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The Vikings were left on the outside looking in, just missing the playoffs in '07. Rookie sensation Adrian Peterson changed the attitude around Minnesota as they look to take the next step in '08. NFL Insider Bryan Palmese examines what the team has done during the off-season to help get them there.
MINNESOTA VIKINGS
2007 Record: 8 – 8
2008 Draft Selection: # 17
2008 Adjusted Salary Cap Number: 135.16M (Maxed Out)
Prominent Player Departures:
WR – Troy Williamson, DT – Spencer Johnson, RB – Mewelde Moore, FB – Tony Richardson, LB – Dontarrious Thomas
Areas of Need This Off Season:
Defensive End, Quarterback, Right Tackle
Free Agents Potentially on the Vikings’ Radar:
DE – Kalimba Edwards, Greg White
QB – Gus Frerotte, Byron Leftwich
RT – Shane Olivea, Max Starks
Summary:
Adrian Peterson came, saw and conquered in 2007, which helped Minnesota chase that final NFC playoff spot. The duel backfield of Peterson and Chester Taylor was feared by many throughout the league and is as solid as any team in the NFL. Unfortunately, that was the only bright side to the Vikings’ offense. Between the chaotic play of newly anointed starting quarterback Tavaris Jackson, to the lackluster receivers, Minnesota needed to make some changes and surround Peterson with some talent. Early in free agency the Vikings struck by landing Bernard Berrian, considered to be the cream of the crop of free agent wide receivers. Minnesota also severed ties with underachieving wide out, Troy Williamson by shipping him to Jacksonville for draft picks. Moving Williamson out and bringing Berrian in opens the door for Sidney Rice to get some serious run. The lanky, former South Carolina Gamecock has the build and speed to succeed at this level. Berrian will command most of the coverage and double teams, with Bobby Wade in the flanker position. Rice will thrive in the slot and should be able to stretch defenses with his blazing speed when the Vikes go three-wide. The addition of veteran receiver, Robert Ferguson will add that element of veteran presence to the locker room. Defensively, the Vikings are hurting and this side of the ball was the Achilles of the team in 2007. Safety Madieu Williams and Ellis Wyms were brought in to help in the defensive backfield and defensive tackle spot respectively. The defensive tackle spot is good enough to battle in the trenches but Minnesota has little pressure coming off the edges. Kenechi Udeze was starting to come into his own before suffering a medical setback. Udeze has a form of leukemia and will probably miss the 2008 season. Minnesota does not have a lot of options in free agency except for Kalimba Edwards. Edwards is no stranger to the NFC North, as he has spent his entire short career with Detroit. Look for the Vikings to address this problem area with their first round selection. Several defensive ends will be primed for the picking when Minnesota steps to the microphone with their seventeenth overall pick (if they can get the pick in within the allotted time). Phillip Merling is another outstanding Clemson University defensive end to enter the NFL recently. Gaines Adams was a top- 5 selection in 2007 and Merling will satisfy any team that selects him. His long arms and freakish combination of quickness and power have turned heads all season. He’s a natural pass rusher and is tough as nails. On the subject of freakish attributes, Calais Campbell is an unbelievable specimen. Standing in at nearly 6’8” and 290 lbs, Campbell has a non-stop motor and is disruptive at the line of scrimmage, as well as bothering the passing lane. Florida Gator, Derrick Harvey will also be an option for the Purple People Eaters at 17. Harvey might be the most complete defensive end with his big frame, quick initial step at the point of attack and superior athleticism. He is great against the run and utilizes his solid instincts to flat out produce. The jury is out in Minnesota on whether or not Tavaris Jackson is the answer under center. Gus Frerrotte is still an option in free agency. Seventeen might be a little early for Brian Brohm to be selected, so if he falls into the second round, look for the Vikings to snag him. Former Deleware quarterback Joe Flacco’s stock has increased and he has earned himself an early-mid second round selection. Chad Henne had a great senior bowl and a solid combine thus making him a potential target for Minnesota as well. Right tackle could use an upgrade as well. The usual suspects of Shane Olivea and Max Starks are still free agents and could look good suiting up in the purple and gold.
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