Vikings team needs, 2010

Free agency is upon us. The draft is soon to come. With the NFL owners opting out out of the collective bargaining agreement, and the Vikings subject to limits on signing Unrestricted Free Agents, there are still many opportunities to improve the team.

What needs to be done in terms of personnel to improve the Vikings this offseason?

Special Teams

The Vikings are mostly strong here. Ryan Longwell (K), Chris Kluwe (P), and Cullen Loeffler (LS) all do their jobs well. Percy Harvin (KR) and Darius Reynaud (PR) did well in 2009. The coverage and receiving teams overall did pretty well, but could use improvement.The punt coverage team allowed a couple of big returns against the Browns and Cardinals, but usually did well. As a whole, special teams were greatly improved in 2009.

The only likely move here might be to add a kickoff specialist. The other three teams in the conference championship games all had kickoffs that went deep into the end zone, usually preventing any return. Longwell cannot consistently kick the ball off deep into the end zone. Longwell would prefer to kick off himself, as he uses the kickoff to help him gauge his field goals, especially in windy conditions. Nevertheless, at key times, such as in overtime in the conference championship game, the Vikings were bitten by big kickoff returns. While Longwell is solid as the Vikings' place kicker, the need for a kickoff specialist, or an improved coverage unit, has increased in importance after 2009.

Chris Kluwe had a pretty good year. If he could improve the consistency of his punts, and pin teams deep a few more times, that would help the team.

Special Teams Needs: general improvement and possibly a kickoff specialist

Defense

The defensive line was very good in 2009. The Vikings should re-sign Jimmy Kennedy, and keep Ray Edwards and Fred Evans. If another team signs Edwards, for example, to an offer sheet, the Vikings should match it. It would hurt the team to break up the defensive line.

Pat Williams will be on the last year of his contract in 2010. Our great defensive tackle contemplated retirement,  but is coming back for 2010. On the Vikings' line, Phat Pat plays nose tackle, and handles two gaps.

The Starcaps case is in the courts. If Kevin Williams and Pat Williams lose the case, they will be suspended for four games. It is imperative that the Vikings have two solid players behind them ready to go in case that happens.

Jared Allen and Kevin Williams are terrific. Enough can't be said about these All-Pros.

Brian Robison is an up-and-coming defensive end. At 6'3, some may say he is too short to play left defensive end, but on the other hand he is athletic, a big competitor, and has some good moves. He is used as a situational pass rusher currently, and does well in limited time. In 2009, he almost blocked a couple of punts.

In terms of depth, the defensive line is OK, especially if Jimmy Kennedy and Ray Edwards return. Jayme Mitchell and Letroy Guion will have a chance to step up and maybe earn more playing time.

At linebacker, the personnel are a bit unsettled. Brad Childress had a non-specific, positive report when asked at the Combine about E.J. Henderson. On the other hand, the recovering E.J. Henderson will not be running around until after the draft. The injury's effect on his career is unknown. To be on the safe side, the Vikings must assume the worst--that E.J. will miss the entire 2010 season. If a plan for success in 2010 without E.J. is in place, and he does return, that would be an added bonus for the team.

Ben Leber is still effective, but age is starting to catch up to him. His total tackles the last four years were 48, 67, 64, and 46. The lower number in 2009 might simply be a factor of the Vikings playing better defense. He missed some interceptions in the late regular season, but snagged one in the playoffs. Leber has played either strongside or weakside linebacker, depending on what depth chart is consulted. He covers the tight end on passing plays in Minnesota's defense.

Chad Greenway had a positive 2009 with six takeaways and 99 tackles. If he continues to improve each year, he is going to make the Pro Bowl sooner or later.

Jasper Brinkley was a great draft pick in the 5th round of 2009. He would have been drafted higher, but a knee injury caused his draft stock to fall. Brinkley has the speed to play middle linebacker in the Vikings' Tampa Two system. He did a good job filling in for E.J. Henderson last year. It's still too early to annoint Brinkley as E.J. Henderson's heir-apparent, but at this point, he is solidly the backup. If he can improve his coverage skills, he could solidify his position at the middle linebacker spot.

The linebacker corps might not have much depth beneath the three starters plus Brinkley. Heath Farwell is the Pro Bowl special teams ace. J Leman was a great college linebacker in Illinois. Kenny Onatolu is a key special teamer. All three would love a chance to compete as a linebacker in the defense, but have not yet had much of a chance in games. Erin Henderson was a key special teams player when available. He has played some linebacker for the Vikings, but not a lot of it.

The secondary is the biggest concern for the defense. Last year's starting cornerbacks both had injuries at the close of the 2009 season. Cedric Griffin's recovery from a torn ACL may allow him to return by the early to middle part of the season. Typically, a player does not fully recover from an ACL tear for two years. If that holds true in Griffin's case, he would not be truly 100% until late January 2012. He will play and contribute this season, though.

Antoine Winfield had a fracture in his foot. While the exact diagnosis is not known, he missed about half the season. When he returned he was not 100%. Recurring foot injuries often limit cornerbacks in their 30s. Many of us think that Winfield could play strong safety for the Vikings. Winfield is 5'9 but a brilliant tackler. On a radio interview with KFAN last year, Winfield stated that if he was asked to play safety, he would embrace the opportunity. Depending on the nature of the injury, switching to safety could prolong Winfield's great career because he would turn and cut on his feet less often. Finally, there is a rumor that Winfield's contract reduces his compensation if he plays a lot of nickel cornerback, so if true he might not wish to play a lot of nickel. Winfield's health status for the 2010 season is presumed to be good but shaky.

Benny Sapp, CB, filled in well for Winfield at left cornerback, but is as yet an unrestricted free agent. The Vikings should re-sign him. If Sapp is re-signed, he would likely play either left cornerback or nickel cornerback, depending on what happens with Winfield.

Asher Allen, CB, had a nice rookie campaign after the Vikings selected him in the third round of the 2009 draft. In his first game he got a sack and forced fumble. Despite playing only half the year, he picked off two passes. Allen is a competitive guy, and with another year to step up his game, he could be very solid. I think he has raw ability at the Pro Bowl level. In college, he played right cornerback. He  can play anywhere, but he prefers to play on the right side. At this point, Asher Allen is the Vikings' possible starter at right cornerback until Cedric Griffin can return to his old job.

The only other cornerback currently on the Vikings' roster is DeAndre Wright, drafted by the Giants in 2009. He had an excellent college career in New Mexico. He was signed to the Vikings' practice squad after Winfield was injured in the Ravens game. The Vikings kept him and let drafted quarterback John David Booty go to another team. Wright was preferred over Booty. If Wright can step up in training camp, he has an opportunity to make the team this year.

At strong safety, the Vikings have starter Tyrell Johnson, Jamarca Sanford, and Eric Frampton. While Sanford took some playing time away from Johnson, Tyrell Johnson played well down the stretch. If Winfield moves to strong safety, all bets are off.

At free safety, Madieu Williams had kind of a rough year. While making 73 tackles, he missed several  others and didn't get any interceptions. Husain Abdullah backs up Madieu and plays special teams. Madieu Williams played well in the playoffs. If Winfield moves to strong safety, Tyrell Johnson might be moved to free safety.

Overall, the Vikings defense finished #2 against the run, but was inconsistent against the pass. Teams naturally chose to pass on the Vikings heavily, and the pressure on the linebackers, cornerbacks, and safeties became immense. While the defensive line could cause enough pressure to prevent deep passes, the short and intermediate passes were there all too often. The Vikings need better pass coverage from the defensive backs and linebackers.

Defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier's defense is a 4-3 front, with Tampa Two looks. While the Vikings typically rely on the front four to rush the passer, Frazier does call up 46-style blitzes that he originally learned with the Bears. While Frazier maybe should tweak his schemes to improve them, his schemes did work quite often, even against good teams. The problem was that they did not consistently work against the good teams. Whether that was the scheme, the players not executing the scheme, or a combination of both, is something Frazier has probably considered.

Overall, the defense lacked consistency, especially against the pass. The defense does not have a lot of playmakers, especially if Winfield and Henderson are not 100%. Greenway could take another step up and become a defensive playmaker next year. The 2009 defense also lacked swagger. Especially when Henderson went down, the defense did not play with great confidence. In terms of confidence, the year 2010 can be different with all that big game playoff experience under their belts. Players like Jasper Brinkely and Asher Allen will be ready to go.

Defense Needs: The Vikings might draft a two-gap nose tackle to play under Pat Williams for a year and learn from the master. More immediately, for 2010, the Vikings need at least two solid defensive tackles behind the Williams Wall in case the suspension goes through. Between Fred Evans, Jimmy Kennedy, Letroy Guion, and possibly a drafted nose tackle, that might be enough. At linebacker, a starter-quality player who can play, and ideally start at, both the Mike and outside linebacker spots would add depth. In the secondary the needs are greater. The Vikings must draft another cornerback, and possibly two. A free agent cornerback might be added. The Vikings might consider drafting one or two safeties. The defense needs to add a playmaker to play linebacker or defensive back, and if that player brought his own swagger to the defense, and backed it up on the field, that would be welcomed.

Offense

Quarterback: Brett Favre. The living legend. We all know what a great year he had and how great he is as a quarterback. With more time to develop chemistry with the receivers, he could have another great year. But behind him, the coaching staff is looking for answers. If Favre retires, then the Vikings' needs at quarterback just come up faster. Tarvaris Jackson was tendered at the original round level. Sage Rosenfels is signed for a few more years. Even if both make it to the Vikings training camp (and I hope both do), the Vikings will draft a quarterback. Chances are, based on the low tendering of Jackson, that the Vikings will draft a quarterback relatively early this year. Less likely is a trade or free agency signing.

Running back: This might be the year for Adrian Peterson to get all the carries and opportunities with the ball that he could possibly want. Favre will be a year older, and Chester Taylor has signed with the Bears. On the other hand, if Peterson is unable to keep the ball consistently, he might have to share the load again with another back. If Peterson improves his game and carries the ball high and tight, like Tiki Barber did at the end of his career, that might help Peterson keep the ball. Peterson also needs to improve his pass-blocking, defense-reading, and pass-catching. If Peterson sheds the extra weight he put on in 2009, that might let him return to his previous quickness. Peterson is a great football player coming off a relatively down year. If Peterson can rise to the challenge in 2010, he will answer a lot of questions about what level of football greatness he has.

Percy Harvin will continue to contribute in the backfield on certain plays and as the wildcat quarterback. He might see more action as a running back in 2010.

Albert Young played at Iowa and is currently projected to be the Vikings' third down back. He can pass protect and catch the ball. He could also spell Peterson as needed. Ian Johnson could be the Vikings' third running back on the depth chart. Neither were drafted, but both have talent.

At fullback, Naufahu Tahi was tendered, and probably will remain a Viking. It is possible that the Vikings would bring another fullback into camp, though. It is not known. If the Vikings had a bruising 240 lb. fullback who could move a pile, and even carry the ball some that would be a bonus. Maybe that guy is Tahi. The Vikings haven't given Tahi any carries from the fullback position so far, even though he carried the ball well in college as a tailback. Jeff Dugan has taken some carries as fullback for the Vikings.

Receivers: Sidney Rice had a breakout year. If he keeps playing well and improving, he could reach elite status. Rice is an all-around receiver who can make possession catches and go deep. He can be a force.

Bernard Berrian was hampered for almost the entire year with some touchy hamstrings. Very often the injury report would say that Berrian could only get limited practice. He didn't have his greatest year. Some here at Daily Norseman have questioned whether he has good chemistry with Favre. My take is he didn't have much time in practice due to his hamstrings, and that prevented chemistry and rhythm from forming with Favre. Berrian is the Vikings' speed option at receiver. He typically draws double teams. The key for Berrian is to have smart conditioning and stay healthy for the whole year. If he does that, he could have a terrific 2010.

Percy Harvin, Rookie of the Year, was amazing. Now he has the challenge of building on that year and taking the next step.

Greg Lewis is famous for the amazing catch in the 49ers game, but he gives more than that to the team. He is a solid veteran presence. He should get a little more playing time on the field with the offense, in my view. He is a clutch performer. He could be used in key situations and big games.

Backups Jaymar Johnson and Darius Reynaud had good punt returns. Johnson caught a pass, but Reynaud was not thrown any. They just didn't see a lot of playing time, even with Berrian not 100%.

Vikings' receivers have had trouble with bump and run coverage. Their technique for getting off bump and run could improve.

With the injuries that Berrian sustained, a rotation system for the receivers might be useful to keep everybody fresh for the whole season.

At tight end, Shiancoe had his best year yet. His blocking could stand to improve. Jim Kleinsasser is still an amazing blocking force as a tight end. Jeff Dugan gives a lot of effort and is versatile. Garrett Mills hasn't had a lot of chances in games, but is said to have good hands.

Offensive line. Finally, we can get to the most important unit on the team (arguably). The Vikings use a zone-blocking scheme, and draft linemen with experience in the ZBS.

Left tackle is the most important position on the offensive line. In a recent interview, left tackle Bryant McKinnie was asked  to explain his job to someone completely unfamiliar with football. He described himself as part of a team of bodyguards that protects Brett Favre, and that he is the chief of the bodyguards. That is a very accurate description. Left tackle is the most important position on the offensive line. McKinnie suffered a foot injury and fought through it. McKinnie should not be overly criticized by fans. He had his best year as a pro in 2009, and did deserve to go to the Pro Bowl for his work in the regular season. Until the Arizona game, when he was injured, he played great.

Left guard Steve Hutchinson is the rock of the line. He played above average but gave up some key sacks, such as in the Pittsburgh game. He also allowed the block of the field goal in the 49ers game that led to a return touchdown. Hutchinson has good years left, but he might be aging.

John Sullivan had a rough time in the early part of the season, but he came on strong at the end. He is mobile and was good at pass blocking. Some fans are not endeared of Sullivan, but he is young, he makes good line calls, and could improve his blocking. Behind him is Jon Cooper, who blocked for Adrian Peterson in college.

Anthony Herrera was average at right guard. In the first Bears game, he sustained a concussion. He missed the rest of that game and the Cardinals' game. After that, he returned but didn't play that great. His play has led fans to suggest the Vikings should upgrade the position. It's hard to know all the details, but Herrera played decently until the concussion. Furthermore, he played the whole year between two first-year players. Is he a weak link or a strong link? We fans don't really know for sure. Even if he loses his starting job, Herrera would make a valuable backup for the Vikings.

Phil Loadholt had a terrific rookie campaign. Like Harvin, his challenge now will be to build on that season, hone his skills, and just keep getting better. Loadholt took the bull by the horns and has a firm hold on the right tackle position.

Backup Ryan Cook was tendered. He can back up right tackle, right guard, center, and probably left guard. With his versatility and experience, he will hard to beat out in camp.

Artis Hicks is an unrestricted free agent. Rumors have suggested he will take offers to start on other teams. As the Vikings' backup left tackle, he would be tough to replace. In free agency, the Vikings could consider players like Orlando Pace or Tra Thomas for a backup job. Hicks was also the offensive line's 6th man, filling in at right guard when Herrera was injured.

The offensive line had tough times at the beginning of the year because Favre was taking a lot of hits. The rushing attack worked well. In the middle of the year, the passing game took off to the stratosphere, and the running game stayed consistent, but cooled down. By the end of the year, the rushing attack was getting stuffed consistently, and the passing game became inconsistent game to game. Some of that must be blamed on injuries to the offensive line, but lack of offensive line depth hurt the Vikings as well. A case could be made that the line should be kept together for continuity's sake. On the other hand, perhaps an opportunity to upgrade at right guard or center is too good to pass by. With Bryant McKinnie playing at a Pro Bowl level when healthy, and expecting to be healthy for 2010, there are very few players who could do a better job than him. Those players include Joe Thomas of the Cleveland Browns and others who are not available for trade.

A word of caution on the offensive line. The nature of their job is to get attention only when something bad happens. It's always easy to blame the offensive line when there is a quarterback sack or a rushing play is stuffed. Sometimes, it's not their fault. Furthermore, when the offense does well, that means the offensive line is doing well. They should get the credit that they deserve.

Offensive coordinator Brad Bevell put together a good offense in 2009, but it lacked consistency. The Vikings did not have a wide variety of running plays. Adding more variety to the rushing attack might help it succeed. Bevell has probably already considered whether the playbook or personnel needs improvement, or both.

Overall, the offense took a step forward in 2009. Getting more consistent production from both the rushing and passing attacks will be important in 2010.

Offense Needs: a quarterback of the future, offensive line depth, and maybe a starter at right guard, or possibly center. The temptation to add a guard in the draft is high because Steve Hutchinson is aging. If his heir-apparent could be added to the offensive line now at right guard, there would be less of a transition later when Hutchinson retires. The heir-apparent could move to left guard years from now when Hutch retires. Fullback might be close to a need. Adding another playmaker is always a need. That could be a running back, tight end, or wide receiver. The Vikings could add depth to the wide receiver position.

Future contract expirations. The Vikings could lose some key players to free agency in 2011. The list could include Adrian Peterson, Sidney Rice, Ben Leber, and Ray Edwards. As these are key players on the team, and losing them would hurt the team, the Vikings might consider that adding depth at those positions is a need in the 2010 draft. That way if those players are lost in 2011, at least the team will have some experienced players ready to take their place. Additionally, if those players are re-signed, the Vikings will have better depth overall.

Conclusion: The Vikings have a critical need to add talent at cornerback. Additionally, the Vikings need a quarterback of the future. There are some depth concerns. Due to the strong talent profile of the team, however, the Vikings can, for the most part, take the best players available in the draft at any position, adding depth. The Vikings might also draft players to challenge for playing time right away at right guard and safety.