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Vikings biggest needs after first waves of free agency are minimal, yet clear going into the NFL Draft

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Tyler Forness | Last updated Mar 22, 2025 9:18 AM ET

The Minnesota Vikings have dominated free agency over the first week and a half. General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah has been aggressive in fortifying the roster's biggest needs. He's done such a good job that you can argue the Vikings don't have a single dire need remaining.

Even though the Vikings have filled their major needs, it doesn't take away from the needs they do have. All of them are secondary and won't be a huge deal if they don't get it addressed with one of their NFL Draft picks.

As of now, the needs for the Vikings aren't as clearly defined, but they do still have things they need to improve upon before the seasons begins.

Vikings biggest remaining needs

6. WR3 competition

The need for depth at wide receiver is one that could be a little higher, but this is specifically talking about the WR3 spot occupied by Jalen Nailor, He was solid last year, but the inconsistencies were real. This could come from a day three pick or even a first-round pick that I had in my latest mock draft.

5. Safety depth

The top three in the safety room are solid and Jay Ward is a player they are still high on. Even so, Harrison Smith is year-to-year and Josh Metellus is set to be a free agent. With Brian Flores using a lot of three safety personnel packages, getting another player in the room will be important, and it could come in the first round.

4. TE3

The tight end three spot is more about finding a player to have in the room than needing someone to grow and develop. Nick Muse and Johnny Mundt have both moved on from the Vikings. Having another option available either with a veteran presence or young player to develop should happen quickly.

3. LG competition

The offensive line got a major revamp this offseason with center Ryan Kelly and right guard Will Fries replacing Garrett Bradbury and Ed Ingram. Even so, they could use more depth and potential competition for Blake Brandel, as his season in 2024 was very inconsistent. There have been some discussions about taking that guy in the first round, which would be quite a statement from general manager KwesiAdofo-Mensah.

2. Youth at DT

Similarly to the interior of the offensive line, the defensive line got a lot stronger with the additions of Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave made the unit significantly better, but there is a slight issue: the entire starting group is over the age of 30. Finding youth on the line with plus upside could easily happen in the first round and, with the depth at the position, it probably should.

1. Upside at CB

The Vikings are relatively young at cornerback with Byron Murphy Jr., Mekhi Blackmon, and Isaiah Rodgers. However, there isn't a ton of upside at the position right now. Adding an elite prospect at the position to compete in year one while having the upside to be the guy in year two and beyond is an attractive piece for the Vikings.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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