Vikings' Stopgaps or Starters? Players Who Need To Improve in '09

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He was flagged for unnecessary roughness and gave the Bears a first down. Luckily for Sapp, the Vikings made a goal line stand and went on to win 34-14.

Sapp will compete for the nickel corner spot in training camp. If the Vikings want to improve on defending the pass when offenses spread out, they will need Sapp to be a factor and not commit any penalties that keep the defense on the field in 2009.

4. Fullback Naufahu Tahi

This is a bit harder for me to say because I actually was impressed with Tahi's lead blocking for running back Adrian Peterson in 2008. He was thrust into the starting role when the team held out Thomas Tapeh and later released him and Tahi seemed to adjust well.

However, I would have liked to see Tapeh do more when catching the football out of the backfield. Numerous times I saw him catch a pass out in the flat and get tackled by one defender or simply drop the football.

If Naufahu Tahi can prove to be more of a threat catching the football in Brad Childress' west coast offense and continue doing a good job when lead blocking for Peterson, it will provide relief for whoever is under center in 2009 for the Vikings.

5. Defensive End Ray Edwards

Before the '08 season, Edwards claimed he would break Michael Strahan's record of 22.5 sacks in a season after the Vikings acquired Jared Allen in a trade with the Kansas City Chiefs.

Okay, that didn't happen, and that's an understatement.

Edwards underachieved in 2008, recording only five sacks and not bringing consistent pressure up front.

If Edwards continues to underachieve, his starting spot could become up-for-grabs. Defensive end Brian Robison seems to be a promising young player for the Vikings and at this pace, he could become the next starter at left end.

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