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Minnesota Vikings: 5 offseason needs

By Parker Hurley

Oct 9, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer looks on prior to the game against the Houston Texans at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 9, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer looks on prior to the game against the Houston Texans at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 20, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensiive lineman Sharrif Floyd (73) gets introduced before the game against the Chicago Bears at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 20, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensiive lineman Sharrif Floyd (73) gets introduced before the game against the Chicago Bears at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Defensive Line

Sharrif Floyd was yet another Viking who was struck by the injury bug in 2016. Floyd, being a former first-round pick, missed 15 games in 2016, and his career has yet to take off in his four seasons in the league. He enters year five, a contract year, and it could really go either way for him.

Linval Joseph is a monster on the inside, but they need a man to stay in beside him, and depth to rotate in. Tom Johnson and Shamar Stephen stepped in for those roles, but both could easily be replaced this offseason. Like linebacker, this may not be the biggest need right now, and they have to be careful with their resources.

If they were to draft this position early, it would be a best player available type of pick. Otherwise, they will look to a late round, and hope to groom a player with a chance to start in 2018. However, this is most likely be a position that would best be addressed via free agency.

Kyle Love is an interesting name on the market. He was a rotational tackle for the Panthers, and has had success coming in for Kawann Short and Star Lotulelei. Love is a veteran who can start if needed, but can fill in for meaningful snaps if Floyd can stay in the lineup. He is the type of player they need to find to hit this need.

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