NFL power rankings: Final 32-team breakdown ahead of the 2018 draft

CHICAGO, IL - APRIL 28: (L-R) A detailed view of the pick is in for the #1 overall pick by the Los Angeles Rams during the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University on April 28, 2016 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jon Durr/Getty Images) /

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PHILADELPHIA, PA – JANUARY 21: Head coach Mike Zimmer of the Minnesota Vikings looks on during the first quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Championship game at Lincoln Financial Field on January 21, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

3. team. 60. . . Previous: . Minnesota Vikings

So, the Vikings won the Kirk Cousins sweepstakes. And despite their 2017 hero, Case Keenum, statistically playing better than Cousins last year, it’s hard to say the Vikings downgraded this position.

If anything, it will be fun to watch Cousins thrive with offensive weapons like tight end Kyle Rudolph, along with wide receivers Stefon Diggs and Adam Thielen. And with running back Dalvin Cook returning from a season-ending knee injury last year, Minnesota’s offense should be just as potent this year.

Perhaps better.

The Vikings’ strength, of course, is with their defense. And this unit only got better by signing former Jets defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson. Even if Richardson doesn’t pan out, this is still an elite-level defensive unit.

And one that could finally put the Vikings in the Super Bowl. That’s where many will peg them to be in 2018.