Need for part and choice of part, the Vikings decided to change their list a little in the off-season of 2020.
Minnesota saw mass exits at the free agency. The team traded its main 2019 receiver, Stefon Diggs, for the Bills. Vikings replaced veterans with newbies, while arresting players like Kirk Cousins and Dalvin Cook for more years.
In 2020, this experiment did not work. The Vikings ended with 7-9 and missed the playoffs. That said, not everything is bad. Minnesota has summoned some promising newbies and has some obvious corrections for 2021.
So, let’s be positive. Here are some reasons why Vikings fans can be happy:
The Diggs trade worked
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Stefon Diggs has been great for Bills. I think Buffalo got everything he wanted from Diggs. He may even have exceeded expectations.
That said, the Vikings used one of the draft picks purchased from the Diggs trade to take Jefferson. In case you didn’t know, Jefferson got off to a great start in the NFL.
Overall it worked for both teams.
CB Cameron Dantzler was a great draft choice
Photo: AP Photo / David Berding
Dantzler, who was taken in the third round, may be the best cornerback in the novice class.
He was nominated for the PFF’s 2020 NFL All-Rookie Team after a year in which he recorded two interceptions, four saved passes and a fumble recovery in 11 games.
The defensive line is prepared for improvements
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Sure, the Vikings’ passing race was very bad last season, but Danielle Hunter’s return should solve some of those problems. DE DJ Wonnum also has a chance to make great strides.
Michael Pierce chose to leave this season, but his return to an NFL field should help the game. Add the fact that this team could update the technique of three through the draft, and the defensive line seems to be better. There is also the possibility that Vikings will add another defensive end – in the draft or in the free agency – to play against Hunter.
He is not a defensive lineman, but linebacker Anthony Barr can also help. He will not increase the total bags, but Barr draws attention in the blitz. This should make it more difficult to improve players like Wonnum and Hunter on the defensive line.
The offensive line is not far from decent
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Brian O’Neill and Riley Reiff are leaving for good seasons. O’Neill was slightly worse than he normally is when Reiff appeared to have a resurgence in 2020.
Garrett Bradbury has improved a lot in his debut season. Ezra Cleveland showed flashes of promise in the right guard. If Minnesota manages to hold Reiff off-season and add a useful left guard, I don’t think that offensive line unit is far from decent.
With the way the list is built, Vikings have to show promises
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Minnesota is stuck with players like Kirk Cousins and Dalvin Cook for now. Mike Zimmer is not a first-year coach. In 2021, Rick Spielman will enter his 10th season as GM of the Vikings.
This team has a tight window. I didn’t expect them to try to rebuild in 2021. That means Vikings fans will at least see their team go for a post-season and playoff spot. Fans will have to be patient to see if this comes to fruition.