2011 NFL Draft Needs: Minnesota Vikings

With the Brett Favre saga finally behind them, (wink wink) the Minnesota Vikings can finally turn the page to the next chapter of their franchise. After finishing with a 13-5 record in 2009-10, the Vikings took a major step back this past season. Following an embarrassing week 10 loss to the Chicago Bears, the team fired Brad Childress and named defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier as the interim coach. Frazier took control of the team and guided them to a 3-3 record over their final six games and Minnesota finished the season with a dismal 6-10 mark.

The biggest struggle last season came from the quarterback position where Favre was no where near his form of 2009-10. After an injury to Favre late in the season, the Vikings turned to Tavaris Jackson and he fared no better until he eventually got hurt himself. Enter Joe Webb who used his athleticism to guide Minnesota to an upset win over the Philadelphia Eagles late in the season. So where does that leave Frazier, the newly anointed coach, and the Vikings at quarterback? The answer is simple: still searching for answers.

1. Quarterback: Favre finished the season with only 11 touchdowns and with an offense that was loaded with talent at the skilled positions that is unacceptable. Missing Sidney Rice for the majority of the season hurt Favre, but with Percy Harvin and Visanthe Shiancoe he still had weapons. If a new CBA can be reached don’t be surprised if Frazier chooses to bring in a quarterback via trade or free agency. Vince Young is one name that has been rumored to Minnesota because of Frazier’s ability to connect with his players. Even if they sign or trade for a signal caller look for them to draft one at some point.

2. Defensive line: The Vikings can use help at both end and tackle along the defensive line. What once was a dominant line a few years ago started to show its age last season and an infusion of youth is needed. Pat Williams and Ray Edwards are free agents and there is a possibility neither of them return. Jared Allen saw a dip in his stats last year, but he still finished with 11 sacks. Frazier will have plenty of interesting options to consider at both defensive line positions in the draft.

3. Cornerback: After meniscus tears in both knees ended rookie Chris Cook’s season early, the Vikings still have plenty of question marks at the cornerback position heading into next season. Cook, who saw action in only six games in 2010, will look to get back to the form that made him the 34th overall pick in 2010. Minnesota still has 12-year veteran Antoine Winfield, who has been a stalwart at the corner position since he came over from Buffalo in 2004. Winfield, arguably the best tackling corner in football, isn’t getting any younger and adding some depth to the position is a must.