The Minnesota Vikings experienced a lackluster 2023 season, concluding with a 7-10 record despite optimistic preseason prospects. As the 2024 season approaches, the team is undergoing notable transformations, yet certain positions within the organization must show improvement or risk being replaced. Consequently, here are three positions facing considerable pressure within the Vikings franchise.
Center Garrett BradburyÂ
After experiencing fluctuating performance over five seasons with the Vikings, it seems Bradbury will retain his role as the team’s starting center for another year. However, this upcoming season may be pivotal for him to solidify his position.
Bradbury faced challenges in pass protection last season, leading to pressure on a rotating cast of quarterbacks for the Vikings. His performance in 2023 ranked him 21st (60.9) among centers who participated in at least 50 percent of their team’s snaps, according to Pro Football Focus.
Entering his sixth year with the Vikings, expectations are likely higher for Bradbury, considering he was drafted 18th overall in 2019. While a potential successor may emerge in the upcoming April draft, it’s unlikely they will be chosen with such a high pick.
Quarterback Jaren HallÂ
Kirk Cousins’ departure to the Atlanta Falcons created a significant vacuum at the quarterback position, seemingly providing an opportunity for Hall. However, veterans Nick Mullens and Sam Darnold, acquired in the offseason, currently hold precedence on the depth chart, jeopardizing Hall’s spot on the roster.
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Despite being a fifth-round pick in 2023, Hall had a brief but unremarkable stint as a starter last year, appearing in three games with two starts, amid the Vikings’ quarterback struggles. Unless he manages to seize the top spot during training camp, it seems that was his only chance.
Moreover, there’s a clear chance that the Vikings may opt for a high draft pick at quarterback this year, effectively sidelining Hall from contention.
Head coach Kevin O’ConnellÂ
After enduring a year fraught with injuries and unfortunate circumstances, it’s challenging to assert that O’Connell is squarely on the hot seat as the 2024 season approaches. However, there may be a slight increase in pressure as he enters his third year with the franchise.
The previous season carried hopes of a successful campaign and possibly a deep playoff run, despite setbacks. Although Kirk Cousins’ season-ending injury disrupted plans, O’Connell, known for his expertise with quarterbacks, couldn’t steer the team back on course with the replacements at hand.
With Cousins now departed, the prospect of improvement with Sam Darnold or another quarterback remains uncertain. If results fail to improve, the Vikings may opt for a different direction, considering the NFL’s demanding “what have you done for me lately” nature.
