S197 wrote:I would say receiver, linebacker, and secondary, in that order. Defensive line could be bumped up if they can't resign Tom Johnson or Robison leaves. I hesitate to say O-line because they have a lot of money wrapped up there and I think they will look elsewhere early in the draft and with their "splash" free agent signing(s).
I keep going back-and-forth on receiver. There seems to be a lot of potential with the current group. Of course, it could also be a bunch of "number 3, 4" receivers, too, depending on the development of Charles Johnson and Patterson. Other than running back, I think receiver is the most confusing group to assess/predict for the season (especially if they end up with Duron, which I don't think they will). I wouldn't object if they spent an early rounder on receiver, but I'd also wouldn't object if they went another direction (depending on who's available, of course). I think we can all agree that they probably won't go free agency at receiver (I doubt they'd sign Gordon even if he's released). If Cooper is there, though, he'd be awfully hard to pass up.
You make a good point about money tied up in the offensive line, but if they go that way early in the draft with one guy it won't cost too much (as opposed to, say, going after Mike Iupati). I don't see how they can go into the season without at least one change there (and I'm not sold on Yankey taking over for CJ being the one change). Keeping Teddy upright is too important. But Kalil probably gave them just enough the last few games to be granted another chance. I still think this is Priority #1.
Priority #2 for me is probably linebacker, specifically MLB with #2(b) being secondary. There doesn't seem to be a "stud" MLB in this year's draft class, but Perryman in R2 would be awesome. Maybe Kendricks. I also wonder what it would take to acquire Arthur Brown from the Ravens. I would've liked to have seen more of Sendejo, but there can be talent infusion opposite Smith no question. That position seems to be the most unsettled and I don't know if Zimmer likes any of his present options. I think the Vikings will look long and hard at Landon Collins if he's there.
I also wouldn't be surprised if the Vikings go defensive end in the first round or two with as much as Zimmer likes to rotate, his desire for consistent pass rush and how little depth there is there right now. There are some good pass rushers coming out and I was disappointed with Robison's performance down the stretch (I'm not sold yet on Crichton). I'd like them to resign Tom Johnson. He shouldn't command too terribly much in a multi-year deal as a situational pass rusher, but might price himself out of the Vikings' plans. Randy Gregory is someone to keep an eye on. Gregory seems like a "Zimmer guy." And taking a chance with free agent JPP would be a fun pairing with Everson, though it won't happen.
They have a lot of needs. Hopefully through the draft and free agency they pick up the right guys to help fill in the holes. I can't wait for the draft!
