Offense
The first year of head coach Brad Childress's tenure will be with a 38-year-old quarterback. Brad Johnson is now at the helm after the trade of Daunte Culpepper. Surrounding him will be an untested wide receiving corps and another year of running back-by-committee.
The offensive line will certainly be better with the free agent signing of Steve Hutchinson. As great as he is, there is no question that they overpaid for a guard. Many think new running back Chester Taylor will be a steal, but that remains to be seen. He certainly showed flashes as the backup to Jamal Lewis in Baltimore.
Last year at this time, wide receiver Nate Burleson was considered a rising star who could successfully fill the shoes of Randy Moss. After an injury-plagued and disappointing season he is gone and all eyes now turn to second-year pro Troy Williamson. He has sprinter's speed and big-time talent. Now he needs to prove that he warranted the seventh-overall selection.
They also drafted Alabama State project Tarvaris Jackson in the second round this year to be Johnson's successor. He is terribly raw but coach Brad Childress must be chomping at the bit to get him some real coaching.
Defense
New defensive coordinator Mike Tomlin is implementing the cover-2 that he used to great success in Tampa Bay. He has the young, athletic pieces to make it work. The line is loaded and should be an absolute force.
Pat Williams was the MVP of the defense last year and Kevin Williams may be the best pass rushing tackle in the NFL. The ends are quick and explosive and they have the depth to rotate playmakers in and out of the line. Both Erasmus James and Kenechi Udeze have double digit sack potential.
The linebacking corps is where the questions lay. They overpaid for Ben Leber in free agency but he is solid and makes few mistakes. E.J. Henderson played well on the outside last year but they may need to move him back to the middle. First-round pick Chad Greenway is athletic and cerebral and just what they need to solidify the group.
Cornerback Fred Smoot was a disappointment last season and was beat deep often. He should regroup and form a very solid tandem with the tough Antoine Winfield. They also drafted Texas CB Cedric Griffin in the second round to be the nickelback. Safety Darren Sharper exceeded expectations and was great last year. The team hopes new acquisition Tank Williams can overcome injuries and have the same effect.
Synopsis
Brad Childress brings a no-nonsense attitude to a team that was accustomed to the laid-back ways of Mike Tice. The defense could be dominant if the linebackers contribute. If Chester Taylor and Mewelde Moore can carry the running game behind a strong offensive line it can open up the passing game for budding star Troy Williamson.
However, if the Vikings turn to Tarvaris Jackson at anytime in the season it is a terrible sign. I forecast a 9-7 record with a possible Wild Card berth. But if Johnson really surprises they could make a run at the Chicago Bears.