The Minnesota Vikings have never been ones to let preseason expectations dictate their performance, but ESPN's latest post-draft power rankings suggest the national media isn't expecting much from the purple and gold this season.

Sitting at No. 24 in the network's way-too-early rankings, the Vikings find themselves firmly in the bottom third of the league—and dead last in the NFC North. For context, the Packers check in at No. 7, the Bears at No. 9, and the Lions at No. 11, making Minnesota the clear underdog in what's shaping up to be a fiercely competitive division.

Yes, it's only May. The season doesn't kick off for another four months, and there's still plenty of roster shuffling to come—especially with the Vikings' WR3 situation still unresolved. But in the slow months of the NFL calendar, power rankings are the currency of conversation, and this one doesn't paint a pretty picture.

ESPN did highlight one bright spot: the quarterback room. The network named QB the Vikings' most improved position this offseason, pointing to the addition of Kyler Murray on a bargain $1.3 million deal (the Cardinals are covering the rest of his $37.6 million salary). Pairing Murray with second-year man J.J. McCarthy and bringing back Carson Wentz gives Minnesota a depth chart that's far more competitive than last season's revolving door at the position.

"The Vikings did some good work at defensive tackle in the draft, but they had long ago accomplished the most important task of the offseason by building a more competitive QB room," ESPN noted.

Still, if you're looking for a reason to feel optimistic about the Vikings' chances, you'll have to look past the national rankings. The numbers suggest the rest of the league isn't sold—but then again, the Vikings have never needed the spotlight to prove themselves.