NFL Minnesota Vikings

2015 NFL Draft: Minnesota Vikings’ Top 5 Needs

Minnesota Vikings' Top 5 2015 NFL Draft Needs

Mike Zimmer Minnesota Vikings
Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

All things considered, Mike Zimmer's first season as head coach of the Minnesota Vikings has been a solid success. Despite multiple key injuries and the nearly season-long absence of running back Adrian Peterson, the team can still finish 7-9 with a win in Week 17.

General manager Rick Spielman has some specific areas to address this offseason, and here are the Vikings' top needs looking toward next spring's draft.

5. Running Back

Jerick McKinnon Minnesota Vikings
Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports

5. Running Back

Jerick McKinnon Minnesota Vikings
Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports

I'd like to see Jerick McKinnon get a chance to be the Vikings' No. 1 running back, with Peterson's future in doubt, but I can see the potential to add someone else to the backfield mix at some point during the draft.

4. Linebacker

Anthony Barr Minnesota Vikings
Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

4. Linebacker

Anthony Barr Minnesota Vikings
Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

2014 first-round pick Anthony Barr looks like a keeper, but outside of he and Chad Greenway the Vikings don't have a lot to hang their hat on at linebacker.

3. Safety

Harrison Smith Minnesota Vikings
Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

3. Safety

Harrison Smith Minnesota Vikings
Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

Free safety Harrison Smith is one of the Vikings' best defensive players, but a lack of consistent play at the other safety spot has been an issue over the last couple seasons.

2. Wide Receiver

Cordarrelle Patterson Minnesota Vikings
Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

2. Wide Receiver

Cordarrelle Patterson Minnesota Vikings
Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

Jarius Wright and Charles Johnson have shown signs they can be long-term contributors this year, but the underachievement of Cordarrelle Patterson makes adding a legit No. 1 wide receiver a top need for the Vikings.

1. Offensive Tackle

Matt Kalil Minnesota Vikings
Bruce Kluckhohn- USA TODAY Sports

1. Offensive Tackle

Matt Kalil Minnesota Vikings
Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

Injuries have hampered Minnesota's offensive line this season, but the struggles of left tackle Matt Kalil have stood out. Adding some competition for him, if not drafting his outright replacement, should be a priority.

Share Tweet