Cornerback: Although Antoine Winfield appears to be nearing a contract extension, as it stands now, Winfield and Cedric Griffin are in their final years of their respective contracts.  Therefore, Minnesota will likely look to shore up the position by adding some young talent to the secondary. 

Wide Receiver: Benard Berrian and Bobby Wade are solid starters. However, Sidney Rice was nowhere to be found last season. Look for the Vikings utilize the draft to upgrade their talent at wideout. 

Linebacker: When the Vikings lost E.J. Henderson last season, there really wasn’t anyone that stepped up in his place. In other words, they lack depth at linebacker. With that being said with Henderson coming back and the talent of Chad Greenway, Minnesota can afford to wait until the second day of the draft to address the need.   

Quarterback: Sage Rosenfels was brought over to Minnesota this off-season. However, Rosenfels has yet to be able to earn the starting job anywhere he has been. In addition, they brought over Rosenfels as they lack confidence in Tavaris Jackson. Bottom line, it wouldn’t hurt to bring another young arm into camp to add competition. 

Draft Candidates: OT Andre Smith, Alabama, OT William Beatty, Connecticut, CB Coye Francies, San Jose State, CB Bradley Fletcher, Iowa, WR Brandon Gibson, Washington State, WR Kenny McKinley, South Carolina, LB Lee Robinson, Alcorn State, LB Nic Harris, Oklahoma, QB John Parker Wilson, Alabama, QB Chase Daniel, Missouri

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Defensive End: Kenechi Udeze has been diagnosed with leukemia so his future is uncertain.  Ray Edwards and Brian Robison have shown promise, but the Vikings need to improve their pass rush, especially from the right side.

Wide Receiver: Minnesota signed Benard Berrian this off-season.  Berrian and Sidney Rice give the Vikings a solid No. 1 and No. 2 receiver.  They also acquired Robert Ferguson, but they could afford to bring in another young weapon at wideout.

Cornerback: Cedric Griffin and Marcus McCauley struggled for much of last season.  The Vikings signed Benny Sapp this off-season, but they will likely try to find a shut down corner in the draft.

Quarterback: Tavaris Jackson was up and down last season, and his backups Brooks Bollinger and newly acquired Gus Frerotte don’t exactly appear capable of being more than just second stringers in this league.  Look for the Vikings to draft a young arm to add some insurance if Jackson ends up regressing.

Draft Candidates: DE Derrick Harvey, Florida, DE Phillip Merling, Clemson, WR Malcolm Kelly, Oklahoma, WR Adarius Bowman, Oklahoma State, CB Terrell Thomas, USC, CB Justin King, Penn State, QB Josh Johnson, San Diego, QB Colt Brennan, Hawaii

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How Bernard Berrian will help the Vikings: The Vikings have not had a 700-yard receiver since 2004. In 2007, Berrian had 951 receiving yards and five touchdowns in his fourth NFL season.  With Berrian and Sidney Rice as down-the-field threats, opposing teams will not be able to stack the box as often to try and stop Adrian Peterson. 

In other words, the addition of Berrian will help the Vikings in their running game and in their passing game. If Berrian can improve on his blocking, the Vikings may have hit the jackpot with this signing.

Fantasy Outlook: Berrian has proven he can rack up good numbers with mediocre quarterbacks, which means that even if Tavaris Jackson doesn’t improve much, he will still get his receptions.  That being said, I expect that Jackson will improve thanks in large part to the addition of Berrian. Bottom line, it would not be foolish to expect him to eclipse 1000 receiving yards and flirt with double digit touchdowns this upcoming season.  

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