With Offseason Team Activities (OTA’s) kicking off on May 24, I decided to take a look at the current roster as we continue to inch closer to the start of the 2016 season. Even though we are a couple months away from the start of training camp and a lot of things can easily change between now and then, the make up of the roster is as balanced as far as veteran leadership to young players looking to step up as I can remember. For the most part, every position on the team has some sort of veteran leadership to mix in with the young talent.
Start by looking at the offense and the most important position which is typically the QB. While Teddy may still be coming into his own, a good veteran backup in Shaun Hill entering his 15th year in the league is always a good thing. Now it is still up in the air whether Hill will make the roster when its all said and done, but it is always good to have someone who has been there, done that and Hill definitely fits that category.
With the off season additions of Alex Boone and Andre Smith, the offensive line has the most experience of any position on the team and that is crucial. This will pave the way for an aging Adrian Peterson entering his 10th year and give time for a still developing Teddy to make decisions in the pocket.
Now the receiving core may be the least experienced group on the team with Jarius Wright, who is entering his 5th year, being the most experienced wide out. However, we all know this position on the team is typically the “Diva” (if you know what I mean) so it is not necessarily a bad thing the wide receiver position is young as speed is very important also. There have been glimpses of high productivity at the position with guys like Diggs, Johnson, Thielen and even Patterson (albeit a long time ago). And now throw in Treadwell and It will be interesting to see who steps up from this group and becomes the leader.
I don’t think I am alone when I say we’ve been waiting for Kyle Rudolph to break out the past couple years but hasn’t quite been able to do so. Heading into his 6th year hopefully he can become a bigger piece of the offense and provide that safety net every quarterback needs.
Now for the defensive side of the ball, the defensive line is once again solid. With guys like Robison, Joseph and Johnson providing experience mixed in with Griffen, Floyd and the up and coming Hunter, this unit may be the deepest on the team. Having depth on the defensive line is huge as it allows Zimmer to rotate players often which seems to be a key to success with the Defensive strategy.
The Linebackers have the least amount of depth on the defense side. It will be key to avoid injuries to Barr and Kendricks but once again you have a veteran in Chad Greenway. Now it remains to be seen how much playing time Greenway will receive, its no secret he is getting long in the tooth, but his experience is invaluable if only in the film room.
Finally the secondary, once again there are the mainstays in Rhodes and Smith that are proven. You have 2 guys in Waynes and Alexander that have the potential to step into key roles but if they are not ready, veterans like Munnerlyn, Newman and maybe the biggest off season acquisition nobody talks about, Michael Griffin, can step in. Griffin, who is entering his 10th year, could finally be the piece we have been looking for to team with Smith at the safety position.
On paper this team looks to have all the pieces in place to bring home a NFC North title for the second year in a row. The balance on the roster could not be any better. You have young players looking to bust out and prove themselves and the veteran leadership required to keep the young guys in check at every position. We are less than 100 days away from the start of the season. The roster has the look of great team with the potential to win a Championship which the fans of Minnesota so much deserve after all these years.
Matt Hamann
@therealmjh2k
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
