If there is a weakness on this line, it would be right guard where the Vikings would like to find a replacement for the 35-year-old David Dixon. Center Cory Withrow and fourth-round draft pick Nat Dorsey, along with Afam Hayer and Adam Goldberg will provide the depth for this squad.
Defensive Line
Defensive tackles Kevin Williams and Chris Hovan will be key to making the Vikings new defense work. Williams will play the nose tackle while Hovan benefits from playing the gap this year. Williams has the strength to tie up blockers and Hovan possesses the quickness to shoot the gap and disrupt the offensive backfield. Steve Martin and Billy Lyons will play key backup roles.
The Vikings are potentially very good at defensive end, but with Kenny Mixon facing a possible suspension, they could be forced into starting two rookies on the outside. First-round draft pick Kenechi Udeze, who has the size to hold the point of attack on running plays and the explosiveness to be effective as a pass rusher, is already slated to start at right defensive end. If Mixon misses time, however, third-round rookie Darrion Scott could also be rushed into the lineup. Veterans Lance Johnstone and Chuckie Wylie will provide depth, and Nick Rogers will probably see spot duty as a situational edge rusher.
Linebackers
Linebacker could be the Achilles heel for this defense. For the most part, they are inexperienced and lack depth, and should SLB Chris Claiborne continue to be hampered by nagging injuries, it could set off a chain reaction.
Last year they were slow and allowed too many big plays to the outside. This year they are inexperienced and lack quality depth. You've got a second-year player in E.J. Henderson starting at MLB with rookie fifth-rounder Rod Davis backing him up. Very possibly Dontarrius Thomas, a rookie, could start on the weak side with a second-year player in Mike Nattiel backing him up. Claiborne is switching from the weak side to the strong side, but should he go down, the Vikings would probably turn to Raonall Smith.
Granted, there is some potential to be good here, but there is also potential for disaster.
Secondary
The addition of Antoine Winfield should fill one of the team’s biggest needs, giving the Vikings a shut-down corner who can also play the run. Brian Williams will move to the No. 2 corner position, where he should be more than adequate in coverage. Ken Irvin will come in in nickel situations, but after him they lack experience and quality depth. An unproven Rushen Jones will play the dime, while Horace Willis and Jermaine Mays provide the depth.
Minnesota’s starting safeties combined for an amazing 17 interceptions in 2003, but they could be hard-pressed to approach that number this year. Strong safety Corey Chavous is a smart player with a nose for the ball, and free safety Brian Russell always seems to be in the right place at the right time. Both guys are coming off career years and the Vikings are counting on them to keep this secondary solid. Willie Offord and Tyrone Carter, who played for Cottrell with the Jets, give Minnesota a pair of veteran backups.
Special Teams
The kicking end of the game could be a bit questionable for the Vikings. They seem content to go into the season with Aaron Elling as the placekicker, but he converted just 72% of his field goal attempts as a rookie. An increase in success is important in this area, as is the case at punter. The Vikings brought in 39-year old Darren Bennett to replace the inconsistent Eddie Johnson. Bennett lacks leg strength, but is good at placing the ball inside the 20-yard line and should be an improvement.
Minnesota does have excellent cover teams, but their return game could be questionable. Keenan Howry was inconsistent as a punt returner last year and rookie running back Mewelde Moore will be asked to handle the kickoff returns. Moore has potential, but if he struggles early, the Vikings will likely replace him.
