The Minnesota Vikings kicked off rookie minicamp this week, signaling the official start of summer preparations. As the team shifts gears toward training camp, it's time to break down the biggest questions facing Kevin O'Connell and the purple squad. While the roster looks stronger on paper, several key concerns need addressing before the season kicks off. We've ranked them from least to most pressing—here's what's on our radar.
1. The Running Game: Will It Finally Get Serious?
Let's talk about the elephant in the room: Minnesota's rushing attack. In 2025, the Vikings ranked 19th in rushing frequency but 13th in rushing efficiency. Translation? O'Connell had the talent to run the ball at a top-13 level, yet he called running plays at a bottom-13 rate. It's an annual storyline—each offseason, the coach promises more ground game, and each season, the results fall short. With new offensive assistant Frank Smith—fresh off four years as Miami's offensive coordinator under Mike McDaniel—and sixth-round rookie tailback Demond Claiborne (who clocks in at 4.37 speed), there's renewed hope. But hope only goes so far. It's time for the Vikings to commit to the run like a serious contender. Will they finally deliver?
2. Edge Rusher Depth: A Trade That Left a Hole
On April 24th, after weeks of speculation, Minnesota traded Jonathan Greenard and a seventh-round pick to the Philadelphia Eagles for two third-rounders and the cap space to sign wide receiver Jauan Jennings. The move reshaped the offense, but it left the outside linebacker room looking thin. Gone is a key pass rusher, and now the Vikings are counting on Andrew Van Ginkel, Dallas Turner, Bo Richter, and Tyler Batty to hold the edge. Could Brian Flores get creative and use second-round rookie Jake Golday as a hybrid inside-outside linebacker? Possibly. But fans are left wondering if the current group is enough. Free agents like Von Miller, Joey Bosa, Jadeveon Clowney, or Leonard Floyd remain options. SI.com's Will Ragatz even suggested Clowney as a fit. Either way, this is unfamiliar territory for a defense that has relied on depth at the position.
As summer heats up, these two concerns will dominate the conversation. What's your biggest worry for O'Connell and the Vikings?