will bring his winning attitude for Central Florida, and immediately make an impact at cornerback. On the outside of the defensive line, Minnesota added Ohio State star DE Jayln Holmes. Holmes was somewhat over-shadowed by fellow Buckeye Joey Boza during his time in Columbus. However, the Vikings will look to unleash his relentless pass rushing abilities on opposing quarterbacks.

The Vikings re-signed two of their best coverage men, so they should have no problem duplicating a defense that was equally tough against the run as they were against the pass. However, since the offense will almost assuredly have an uptick in tempo, improving on their turnover ratio will be a focus of the Minnesota defense in 2018. They have the offensive fire-power to be far more prolific at scoring points in past years, plus still have a threatening, turnover aggressive defensive unit. The NFC North is a tough division, and the Eagles return a talented team in the way of every NFC team's hopes. However, the Minnesota faithful think the football world will be turning purple next February at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.