Off-Season

NFL Offseason Fixer-Uppers: Three Positions Vikings Must Improve in 2023

In an ongoing offseason series, experts from The 33rd Team offer three things each team can do to improve in 2023. 

AFC: BAL | BUF | CIN | CLE | HOU | IND | JAX | KC | LAC | LV | MIA | NE | NYJ | PIT | TEN
NFC: ATL | CARDAL | DET | GB | LAR | NYG | PHI | SEA | SF | TB

Here is my list of three things that would improve the Minnesota Vikings

3 Ways to Improve Vikings

1. Fix Cornerback Position

Cornerback has to be the No. 1 issue this Vikings defense needs to address. There’s all this talk about the Vikings’ defense needing to play more man coverage and be more aggressive, but you can’t do that unless you have cornerbacks that will be solid and tight in man coverage. 

You can’t just play man coverage with guys that aren’t great at it. I know they got some good play from some younger players as the season went on. I don’t expect Patrick Peterson to be back. They’ll need to add a cornerback in free agency, and they’ll probably need to add one in the draft to have some depth at that position.

>> READ: The 33rd Team’s 2023 NFL Draft Big Board

We saw all of the injuries Cameron Dantzler had last year (played in just 10 games). He played solidly late in the season, but he couldn’t stay healthy for most of 2022. 

2. Address Interior Defensive Line 

Danielle Hunter and Za’Darius Smith are solid on the outside. They have got to get a twitchier player on the interior of the defensive line. You saw some good push from Dalvin Tomlinson and Harrison Phillips when those guys were fresh.

But if you don’t have that depth, or you don’t have that guy that’s twitchier, who can get into gaps with his first step and close on quarterbacks and running backs, you’ll struggle. So, they’re going to need to add somebody on the interior as well.

 3. Upgrade Linebacker Spot

Eric Kendricks has done some great things for this defense, but he looks a step slower and hasn’t been as physical as we’ve seen him in the past. They need to add at least one linebacker and maybe even replace Jordan Hicks, who just came in free agency last year. 

Those are the three areas they need to improve. People talk about quarterback Kirk Cousins and the possibility of getting rid of running back Dalvin Cook. I just don’t see those moves being viable options. It’s going to be a tough decision for what they’re gonna do with receiver Adam Thielen.

AP Offensive Player of the Year Justin Jefferson needs a more explosive threat next to him, so they should probably add someone in free agency. It’s not a great draft class for receivers, especially with where the Vikings are picking (23rd overall) and their needs on defense. 

>> READ: Vikings Need Defensive Overhaul

Robert Smith is a former NFL running back for the Minnesota Vikings and a two-time Pro Bowler. His career with the Vikings earned him a spot on the 50 Greatest Vikings list. Follow him on Twitter at @Robert26Smith.

Breakdowns

Cam’s Corner: Saints vs. Browns, Nick Bosa, Best Sacks of Week 16

Cam Jordan talks about the record-cold temperatures the Saints faced in Cleveland this past weekend, how the Saints’ defensive line stepped up to earn a win over the Browns, and his favorite quarterback hits from across the league in Week 16.

NFL Week 14 Betting: Odds, Spreads, Picks, Predictions for Vikings vs. Lions

NFL Week 14 Betting: Odds, Spreads, Picks, Predictions for Vikings vs. Lions
Minnesota Vikings (10-2) at Detroit Lions (5-7) Opening Spread: Lions +1. Opening Game Total: 53. Opening Team Totals: Lions (26), Vikings (27). Weather: Dome. The Line Report This line opened as Lions +1. This line has moved to Lions -2.5. DraftKings Pick’Em has the Lions -2.5. Circa Sports Millions Pro Football Contest has the Lions […]

Read More

Breakdowns

Cam’s Corner: Nick Bosa, Ed Oliver Highlight Best Sacks In Week 10

Cam Jordan breaks down the most impressive sacks from Week 10 in the NFL, including a demonstration of teamwork making the dream work in Buffalo. Plus, Jordan previews the Saints’ upcoming matchup with the Los Angeles Rams.

Video

20-Sack Season Within Reach For Vikings Pass Rusher Danielle Hunter

Coming off a neck injury in 2020, Vikings defensive end Danielle Hunter got off to a torrid pace last year before suffering another season-ending injury (torn pectoral muscle). He now enters this season fresh, which has The 33rd Team’s Chris Long thinking Hunter can have a career year, perhaps even make a run at the NFL single-season sack record held by Michael Strahan and T.J. Watt (22.5).

Scroll to the Top