With The First Pick
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Minnesota Vikings Offseason Review

By Jon Dove

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - FEBRUARY 02: NFL player Kirk Cousins of Washington Redskins attends SiriusXM at Super Bowl LII Radio Row at the Mall of America on February 2, 2018 in Bloomington, Minnesota. (Photo by Cindy Ord/Getty Images for SiriusXM)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - FEBRUARY 02: NFL player Kirk Cousins of Washington Redskins attends SiriusXM at Super Bowl LII Radio Row at the Mall of America on February 2, 2018 in Bloomington, Minnesota. (Photo by Cindy Ord/Getty Images for SiriusXM) /
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The Minnesota Vikings had a very splashy offseason that they hope brings them a step closer to a Super Bowl title.

One of the bigger storylines over the past few seasons has been the contract of Kirk Cousins. It finally played out where the Washington Redskins allowed him to hit the open market and the Minnesota Vikings pounced.

Cousins gives the Vikings a proven player at the quarterback position. He is a steady performer who has improved each year in the league. His high completion percentage is the first thing that jumps out.

Look for Minnesota to continue to run a balanced offense, but also allow Cousins to find a rhythm early in the season.

The Vikings quarterback room looks completely different with Trevor Siemian taking over the backup duties. It’s crazy to see how different this position will look with Sam Bradford, Case Keenum and Teddy Bridgewater all on different teams.

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Minnesota’s offensive weapons haven’t changed much from last year. Kendall Wright was brought into serve as a the No. 3 or 4 receiver.

The bigger additions came on the offensive line with rookie Brian O’Neill and veteran Tom Compton brought on board. Compton is mainly a depth piece, but there’s an outside chance he wins a starting job at either guard or right tackle.

O’Neill is an extremely athletic offensive lineman who has some developing ahead. He isn’t ready to be an immediate contributor, but has some big-time potential.

Minnesota’s defense was a top-notch unit last year and added some major pieces this offseason. The biggest name brought on board was Sheldon Richardson who has flash elite ability. He’s someone who can provide pressure up the middle and sound run support.

Rookie Jayln Holmes is a developing pass rusher who could see some time in sub-packages. However, he also works as a long-term depth piece.

The Vikings used their 1st round pick on cornerback Mike Hughes. He’s a feisty playmaker who should earn early playing time. Hughes is also an accomplished return man and will see action in that roll.

A sleeper addition is undrafted rookie Holton Hill. His off-field issues resulted in him not being drafted, but he’s someone who has a lot of talent.

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