Here are five things to know about this year's Vikings outlook:
DON'T FORGET DEFENSE: Hiring Mike Zimmer as head coach was the first move toward addressing a deficient defense. Committing dozens of millions of dollars to free agents was the next step. The draft will be just as important. Linebackers Anthony Barr and C.J. Mosley and cornerbacks Justin Gilbert and Darqueze Dennard are possibilities for the first round if the Vikings wait for a quarterback,
Akiem Hicks Jersey, which could allow them to slide down a bit and collect an extra pick or two by trade.