Between now and the 2007 NFL Draft, THN will be taking a look at all of the NFL teams’ offseason needs. Up next is the team with the seventh overall pick in the draft, the Minnesota Vikings.
2006 Results: 6-10
2007 Projected Cap Status: $77,500,000 or $31,500,000 under the cap
2006 Season Recap:
The Vikings 2006 season started off promising as the team rattled off four wins in its first six contests, under first-year head coach Brad Childress. However, beginning with a 31-6 pasting at the hands of the New England Patriots, the team lost eight of its next 10 games which is how the team finds itself with the seventh pick in the 2007 NFL Draft.
The defense shares some of the blame for the collapse, but not too much, despite its somewhat jekyll-and-hyde nature. The rushing defense allowed only 61 yards per game, best in the league. The team finished 8th in overall defense but was hobbled by its passing defense which, despite allowing a league-worst 238 yards per game (tied with the Bengals) surrendered only 13 passing touchdowns, third best in the league. The defense was impressive enough that the Pittsburgh Steelers plucked defensive coordinator Mike Tomlin to become their next head coach. The offense, on the other hand, finished 23rd overall, leading the league in penalties (123) and finishing third in turn-overs, despite the disciplined football Childress preached. Quarterback Brad Johnson, returning to the city where he started his impressive career, struggled as the season progressed, eventually being benched in the final two games in favor of rookie Tarvaris Jackson.
Team Needs:
1. Wide receiver – Rumors have surfaced suggesting the Vikings would like to bring back mercurial wideout Randy Moss and, while that is unlikely, the team does need a top-flight receiver. The team finished near the top of the league in receptions but had trouble stretching the field and scoring through the air. The team is expected to take Calvin Johnson (if he’s still on the board) or Dwayne Jarrett with its first pick.
2. Cornerback – Fred Smoot had a tumultuous season, he was temporarily benched and broke his jaw in a car accident at the end of the season. Opposing teams constantly tested (averaging 37 attempts per game) and beat the Vikings secondary. The team’s cap space should allow them to pursue a top-notch DB via free agency.
3. Defensive End – The team was extraordinary against the run but managed only 30 sacks. Starter Erasmus James missed most of the season with a torn ACL and the team will probably replace Kenechi Udeze.
2007 Draft Picks:
1st Round — 7th Overall
2nd Round — 41st Overall
3rd Round — 72nd Overall
4th Round — 102nd Overall
5th Round — 136th Overall
6th Round — 167th Overall
7th Round — No pick
Free agency status:
UFA:
LB Jason Glenn
LB E.J. Henderson
WR Bethel Johnson
DT Ross Kolodziej
WR Billy McMullen
WR Travis Taylor
OG Jason Whittle
S Tank Williams
RFA:
S Rashad Baker
LB Rod Davis
TE Jeff Dugan
OG Anthony Herrera
DT Spencer Johnson
FB Richard Owens
RB Artose Pinner
DE Darrion Scott
ERFA:
LB Heath Farwell
CB Will Hunter
P Chris Kluwe
Edit: This blog was archived in May of 2016 from our original articles database.It was originally posted by Stephen Zorio