Team

While the Minnesota Vikings coaching staff is hard at work mentoring the North squad at the Senior Bowl this week, you can be sure certain members of the organization are already very clearly focused on the task of adding valuable free agents to the team's roster in 2012.

It's never too early to compile an offseason free agent wish list, so here are some players at a few positions of need who would look great in a Vikings uniform this season.

WIDE RECEIVER—So impressed am I with the list of available free agent receivers, it's almost too good to be true. I believe the Vikings need to add two outstanding players at this position to compliment the immense talents of WR/RB/KR Percy Harvin. If I had my way, I would do all I could to make sure Dwayne Bowe (Chiefs) was a Viking this season, but just look at some of the other players on the open market: Marques Colston (Saints), Vincent Jackson (Chargers), Stevie Johnson (Bills), and DeSean Jackson (Eagles). I think the Vikings need a true number one option who brings a big, physical presence to the offense, so adding Bowe, Colston or Vincent Jackson would be ideal if they can pull it off.

CORNERBACK—Contrary to what new Vikings defensive coordinator Alan Williams said about the team not needing wholesale changes in the secondary, I think the Vikings need a lot of help here.

As I look through the list of available corners and safeties, the one name that jumps out at me is safety LaRon Landry (Redskins). Yes, he's had his share of injury problems and that is a red flag to teams that are considering him this offseason. But when he is on the field, he is a force like no other currently playing the position. If I were starting a team—other than adding talent along the offensive and defensive lines and selecting a franchise quarterback—I would be looking for a big, physical safety that puts fear in the minds of opposing offenses. Landry is that player.

As far as defensive backs go, an interesting possibility would be Brent Grimes (Falcons). He's a small corner, but he's very talented and has a bulldog mentality that would serve any team well. Speaking of bulldogs, Cortland Finnegan (Titans) is also a free agent. A lot of people consider him to be a "dirty" player, but I like his tenacity. Brandon Carr (Chiefs) is also an outstanding corner.

OFFENSIVE LINE—I've always believed—as have many others who put substance over sizzle—that the offensive and defensive lines are the foundation of any team. They are typically not glamorous additions, but they are the most important ones a team can make.

I expect the Vikings to take USC tackle Ryan Kalil with the third overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, but that's not where the needs end for Minnesota. Adding guard Carl Nicks (Saints) would be a huge upgrade to replace aging veteran Steve Hutchinson, who has been an outstanding player for a very long time. Nicks is just entering his prime at 26-years-old. Another option would be Ben Grubbs (Ravens). If the Vikings don't plan on selecting Kalil, they might want to consider tackle Jared Gaither (Chargers). Any one of these players would be a tremendous addition for a team that needs to protect quarterback Christian Ponder and create space for running back Adrian Peterson.

OTHER—Finally, I'm just going to throw this last option out in a dream scenario. What if the Vikings added Houston Texans defensive end Mario Williams to compliment Jared Allen on the defensive line?

Williams was playing outside linebacker for the 3-4 schemed Texans before an injury ended his 2011 season. The Texans are a better team with Williams, but they still played as one of the league's best defenses with him on the bench. If he is fully recovered from his injury, Mario Williams is an elite pass rusher that could make the Vikings defense elite.