Lunchbreak: Vikings O-Line Tabbed as NFL's Most-Improved Unit by PFF

[Viktor]

Vinnie Iyer of Sporting News placed the Vikings in the 12th spot in his rankings, an impressive 10-spot rise from before the draft.


The Vikings got plenty of immediate help to shore up some disappointing weaknesses from last season and they also stashed a little for the future, both at quarterback and for their steady defensive rebuild. They look on track to bounce back as a Wild Card team.


The other analysts nearly had the Vikings landing in the same spot in their editions.


Pete Prisco of CBS Sports positioned Minnesota at No. 16 in his power rankings.


The Vikings have had a good offseason re-stocking the roster. They're bigger on the offensive line — which they had to do — and they've added some nice pieces on defense. Mike Zimmer will have this team back in the playoff hunt.


Dan Hanzus of NFL.com also released his post-draft power rankings, slotting Minnesota in the 17th spot, the same position they were entering the draft in his post-free agency rankings.


Hanzus, who said quarterback Kirk Cousins will benefit from some new linemen around him, wrote:


We don't imagine [Cousins] will lose snaps to third-round pick Kellen Mond in 2021. In fact, this draft went quite well for Cousins, who witnessed a significant talent infusion at pass protection with the arrival of tackle Christian Darrisaw (23rd overall) and interior lineman Wyatt Davis (third round). Minnesota traded down in the first round, gaining a pair of third-round picks from the Jets to move back nine spots in the draft. Coming out of Thursday night with extra picks and a potential stud at tackle in Darrisaw counts as a big win.