Vikings' Free Agent Needs to Address After the Draft

Already enduring a turbulent offseason, there were tempered expectations for the Minnesota Vikings entering the NFL Draft. Surprisingly enough, however, general manager Rick Spielman and head coach Mike Zimmer did better than most were expecting.

They were incredibly fortunate that LSU wide receiver Justin Jefferson fell to them at No. 22 overall, but we can't hold that against them. In terms of value, the selection of TCU cornerback Jeff Gladney at No. 29 overall was another solid pick.

The Vikings continued to make high upside picks in to the middle and later rounds, but they still have a couple of holes to fill in free agency. Here are the team's three biggest needs following the draft.

3. Defensive End

The Minnesota Vikings opted not to retain DE Everson Griffen this offseason / Sean Gardner/Getty Images

Yes, we know that the Vikings still have stud Danielle Hunter, but they didn't really do much to address of the departure of fellow star Everson Griffen, who racked up eight sacks and 24 quarterback hits in 2019. While fans approve of the fourth-round selection of South Carolina product DJ Wonnum, it's a long shot that he contributes much as a rookie. A free agent addition would go a long way to filling the void left in Griffen's wake.

2. Offensive Line

Minnesota Vikings pre-snap against the Detroit Lions / Stephen Maturen/Getty Images

To be more specific, the Vikings are thin at offensive guard following the offseason release of veteran Josh Kline. Behind him, the team has Pat Elflein and Dru Samia on the depth chart. Neither player inspires much confidence. That's what makes Minnesota's delay at drafting a guard so shocking, and the pick -- Washburn product Kyle Hinton -- was questionable, at best. The Vikings adding a versatile OL in free agency should be a priority between now and the start of camp.

1. Cornerback

TCU CB Jeff Gladney at the 2020 NFL Draft Combine / Joe Robbins/Getty Images

A lot will be riding on the shoulders of Gladney as a rookie. The Vikings famously parted ways with former star CB Xavier Rhodes after a disastrous 2019 campaign. That might see the former Horned Frog penciled in as Minnesota's No. 1 corner entering camp. 2018 first-round pick Mike Hughes, who's started just five games in his first two seasons, is also a starter as things stand. The Vikings really have no choice but to browse free agency for cornerback help.