In the days leading up to the 2016 NFL draft, which runs April 28-30, we will break down where the Vikings stand at each position group on the roster. Today, we close the series with a look at the specialists.
The 2015 season was a roller coaster for kicker Blair Walsh. He signed a contract extension in training camp, struggled in the preseason, rebounding in the regular season then missed what should have been a game-winning 27-yard field goal in the closing seconds of the playoff loss.
The Vikings have stuck with Walsh so far. Coach Mike Zimmer said at the owners meetings that he would ease Walsh into pressure kicking in spring practices to ensure his confidence didn't get more shaken up.
To be safe, they might want to bring in a young kicker to compete with Walsh, whether he is a late rounder or an undrafted free agent.
Walsh is not the only concern, though. Punter Jeff Locke had another underwhelming season. For the second straight year, his net punting average dipped and he ranked 30th in the NFL with a 37.8-yard average.
The return teams were again dangerous, especially on kickoffs, where returner Cordarrelle Patterson scored a pair of touchdowns and led the NFL in return average for the second time in three seasons.
The punt coverage team, led by standout gunner Marcus Sherels, was effective. But the kickoff coverage team had some critical lapses.
The Vikings this offseason retained several contributors on special teams, including Sherels, Adam Thielen, Andrew Sendejo and Audie Cole.
