Viktor
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- Mar 19, 2019
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He also discussed the return of Michael Pierce who, after signing with the Vikings in free agency, opted out of the season due to health concerns related to COVID-19.
Beyond Hunter, the Vikings can expect that Pierce would be a significant improvement at defensive tackle, but they'll also likely bring in more competition for the three-technique spot, either via a cheap veteran in free agency or a Day 2 draft pick.
Even if the Vikings get Hunter and Pierce to play next season, it's also up in the air who plays at defensive end opposite Hunter. Ifeadi Odenigbo is a restricted free agent, and D.J. Wonnum, who earned his first career start Friday, will compete for one of the defensive end jobs, too.
This position has been in need of an upgrade all season, and that was never more apparent than in Friday's game against the Saints, when they were poor against the pass and even worse against the run.
Graff additionally proposed ways of improving Minnesota's offensive line, discussed possibilities of what the Vikings safety position group will look like and pondered which veterans from the team will be back in 2021.
Finally, he opined that the Vikings need to "improve the schemes" for next year.
This one is a bit more difficult to quantify, but an important part of any offseason is the coaching staff scouting themselves and searching for ways to improve. For the Vikings, it's not that their overall scheme is flawed, but it does need some fixes.
Jefferson remains PFF's highest-graded rookie heading into Week 17
Minnesota may not have met its team goals this season, but receiver Justin Jefferson certainly put an incredible rookie campaign in the books.