Biggest remaining needs for each NFC North team

Minnesota Vikings – Third-down back

The Vikings had a magical run last season, capped off with the Minneapolis Miracle to beat the Saints in the Divisional Round on a 61-yard catch-and-run by Stefon Diggs. Unfortunately, all that magic went away a week later, when they were blown out 38-7 in Philadelphia in the NFC Championship Game.

I believe Minnesota still have the most well-rounded, disciplined defenses in the league. However, they understood that they are not quite there with their offensive attack. That’s why they handed out the league’s first fully guaranteed 84-million dollar contract to free agent quarterback Kirk Cousins. Their offensive line saw a massive improvement last season and they had the premiere wide receiving duo with Stefon Diggs and Adam Thielen, plus a quality tight-end in Kyle Rudolph.

I expect Dalvin Cook to build on last year’s shortened success in the league and have a monster season in his sophomore campaign. However, the Vikings lost Jerrick McKinnon to the 49ers in free agency. I don’t see another back with a pass-catching role on that offense, with Latavius Murray being more of a short-yardage and goal-line option.

Kirk Cousins loved having Chris Thompson alongside him in the backfield on third downs with the Redskins and he was heavily featured in the passing game. McKinnon was on the field for 47 percent of the Vikes’ offensive snaps and he would have definitely had a significant role again. The third veteran halfback they have on their roster is Mack Brown, who has one career reception. The guy who might develop into a pass-catcher out of the backfield is rookie Roc Thomas.

The former top-five RB recruit caught 37 passes for JSU last season, although he didn’t put much effort into his pass pro.