2007 Outlook:

The Vikings return for 2007 after a disappointing 2006 campaign. Coach Childress is entering his second season at the helm and has made some solid personnel decisions this off-season. The problem at QB is glaring, but the addition of Peterson to complement Taylor and the fact that the Vikes boast one of the best O-lines in the league will help whichever of the inexperienced slingers earns the job. The Vikes defense made long strides last season and should be just as effective this season. It will be up to the big uglies to keep the Vikings in games this season as they will rely heavily on their offensive line and entire defensive unit.

2007 Draft Review:

What a spectacular draft for the Vikings. They get a franchise back in Peterson and immediate help at the wide receivers position in Rice. Their best pick may have been Marcus McCauley. McCauley will be able to come in and help out at the nickel spot as the team has to replace Fred Smoot. In the later rounds, the Vikes did a good job of finding some raw talent that could turn into quality contributors in the future. The Vikings earn an A for their draft.

Key Acquisition:

The Vikes went out into free agency to look for help at the WR position. The additions of Wade and Hankton should provide them with some speed and depth on the ends. The best addition to this team however was the signing of Mike Doss away from the Super Bowl champion Colts. Doss brings a hard hitting mentality and strong leadership skills to a defense that finished 7th last year. His presence will immediately alleviate the departure of Fred Smoot.

Key Departure:

The loss of QB Brad Johnson may not result in a drop in raw talent, but the crafty veteran was a leader at the position for the offense. While Johnson struggled last season with his TD/INT ratio, so did Tavaris Jackson upon replacing him. Without the tutelage of Johnson, it will be up to Bollinger and Jackson to lean on each other for help throughout the season.

Offensive Preview:

The Vikings offense enters 2007 with one of the best offensive lines in football. A key to any offense, the anchoring by Birk, McKinnie, and Hutchinson will provide massive holes for Taylor and Peterson to navigate and time in the pocket for Jackson and Bollinger. The inexperience at QB is difficult to ignore, however the quality running game and offensive line play will make the transition of a new QB much easier. If Jackson and Bollinger can prove to be efficient at the least, the Vikings could suprise some clubs this season. Look for the Vikings to have the 21-22 ranked offense in the NFL next season.

Defensive/Special Teams Preview:

The Vikes defense proved to be one of the best in the league last season. Very strong against the run, the team looked to free agency to improve upon their secondary. Smoot is gone, but the addition of Doss will have opposing receivers full of intimidation as they stare down Doss and Sharper at the safety positions. The defensive line played exceptional last season and gets a boost with the return of Erasmus James. This defense should be improved this season and will likely turn in a top 8 seasons' work. Ryan Longwell had another efficient season connecting on 84% of his field goals.

Season Prediction:

Time and time again, teams have been shown that it takes a quality leader at the QB position to win in the NFL. While Brad Johnson may have not been the flashiest of QBs, his leadership skills were well documented. The Vikings season will depend on the development of Jackson and Bollinger. If Taylor and Peterson can keep the pressure off the young QBs, the Vikings could find some success, however they are likely a season, or perhaps even two, away from seriously competing.

Projected Finish

6 Wins, 10 Losses (4th NFC North)

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