Our Editor in Chief Andrew Mackens brings his take on the Minnesota Vikings offseason to the table. Let us know on Twitter what other types of content you’d like to see from the team!
The Minnesota Vikings’ Super Bowl window is closing fast. Two of the past three years, they upset the New Orleans Saints and crushed the dreams of an entire region, only to be crushed themselves by true Super Bowl contenders the week thereafter (Philadelphia Eagles in 2017 and San Francisco 49ers in 2019.)
Offseason Moves
The Vikings are nothing if not resilient, however. While they lost some big names on defense (Everson Griffen, Linval Joseph, Xavier Rhodes, Trae Waynes) and traded away stud wide receiver Stefon Diggs, the Vikings seem confident in maintaining continuity at the top while reloading the roster with young talent.
Their triumvirate of General Manager Rick Spielman, Head Coach Mike Zimmer, and Quarterback Kirk Cousins all received multi-year extensions this offseason. With multiple picks in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft following the Diggs trade, the Vikings selected LSU standout Justin Jefferson to fill Diggs’ shoes, along with TCU cornerback Jeff Gladney to bolster their secondary. Given the sheer number of moves made for the Vikings this offseason, I’m more skeptical than optimistic about their chances of making a playoff run in 2020.
Running Back
It’s no secret the Vikings offense will run through Gary Kubiak’s scheme, which will continue to benefit Dalvin Cook immensely. But as we get closer and closer to the start of the season, training camp whispers and historical health concerns for Dalvin Cook have many fading him in the front half of the first round in fantasy drafts.
As I pointed out earlier this offseason, it’s not unreasonable to fade Dalvin Cook given the combination of contract situation, health, and the presence of Alexander Mattison. Having said that, Cook is still a 1st round fantasy pick and should be treated as such. It’s entirely possible he stays healthy and sees even more volume than last year.
Cook and Mattison (the latter of which is currently taking a lot of first team reps in camp) are both holds in Dynasty; their redraft ADP is worth monitoring to see where you can take advantage of a drop in position for Cook, or avoid a bump that puts Mattison too high given his current role.
Wide Receiver
With the departure of Stefon Diggs, the signing of former Titans WR Tajae Sharpe, and the addition of Justin Jefferson in the NFL draft, all signs point to Adam Thielen being the alpha in the Vikings’ pass game when they do throw. If Thielen gets right from last year’s injuries, he could easily becomes a target monster and achieve a WR1 season.
On the contrary, I see everything else in Minnesota and view the veteran as #UNdraftable. The fact of the matter is, injuries take a toll on the body, and Adam Thielen is not Julio Jones or Larry Fitzgerald. Thielen didn’t truly break out until his age 27 season, so in my mind the drop off in production at age 30 is significantly more likely for Thielen.
If you don’t believe me, take it from fellow Undroppable Randal Kennedy, who has a spicy take that Thielen won’t even have the most receptions on the team.
Thielen will receive top and/or double coverage for the first time.
Thielen is being drafted as WR9 overall. That's way too big a risk for me. Like AJ Green, if someone beats me with Adam Thielen, I tip my cap. But there are too many options I'd rather have in the 3.06 range pic.twitter.com/5MmMlofrh0
— Randal Kennedy 🇺🇸 (@FF_Terminator) August 18, 2020
If you could trade Adam Thielen for Justin Jefferson in your dynasty leagues right now, I would do it. Jefferson is intended to be the future of this team’s receiving core, whether Thielen is a part of it or not. He’s one to keep on your radar in redraft as the season starts.
I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention second-year receiver Bisi Johnson, who’s currently running with the first team in training camp. If he’s getting more looks than Jefferson Week 1, it may be a crap shoot to figure out which young gun (if either) can contribute significantly to your fantasy squad.
Tight End
The Vikings tight end room is another spot where we’re witnessing a changing of the guard. While Kyle Rudolph has seen success throughout his career in Minnesota, his production peaked four years ago. Furthermore, Irv Smith Jr. is waiting in the wings to take on the #1 TE mantle.
Irv Smith is poised to break out this season.
In 2019, the Vikings ran 12 personnel (2TE) on 34% of their plays. That was good for 363 offensive plays. That was second only to the Eagles (52% / 608 plays).
Year 2 breakouts for TEs happen for Age 21 rookies. pic.twitter.com/7BJjcNzEUI
— Sam Wallace (@SWallace_FF) August 18, 2020
While he hasn’t been the most popular breakout candidate in the fantasy community, signs of Smith’s talent and opportunity in an offense that utilizes 12 personnel (1 RB, 2 TEs, 2 WRs) more than most teams make him another guy to keep your eye on in redraft. As such, Smith is a high-upside hold in dynasty.
Final Thoughts
As someone who grew up in Green Bay, Wisconsin, it’s hard for me to find much else nice to say about the Vikings and their prospects as an exciting team to watch on NFL Sundays. If this team has any shot at reaching the promised land, it will be by the guidance of Head Coach Mike Zimmer and Offensive Coordinator Gary Kubiak. Only time will tell if their seemingly decimated defense will enable the style of play Zimmer prefers.
