Minnesota Vikings stock up, stock down

With training camp two months away, teams continue to evaluate their rosters. Here's the stock rising — and falling — for the Minnesota Vikings: 

Stock Up

Running game: The rushing attack was abysmal in 2022, ranked fifth worst in the NFC by Pro Football Focus. However, head coach Kevin O'Connell recently emphasized the importance of improving in that area, saying it was a "goal" heading into the 2023 season. 

Despite the uncertainty of RB Dalvin Cook's future in Minnesota, the backfield may be in line for significant improvements. Alexander Mattison recently signed a two-year, $7M deal and seems ready for a more prominent role, especially if Cook is traded or cut.

Meanwhile, the likes of Mattison and Ty Chandler will be running behind Pro Bowl fullback C.J. Ham and free-agent addition Josh Oliver, whom PFF ranked as the second-best blocking tight end in the NFL last season. 

Justin Jefferson, wide receiver: He recorded career highs in receptions (128), yards (1,809) and yards per game (106.4) last season. Jefferson also was named to a third consecutive Pro Bowl and earned his first All-Pro nod. 

Jefferson has improved in each of his three NFL seasons, and there's reason to believe he'll continue that trend. QB Kirk Cousins, coming off a solid but unspectacular Pro Bowl season, should make another leap in his second year under play-caller O'Connell. 

Meanwhile, the Vikings essentially swapped veteran wideout Adam Thielen, who signed with Carolina as a free agent, for first-round draft pick Jordan Addison, who should open things more for the dynamic Jefferson. If the Vikings have some semblance of a competent rushing attack, Jefferson could produce unreal numbers for the defending NFC North champs. 

Stock Down 

Jalen Reagor, wide receiver: The Vikings acquired him from the Eagles last August for two late-round draft picks. The hope for Reagor was that a change of scenery would do the former first-round pick some good. However, after a lackluster 2022, he is in danger of being left off the roster. 

Mainly brought in to return punts, Reagor didn't show the flash the Vikings wanted, averaging only 6.4 yards per return on 26 attempts. As a receiver, he was targeted only 13 times, recording eight receptions for 104 yards and a touchdown in 17 games.

After bringing little to the table last season, Reagor's spot on the depth chart is in serious danger, especially with the addition of free-agent returner Brandon Powell.

Defense: Only the Arizona Cardinals (26.4) and Chicago Bears (27.2) gave up more points per game than the Vikings (25.1) in 2022. Minnesota made a change at defensive coordinator, hiring Brian Flores, who will undoubtedly change the look of the unit. Still, his presence alone may not be enough to produce dramatic improvements. 

Minnesota could have as many as six new starters on defense. The new-look unit will be tested early, facing four playoff teams over the first seven weeks, including dates with last year's Super Bowl teams, the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs.