Vikings new and improved?

OFFENSE

QUARTERBACK

Improved? Tarvaris Jackson

Appears to have taken a step forward entering second season as a starter, but must prove he can remain healthy. Was slowed by a sprained right medial collateral ligament in the preseason.

RUNNING BACKS

Improved? Adrian Peterson

NFL offensive rookie of the year in 2007, should be a more complete player in his second year. Peterson's biggest improvement should come in his pass blocking.

Improved? Chester Taylor Peterson is the Vikings' main man, but Taylor provides a veteran presence and would be a starter for many teams.

FULLBACK

New: Thomas Tapeh

Ex-Gopher comes from Philadelphia and will replace veteran Tony Richardson, who joined the New York Jets as a free agent after having a Pro Bowl season.

WIDE RECEIVER

New: Bernard Berrian

Signed to a six-year, $42 million contract this offseason, Berrian will get his chance to be a clear-cut No. 1 receiver in the NFL. His ability to stretch the field should also help running game.

Improved? Sidney Rice

Showed plenty of potential as a rookie, catching a team-high four touchdown passes. The 6-4 Rice provides a big target and has excellent hands.

Improved? Bobby Wade

Led the Vikings with 54 catches last season but often had to move out of the slot. Berrian's presence should enable Wade to stay inside and best utilize his abilities.

TIGHT END

Improved? Visanthe Shiancoe

The Vikings certainly hope so. Shiancoe had a disappointing first season with the Vikings after signing as a free agent, but it appears he now has a much better understanding of the offense.

OFFENSIVE LINE

Improved? LT Bryant McKinnie

The big tackle says he is focusing on becoming better in pass protection. The Vikings also want to see McKinnie stay out of trouble off the field.

Improved? LG Steve Hutchinson

It's hard to ask a five-time All-Pro and Pro Bowl selection to show improvement. Hutchinson is about as good as it gets.

Improved? C Matt Birk

Entering the last season of his contract, the veteran continues to play at a Pro Bowl level. Nonetheless, he could be replaced by John Sullivan in 2009.

Improved? RG Anthony Herrera

Took over the starting job for the final 12 games last season and helped the Vikings' run game finish first in the NFL. Ability to play on an even-keel level was crucial to his success.

Improved? RT Ryan Cook

Also coming off first season as starter. Has developed into a competent tackle after playing center in college. Expected to continue making progress.

DEFENSE

DEFENSIVE LINE

Improved? LE Ray Edwards (below)

Assuming he can avoid back troubles that bothered him during offseason, he could be in for a big season as opponents focus on three Pro Bowl players on the line.

Improved? NT Pat Williams

Selected to past two Pro Bowls, Williams is a main reason the Vikings have one of NFL's best run defenses.

Improved? DT Kevin Williams

Already one of the league's best, Williams should be able to get to the quarterback more (three sacks in 2007) with Allen to his right.

New: RE Jared Allen

Led the league with 15.5 sacks last season with the Chiefs. Allen's presence should help the Vikings get out of the NFL basement in pass defense.

LINEBACKERS

Improved? SLB Chad Greenway

Entering his second season as a starter, he appears more comfortable in the defense, and his statistics should reflect that.

Improved? MLB E.J. Henderson

Had a Pro Bowl-type season in 2007 after returning to the middle following two years on the outside. Figures to be that much better in 2008.

Improved? WLB Ben Leber

A steady presence in the linebacker corps since signing as a free agent in 2006, Leber tied for the team lead with five sacks last season and also had a career-high 88 tackles.

DEFENSIVE BACKS

Improved? LCB Antoine Winfield

After injuries forced him to miss a career-high six games last season, Winfield appears to be healthy. His presence on the field for a whole season should benefit the pass defense.

Improved? RCB Cedric Griffin

Started all 16 games last season in his second year but had no interceptions. Griffin knows that needs to change.

Improved? SS Darren Sharper

Sharper had nine interceptions in his first year with the Vikings in 2005. He has eight over the past two seasons. The addition of Madieu Williams when he returns from injury could free up Sharper to go after a few more passes.

New: FS Madieu Williams/Tyrell Johnson

Williams is expected to miss the first three games. Johnson, a second-round pick in April, will get some serious on-the-job training.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Improved? P Chris Kluwe

Had some initial problems in 2006 getting used to the directional punting the Vikings like, but he began to thrive last season. Kluwe set team records for punts inside the 20-yard line (34) and had a team-record 29 punts of 50-plus yards.

Improved? K Ryan Longwell

Steady veteran did very little kicking in preseason as the Vikings tried to keep him fresh. The limited schedule is something the 12-year veteran appears to like.

New: KR Maurice Hicks

Signed as a free agent from San Francisco after averaging 23.8 yards last season on kickoff returns. Aundrae Allison, who averaged 28.7, will also be in the mix.