Lunchbreak: OL & CB Position Groups Lead NFL.com to Project Vikings as '1 of Highest Variance Teams'

[Viktor]

Rosenthal mentioned a similar floor and ceiling for Minnesota's cornerbacks group.


I'm fascinated to see Patrick Peterson in a different scheme, but he was not able to hold up last season in Arizona against No. 1 wideouts. He and Cameron Dantzler, who flashed as a rookie, are part of another boom-or-bust group on a team full of them.


Minnesota drafted receiver Ihmir Smith-Marsette out of Iowa with the 157th selection. And while Rosenthal didn't make any qualms about that pick, he did express surprise that the Vikings didn't tab a wideout earlier.


It was weird that the Vikings waited until the fifth round to draft a receiver this year. In a league where most teams are trying to find four quality wideouts, the Vikings looked content with two. (Albeit two great ones [in Adam Thielen and Justin Jefferson]). This group screams out for a late addition, whether in free agency over the next couple months or during training camp.


The Vikings don't have tremendous depth at safety right now, but nonetheless, Rosenthal likes the expected starting duo of Harrison Smith and new addition Xavier Woods.


Don't be surprised if Xavier Woods turns into a surprise Pro Bowl candidate. [Head Coach Mike] Zimmer's defense is a Candyland for smart safeties, and Woods is an underrated player.


Rosenthal didn't mince words in describing the Vikings roster, saying it has a "stars and scrubs feel."


I see the Vikings as one of the highest variance teams in the NFL. Eleven wins wouldn't be a shock; 11 losses wouldn't either.