Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Photos.
When Brian Flores was employed as Minnesota’s defensive coordinator, hyperlinks to defensive gamers he had beforehand coached turned simple targets. That has additionally been the case for head coach Kevin O’Connell.
The Rams Have a Match for the Vikings
Cam Akers and Brandon Powell are the extra prolific former Los Angeles Rams who made their strategy to Minnesota. The Vikings appreciated Akers a lot that they traded for him in consecutive seasons. Powell was deployed as a return specialist, and O’Connell trusted him as a large receiver in key moments.
Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports activities.
How the Vikings will deal with the vast receiver room in 2025 stays to be seen. Jalen Nailor, who took over for Okay.J. Osborn, was clearly the suitable selection. Nonetheless, it’s value questioning if he’s the very best upside participant shifting ahead. If Minnesota desires to goal greater, then the Rams roster makes loads of sense as soon as once more.
The horny suggestion right here is Cooper Kupp. He could possibly be hitting the open market, and although he will likely be 32 years outdated subsequent season, a complimentary function could make sense. Kupp was a goal monster for Matthew Stafford in 2021, and he led the league with 145 receptions and 1,947 yards.
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In every of the previous three seasons, Kupp has handled accidents, and he hasn’t performed in additional than 12 video games throughout any of these campaigns. With the Vikings, he may slot in behind Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, however he may additionally present a dependable slot choice for a crew that might make the most of him extra usually.
If the Vikings didn’t wish to goal that top, they may go for Tutu Atwell as a substitute. He has beforehand been mentioned as a commerce goal coming into the 2024 season, and there’s no cause he nonetheless wouldn’t match. In 2025, he will likely be simply 26 years outdated.
Atwell has performed the identical precise function that Nailor at the moment holds down for the Vikings. He’s a lesser-used slot choice however posted a career-best 562 yards this season. At 5’9” he doesn’t have the scale to compete with greater defenders, however his velocity is certainly an asset.
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The Vikings produce other holes to fill earlier than vast receiver turns into a consideration, however O’Connell could possibly be taken with each gamers with Rams ties.
Ted Schwerzler is a blogger from the Twin Cities that’s targeted on all issues Minnesota Twins and Minnesota Vikings. He’s lively on Twitter and writes each day for Minnesota Sports activities Fan. As a former school athlete and avid sports activities fan, protecting our professional groups with a ardour has all the time appeared like such a pure outlet.
