2022 NFL Draft notebook: Minnesota Vikings could surprise this year and more
By John Blair
One NFL team that is getting very little respect going into the season, but will likely surprise people this season is the Minnesota Vikings. While the team struggled last season especially on the defensive side of the ball several factors are working on the team’s behalf to make the 2021 season a year where the team could actually be a playoff contender.
Along with taking a look at why the Minnesota Vikings might be the surprise team of the year this season, this week’s NFL Draft Notebook also takes a look at the following
- An SEC running back who is currently flying under the radar
- The top fullbacks in the 2022 NFL Draft
- A couple of NFL rookies who are already impressing their team
- And much more
NFL Draft Notebook: Surprise Team of the Year
While we have yet to enter training camp a team that looks like it could make significant improvements this season is the Minnesota Vikings. The Vikings are primed to go from a 7-9 team in 2019 to an 11 or 12 win season for several reasons including a much-improved defense, playing in a weak division and still having one of the best offenses in the NFL.
Last season, the Minnesota Vikings’ biggest weakness was their defense which ranked 29th in points per game allowing an average of 30 points a game. One of the reasons for the team’s struggle on this side of the ball was season-ending injuries to some of its top defenders including Danielle Hunter, Anthony Barr, and Mike Hughes. When these players were healthy in 2019 Minnesota actually had one of the best defenses in the NFL, and with them healthy this season it would be a surprise if the team did not have a bounce-back year.
The Minnesota Vikings defense will be also be helped by several key additions they made this offseason. One of the biggest offseason additions was defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson who comes over from the New York Giants.
Tomlinson should team up with Michael Pierce to give the Vikings a much-improved run defense. Minnesota was also able to get a veteran presence in the secondary with the signing of eight-time Pro Bowler Patrick Peterson.
While the Minnesota Vikings had their share of struggles on the defensive side of the ball last year, they had one of the most explosive offenses in the NFL. They finished 11th in scoring averaging close to 27 points a game. Minnesota also had one of the best rushing attacks in the NFL last season rushing for over 140 yards a game. There is no reason to think the team will be weaker in this area next season and in fact, could even put up better numbers this season.
Even though the Minnesota Vikings significantly upgraded their roster this offseason, one of the biggest reasons they will be much improved this season is the drama that is going on in Green Bay. If the Packers end up trading Aaron Rodgers or he sits out the first part of the season it will significantly hurt their chances of winning the NFC North.
If Green Bay is not a threat it should make the Minnesota Vikings the favorite to win the division as both the Chicago Bears and Detroit Lions are a couple of years from being actual playoff contenders.
If the Minnesota Vikings can actually stay healthy on defense this year, and they play anywhere close to their 2019 level it would not be a shock if they are a true playoff contender and the NFC North champs.