Despite all the questions about how Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy will play in 2025, the team is stacked on offense.
Last year's unit with Sam Darnold at the helm ranked sixth in the NFL in passing yards per game with 237.8. The weapons in the passing game were loaded with Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and T.J. Hockenson leading the way.
Minnesota did more work in the offseason to build the offense with the signings of Ryan Kelly and Will Fries, adding some experience and depth to the offensive line.
Vikings first-round pick Donovan Jackson was also brought in to help the offensive line, as he is expected to step in at left guard. The skill players round out the additions with running back Jordan Mason, wide receiver Rondale Moore, and third-round pick Tai Felton.
All these weapons and additions continue to strengthen the Vikings' offense, which is loaded up for a strong 2025 season. Their best players on the roster appear to be on one side of the ball.
Who are the top Minnesota Vikings players heading into the 2025 season?
PFF's Trevor Sikkema recently named the top three players on every NFL team. For the Vikings, he selected all players on offense.
Justin Jefferson - WR
Christian Darrisaw - LT
OT Brian O'Neill - RT
"Jefferson ranks second among all wide receivers in cumulative WAR over the last three seasons, behind only Amon-Ra St. Brown. His 88.0 grade in 2024 narrowly missed a fifth straight season above 90.0. Darrisaw played only 392 snaps last year but continues to rank among the league’s best when healthy. O’Neill earned a 0.43 WAR, the third-highest mark on the team in 2024."
Jefferson has been one of the best players in the NFL over the last five years, racking up over 1,000 yards in each of those seasons. He has four Pro Bowl and AP All-Pro selections since 2020 and was named AP Offensive Player of the Year in 2022. His 96.5 receiving yards per game is currently the most in NFL history.
Darrisaw and O'Neill were ranked in the top 12 among tackles in the NFL last year, according to PFF. O'Neill was 12th with a total grade of 80.8, and Darrisaw came in 11th with his grade at 81.4.
Minnesota has offensive talent that didn't include Addison or Aaron Jones. Not to mention, Fries was ranked fourth overall among guards in PFF total grade with 86.9.
With how good the offense appears to be, did that list show a bigger problem with the Vikings that isn't being discussed?
Did PFF expose a lack of star power the Minnesota Vikings have on defense?
Last year showed that while the offense can score points in Minnesota, the defense is a player or two away from being elite. The Vikings' defense ranked fifth in the NFL in points allowed per game, with 19.5, but 16th in total yards allowed per game, at 335.4.
Minnesota spent the offseason retooling the defense, starting with the defensive line, with the signings of Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen. They added Isaiah Rodgers and Jeff Okudah to help replace the departed Stephon Gilmore.
There's talent on Minnesota's defense, with Harrison Smith, Josh Metellus, and Byron Murphy Jr. can handle the secondary. Andrew Van Ginkel and Harrison Phillips can also control the front seven of the defense.
The Vikings are missing that "it" factor player on defense, so PFF did not have a defensive player in the top three. It's not indicative of whether the Vikings are bad on defense. It just shows Minnesota needs a game changer to get on that list.
One thing is sure: Vikings defense coordinator Brian Flores will get this new-look defense back up to par among the top 10 units in the NFL.
