EAGAN, Minn. — The Minnesota Vikings are banking on a new coaching staff to guide a talented team back to the playoffs.
They missed the cut the past two years and fired head coach Mike Zimmer and general manager Rick Spielman.
In their places are Kevin O’Connell and Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, respectively.
The Vikings have returned largely the same core of star players and key leaders, though outside linebacker Za’Darius Smith was the most notable offseason addition.
He’ll form a potent pass-rushing duo with Danielle Hunter.
However, depth at cornerback and the interior of the offensive line remain areas of concern.
MINNESOTA VIKINGS (8-9 in 2021-2022 season)
New faces: HC Kevin O'Connell, DC Ed Donatell, OLB Za'Darius Smith, DT Harrison Phillips, LB Jordan Hicks, G Ed Ingram Jr., S Lewis Cine, CB Chandon Sullivan, CB Andrew Booth Jr., TE Johnny Mundt, G Jesse Davis, OL Chris Reed.
Key losses: HC Mike Zimmer, LB Anthony Barr, S Xavier Woods, DT Sheldon Richardson, TE Tyler Conklin, CB Mackensie Alexander, DT Michael Pierce, LB Nick Vigil, TE Chris Herndon, T Rashod Hill, OL Mason Cole, WR Dede Westbrook.
Strengths: With WRs Justin Jefferson, Adam Thielen and K.J. Osborn to throw to and RB Dalvin Cook anchoring the backfield, QB Kirk Cousins will again have plenty of skill by his side. Smith and a healthy Danielle Hunter will make a formidable duo of edge rushers at OLB.
Weaknesses: After 12th-year veteran Patrick Peterson, the CB group is again unproven with Cameron Dantzler and Booth in the mix at the other starting spot in the base defense and Sullivan slotted as the nickel back. The interior OL remains a question mark, with C Garrett Bradbury in a contract year and the rookie Ingram on track to take over at RG.
Camp Development: Defensive leader Eric Kendricks quickly formed a strong bond with Hicks at LB, where Barr had played next to him for the past seven seasons. K Greg Joseph built off a decent 2021 season with a strong performance during open-to-the-public practices.
Fantasy Player to Watch: TE Irv Smith Jr. The third-year player missed most of training camp recovering from thumb surgery, after missing the 2021 season with a knee injury, but his speed and athleticism ought to give Cousins another viable option for the passing attack — particularly on third downs and inside the 20.
FanDuel Says: Win Super Bowl: 40-1. Over/under wins: 9½.
Expectations: The pressure on a first-year coach in O'Connell will be relatively low, but the Vikings eschewed a rebuild at what would have been a natural time to reset the roster under new GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and kept Cousins for at least another year or two. By firing Zimmer and GM Rick Spielman and bringing back the same core of stars and leaders that missed the playoffs each of the past two years, the Vikings have put the onus on O'Connell and his staff to get more out of the roster than his predecessor did.
