Storyline: Adrian Peterson’s time in the NFL isn’t done, but it’s time for the Vikings to prepare for life after A.P. The big question is how. Written by Conor O’Leary, Dublin, Ireland and on Facebook.
Life after A.P. It’s not something that Minnesota Vikings fans ever want to think about it. But with Petersen out for at least three months–thanks to a meniscus injury–it means he will have ended two of the last three seasons playing only three combined games. At age 31 can he be relied upon to carry the Vikings offense for the remainder of his contract?
Courtesy: USATODAY.com
I’m not saying Peterson’s time in the NFL is done – he’s still a worthwhile player. But the Vikings need to prepare for life after A.P.
The challenge? The combination of Jerrick McKinnon, Ronnie Hillman and Matt Asiata isn’t the answer.
Of course, the Vikings have already demonstrated that they can survive without Peterson. Two season ago – in Teddy Bridgewater’s rookie season–the Vikings went more to the pass. But last year Bridgewater was limited to handing the ball off to Peterson because A.P. had difficulties with Bridgewater’s preferred shotgun formation.
As Cian Fahey of presnapreads writes OC Norv Turner is able to use his full mind to better effect without catering to Peterson. In short, a 31-year-old Petersen isn’t good enough to build an entire offense around him — not with the surrounding talent and coaches available in Minnesota.
And Minnesota is in a great position going into next year’s draft. That’s because the Vikings don’t have a huge amount of needs. But also keep in mind that MN won’t have a first round pick, thanks to the trade for Sam Bradford. The offensive line can use some help – but there aren’t many prospects that have a first or second round grade. What there is, however, are high-calibre running backs.
Christian McCaffrey, Stanford (photo, Pac-12.com)
There could be up to five first-round running backs available, and some of those might slip into the second round if the draft’s defensive talent continues to shine. It’s unlikely that Minnesota will fall off a cliff this year to be high enough to select LSU’s Leonard Fournette but, depending on how the draft works out, the likes of Dalvin Cook, Christian McCaffrey, Royce Freeman or Nick Chubb could be available.
The Vikings might even trade up into the first round to get one of these players. McCaffrey’s pass-catching ability would be ideal for Norv Turner’s system. Should the Vikings decide to go this route, they can follow the Titans example: groom a preferred choice behind Peterson while the rookie helps extend A.P.’s career by reducing his load. The Vikings can then go nuts on offensive linemen in the next few rounds.
Doesn’t that approach make sense?
