VIKINGS

DRAFT NEEDS

General Manager Rick Spielman said early in the offseason that the Vikings had eight specific needs he hoped to address. Many of them remain after a mostly quiet offseason. So which positions will the Vikings prioritize this weekend with their seven selections? Here's our best guess.

Quarterback

Level of need: Low. For the first time in a while, the Vikings don't have a glaring need at quarterback after the selection of Teddy Bridgewater last spring. They signed veteran Shaun Hill to be his backup, but don't rule out them taking a flier on a late-round passer to develop into a future No. 2.

Running back

Level of need: Low. With Adrian Peterson expected to still be on the team after this weekend, the Vikings don't have to worry about this position, though there could be value to be had in the middle rounds. If they do decide to deal Peterson, running back becomes one of their greatest needs.

Wide receiver

Level of need: High. The Vikings made a splash by acquiring speedy Mike Wallace from the Dolphins, but that should not preclude them from taking a wide receiver early. Cordarrelle Patterson is a wild card, Charles Johnson is still an unknown and Jarius Wright will be a free agent in 2016.

Tight end

Level of need: Low. The only tight end the Vikings really need is a healthy Kyle Rudolph. In Rudolph, who signed a contract extension last summer, and fellow tight ends Rhett Ellison and Chase Ford, they have a pretty competent trio for two-tight-end sets.

Offensive line

Level of need: High. The Vikings appear to have their franchise QB in Bridgewater. It would behoove them to make sure he remains on the field. The offensive line needs to be upgraded after the team surrendered 51 sacks last season. They need a starting left guard and insurance at tackle, too.

Defensive line

Level of need: Moderate. The Vikings have a good quartet of defensive tackles led by Linval Joseph and Sharrif Floyd, but they can improve at defensive end. Everson Griffen had a dozen sacks in 2014. The rest of their ends totaled only 5½.

Linebacker

Level of need: Moderate. They added a versatile playmaker in Anthony Barr last spring and have an intriguing mix of young linebackers, starting with Gerald Hodges. But they are in need of a new middle linebacker.

Cornerback

Level of need: High. The Vikings brought in veteran Terence Newman to compete with Captain Munnerlyn and Josh Robinson. But in this division, they need to find a long-term partner for Xavier Rhodes.

Safety

Level of need: High.

Robert Blanton won the starting job opposite Harrison Smith by default last summer and was benched late in the season for Andrew Sendejo. There aren't many quality safeties to choose from in this draft class.

Specialists

Level of need: Moderate.

Blair Walsh, while better than ever on kickoffs, struggled at times at booting field goals, but the 2012 All-Pro kicker is expected to bounce back. Jeff Locke, meanwhile, had another inconsistent season. The Viking should consider bringing in competition, but they could do so with a rookie free agent.

MATT VENSEL