Minnesota Vikings Seek reinforcements in WR Renfrow, DL Odighizuwa, and RB Gordon for 2024 Season
ICARO Media Group
The Minnesota Vikings are facing some challenges as injuries hit their wide receiver and defensive tackle positions during recent practices. Despite assurances that wide receiver Jordan Addison will be fine, Head Coach Kevin O'Connell has expressed concerns about the team's depth at the position. In light of this, there is a growing suggestion that the coaching staff should consider signing WR Hunter Renfrow, who has experience as a potential third receiver and could provide the much-needed support.
Renfrow, a 2021 Pro Bowler, has seen a decline in performance since then. However, many believe it may be worth bringing him in for training camp at the very least to assess his potential impact on the team's offense.
On the defensive side, the Vikings are eyeing free agency to bolster their defensive tackle position. If Harrison Phillips and Jerry Tillery do not return to Minnesota, DL Osa Odighizuwa of the Dallas Cowboys could be an excellent addition. With 43 pressures and an impressive 80.0 grade as a rusher during the regular season last year, Odighizuwa would offer an upgrade over Tillery and help boost the team's interior pass rush.
Furthermore, Odighizuwa demonstrated his abilities as a run defender with 26 defensive stops and a solid 70.2 mark in that regard. This combination of pass-rushing prowess and run defense makes him an attractive prospect for the Vikings.
In preparation for the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft, the Vikings are also keen to secure a promising running back. With Aaron Jones on a one-year deal and impending free agents Myles Gaskin and Kene Nwangwu, the team will likely be in the market for a new ball-carrier. Oklahoma State's Ollie Gordon II has emerged as one of the top prospects for the Vikings in this year's draft.
Gordon II's exceptional blend of size, speed, and strength garnered attention, with draft analyst Ryan Fowler describing him as a high-level prospect with immense potential as a future bellcow running back in the NFL. His impressive production in 2023 makes him a player who could quickly make an impact at the professional level.
In other news, the New England Patriots have seen mixed performances from their quarterbacks during the preseason. Drake Maye showcased his skills in the second week, completing 6-of-11 pass attempts for 47 yards and even scoring a touchdown on the ground. Meanwhile, Jacoby Brissett struggled, throwing an interception in the end zone and completing only three of his seven attempts. The Patriots' offense may take some time to come together in the 2024 season, as the team continues its rebuild by trading away Matthew Judon for a third-round pick.
As the NFL offseason progresses, the Minnesota Vikings and the New England Patriots are actively exploring their options to strengthen their rosters in order to compete in the upcoming season.