Teddy Bridgewater, Vikings Set for Huge 2015

The Minnesota Vikings‘ 2014 season didn’t end as they had hoped, but QB Teddy Bridgewater set the stage for a very profitable 2015 season.

The offseason turnaround will minimal, the 2015 NFL Draft will bring fresh faces on both offense and defense, and Bridgewater gets to construct an offensive game-plan with an entire offseason under his belt.

Free Agency

Luckily for Minnesota fans, this offseason doesn’t project to see many big names leaving. Aside from a few players on the defensive front-seven, the majority of the team will be back taking another step forward for 2015.

The only real significant cap casualties at this point could be FB Jerome Felton, RB Adrian Peterson (obviously a tricky situation), and potentially G Charlie Johnson. As for Johnson, the team may be wise to upgrade at that spot regardless.

While many ask about Greg Jennings’ massive cap hit, I’d expect both sides to strike a deal that could significantly restructure the veteran receiver’s contract to keep him around to mentor the influx of young receivers coming up in the Vikings’ system.

NFL Draft Prospects

Minnesota should benefit from a rich wide receiver class in 2015. Many expect them to take a wide-out with their first selection; others make the argument that they should wait and get a value player with a Day Two selection. Either way, the options are plentiful.

As far as the rest of the offense, Minnesota would be wise to look at both the running back and offensive line classes for future success. Bridgewater has a bright future ahead of him, leaving some to make the argument that the O-Line should be the first area of need addressed.

If that’s the case, the team would delay picking up offensive firepower. However, if there’s any year to do it, it’s in this playmaker-heavy class.

A few names to watch in the first round include Louisville WR DeVante Parker, West Virginia WR Kevin White, or a player flying under the radar like Michigan State CB Trae Waynes.

Bridgewater’s Full Offseason

Possibly the biggest reason for excitement in Minnesota should be the continued growth of Mr. Teddy Bridgewater himself.

The Vikings struck gold last spring when they traded back into the first round to take the Louisville standout with pick #32. His rookie season had flashes of your typical inexperienced signal-caller, but more often than not, Bridgewater looked extremely poised and prepared to succeed in the NFL.

Perhaps his biggest success of his rookie year was effectively using all of his resources to get the job done. He wasn’t afraid to spread it around in the less than complex scheme, targeting and hitting guys like Jarius Wright and Charles Johnson.

Add a few more weapons, and Teddy will be set to lead a winning season in 2015.