Lunchbreak: Breaking Down 2019 NFC North Battle

Viktor

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Mar 19, 2019
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ESPN tabs roster ‘holes’ for all 32 NFL teams


The Vikings have now bolstered and added to their roster through free agency, the NFL Draft and the undrafted free agent pool.


Are there any spots on Minnesota’s roster heading into the 2019 season that could use further strengthening?


ESPN recently took a look at each of the NFL’s 32 teams and opined what their biggest “hole” is at this point in the offseason. Derrik Klassen tackled the NFC North and spotlighted the Vikings wide receiver group. He wrote:


Stefon Diggs and Adam Thielen are arguably the best, most versatile duo in the league. Either one could be a regular All-Pro selection if they were not eating at each other’s production. The group behind those two, however, leaves more to be desired.


Klassen pointed out that Minnesota drafted Dillon Mitchell and Olabisi Johnson in the seventh round but that it could be “overzealous” to expect them to be heavy contributors right off the bat. According to Klassen, perhaps the Vikings will implement more 12 personnel this season under Offensive Coordinator Kevin Stefanski and Assistant Head Coach/Offensive Advisor Gary Kubiak.


It would not be surprising to see the Vikings favor two-tight end sets with veteran Kyle Rudolph and rookie Irv Smith, Jr., to offset the issue of receiver depth.


Klassen said the Packers, on the other hand, are lacking pass-catchers in general and could use some additional help at receiver and tight end. He wrote that “aside from Pro Bowler Davante Adams, the Packers wide receiver corps is thin and inexperienced.”


Looking at the Bears and Lions, Klassen pointed to “defensive front depth” and right guard, respectively, as the rival teams’ biggest needs.


Vikings CB competing to be fastest NFL player


During the break between minicamp and Vikings Training Camp, cornerback Trae Waynes – who ran a 4.31 40-yard dash at the 2015 NFL Combine – will compete with other players from the around the league in a race (literally) to crown one individual as the NFL’s fastest player.


According to a commercial tweeted by former NFL wide receiver Chad Johnson, who appears to be hosting the special, Waynes will be joined by a number of other speedsters, including safety Kevin Byard, receiver Corey Coleman, receiver Ted Ginn, Jr., cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and receiver Robby Anderson.
 
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