Vikings position-by-position snapshots
Posted: Tue Apr 29, 2014 9:19 am
Offensive line: http://www.startribune.com/sports/vikin ... um=twitter
DON’T FORGET ABOUT: Baca. He looked raw as a sixth-round pick a year ago. Most of his rookie development at guard unfolded during closed practices, so we won't be able to judge him until training camp and the preseason. If he truly made progress, as the team has said, he may challenge Johnson at left guard.
LEVEL OF NEED: Moderate. There are bigger needs, particularly on defense. That’s why the Vikings re-signed Johnson. They weren’t enamored with his 2013 season, but considered him good enough to bring back so they weren’t forced to reach for a guard
Running backs: http://www.startribune.com/sports/vikin ... 15331.htmlFIVE PROSPECTS TO REMEMBER: LSU redshirt-sophomore guard Trai Turner, Furman guard Dakota Dozier, Ohio State center Corey Linsley, Wisconsin guard Ryan Groy and former University of Miami and Cretin-Derham Hall tackle Seantrel Henderson. Henderson, once a top prospect, has taken a hard fall through the years and has admitted that marijuana use led to multiple suspensions at Miami. But he’s still 6-8, 345 pounds. Someone will think they can fix him.
DON’T FORGET ABOUT: Banyard, signed as a street free agent in 2012, is not the fastest back, but he’s a willing inside runner who reads his blocks well. He got lost in the shuffle behind Asiata last season, but he will get an opportunity to prove himself to the new coaching staff.
LEVEL OF NEED: Moderate. Peterson is still the best running back in the game, but Father Time eventually tackles every man, and he does it sooner with running backs than any other position. The Vikings need a reliable backup. Finding Peterson’s eventual replacement would be a bonus.
OUR BEST GUESS: The Vikings will take a running back, perhaps as early as the third round.