Ranking the Detroit Lions among NFC North skill position groups post-draft

Minnesota Vikings

Running Backs: Dalvin Cook, Alexander Mattison
Wide Receivers: Justin Jefferson, Adam Thielen, K.J. Osborn
Tight End: Irv Smith Jr.

This should come as no surprise. The Vikings now have the best running back (Dalvin Cook) and wide receiver (Justin Jefferson) in the NFC North now. Cook, when healthy, may be the fastest back in the league. The issue is he’s frequently not healthy. But Alexander Mattison is a capable backup, and has filled in well when Cook has been out.

Jefferson is arguably a top-five receiver in the league, and is a top asset at the position due to his youth as he has not gotten paid yet. He has gone over 1,000 yards on each of his first two seasons, and is a focus of opposing secondaries. Adam Thielen is getting a little up in years, but when healthy he is still one of the most consistent producers in the league. K.J. Osborn has emerged as capable third receiver, which Minnesota struggled to have for years.

The Vikings also have one of the best fullbacks in the game in C.J. Ham, as their offense has previously deployed one. It’s clear the best skill position group in this division resides in Minnesota

Quarterback Kirk Cousins has all that he needs to produce at a high level. The bigger question mark for the Viking is how the defense will do in 2022.