The 2022 NFL season has gotten off to a fast start for the Minnesota Vikings. They are 5-1 through the first six weeks of the season and in first place in the NFC North.
However, despite their accomplishments, they can still do better. The Vikings offence, led by Kirk Cousins, averages only 242 passing yards a contest. The majority of these receiving yards have gone to Justin Jefferson, a third-year wide receiver. He has 46 total receptions for 654 receiving yards and two touchdowns through six games.
They have only gained 587 yards running and are averaging 97.8 rushing yards per game. This team has fallen short of expectations with a backfield that consists of Alexander Mattison and Dalvin Cook.
Additionally, the Vikings have struggled a bit on the defensive side of the ball. In four of their six games, they have given up at least 22 points, but no team has scored more than 30 points against this squad.
Against the Vikings, opposing offences have had success throwing the ball. Each game, the defence allows 272 passing yards. Additionally, they give up 8.4 yards per attempt.
Additionally, the Vikings’ run defence has not been as strong as it once was. They have surrendered 675 total running yards and 8 rushing touchdowns. The average rushing yardage for opposing teams is 112.5 per game and 4.3 per carry.
The Vikings appear to be positioned for success right now with a new coaching staff in place and field success. But to ensure that they can stand up over the course of a long season, they might need depth in a number of different areas.
The Vikings might be seeking to make some deals before the trade deadline since a number of teams may be planning to embark on a rebuild. If so, by next month this roster might have changed substantially.
The Vikings might acquire any of these two players before the trade deadline.
2. Albert Okwuegbunam, TE, Broncos
This season, the Vikings offence has struggled at the tight end position. Irv Smith has occasionally lacked consistency. He has 18 receptions for 140 receiving yards and two touchdowns through six games.
On this Vikings offence, Johnny Mundt has had his moments after Smith. 11 receptions for 75 receiving yards have been recorded by him.
Adding another tight end might be what the Vikings need to do if they want to strengthen their offensive line. Albert Okwuegbunam, a tight end with the Denver Broncos, would be the ideal addition.
Okwuegbunam was held in high regard by the Broncos offence going into the regular season. But regrettably, he hasn’t been that effective, much like the majority of the Broncos offence.
Okwuegbunam had only seven receptions for 50 receiving yards in the first five games of his season. In every game this season, he has played in fewer than 70% of the plays due to his difficulty getting on the field.
There is potential for Okwuegbunam. He might only require a change of scenery to perform at his best. With the play callers in place, the Vikings offence, which has occasionally looked elite, may be able to free up Okwuegbunam.
1. William Jackson III, CB, Commanders
This season, the Vikings secondary has performed well under Patrick Peterson’s leadership. But at cornerback, they are lacking a true superstar.
Peterson formerly possessed the distinction of being among the NFL’s finest players, but in his 12th season, he is no longer the same athlete. through the season’s first six games. In total, he has made 25 tackles, seven passes have been deflected, and one interception. The senior defender could feel less pressure if there was another veteran next to him.
William Jackson III, a cornerback for the Washington Commanders, may be difficult to sign because of his contract. He does, however, have star potential and appears to be searching for a new squad.
Jackson has been a dependable player in the secondary ever since he was selected in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft. He has 205 total tackles, 51 passes defended, and 5 interceptions during his 75 career games. He has double-digit passes defended in three of his five seasons.
Jackson is currently experiencing back pain, which may contribute to the delay in moving him. However, it’s possible it won’t be enough to stop the Vikings from enlisting him. He might still have a lot of good football left in him at the age of 29.
The addition of Jackson might be what the Vikings need to strengthen their defence if they want to win right away.
Prior to the 2022 NFL trade deadline, the Vikings have two transactions to complete.
