https://www.nfl.com/news/nfc-north-proj ... r-packers-The offense is virtually unchanged. The Vikings do not look like a squad in Year 1 of a regime change at coach and GM after seasons of mediocrity.
Continuity is usually a great thing, but I have mixed feelings here. The Vikings are counting on new coach Kevin O'Connell to change this attack.
The biggest turning point of the Vikings' offseason came when they traded down from the 12th overall pick in the draft, passing on a chance to select Jameson Williams. After another trade down in Round 2, the extra pick turned into Ed Ingram (No. 59 overall), whom I've projected to start at guard.
It's not a surprise the Vikings addressed their interior offensive line. That remains the biggest question mark on the team and should concern anyone who doesn't like watching Kirk Cousins throw passes into the ground because of quick pressure up the middle.
Adding Williams would have made this skill position group loaded. It's still quite good. K.J. Osborn was a revelation last year as a No. 3 receiver, making almost as many big plays as Adam Thielen.
Irv Smith Jr. could put this group on another level. He missed all of last season with a knee injury and has gained just 676 yards in his career, yet his movement and ball skills give him the potential to be a top tight end.
That's a fine-looking defense on paper and a better indication of where the organization is headed under new GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah.
The secondary should be extremely versatile and able to mix and match against any offense. Chandon Sullivan is projected as the starting slot cornerback, although I listed three safeties getting the most snaps as a nod to Camryn Bynum's terrific rookie season.
Andrew Booth Jr., a second-round pick, struggled to stay healthy at Clemson and underwent surgery on a sports hernia in March. He might not be a full participant until training camp, so Cameron Dantzler could have the early inside track to start opposite Patrick Peterson.
That's a good-looking defensive line and linebacker group. Third-round pick Brian Asamoah will try to take some of Jordan Hicks' snaps.
Danielle Hunter and Za'Darius Smith are the biggest boom-or-bust part of this roster. If healthy, they could be one of the best tandems in football. Hunter has played just 384 snaps in the last two years combined, however, and Smith missed nearly all of last season with back issues.
In the AFC, this roster would get lost in the shuffle. In the NFC, the Vikings have a chance to get back to the playoffs if a few variables break right. (Most notably: Was O'Connell a good hire?)
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