Blair Walsh will be under the microscope this spring and summer after missing the would-be game-winner in the playoff loss to the Seahawks. But he is not the only Vikings specialist who should be scrutinized.
Punter Jeff Locke had another subpar season in 2015. He pinned opponents inside their 20-yard line more often than he did in 2014 and booted one fewer touchback. But for the second straight season, his net punting average dipped. He ranked 30th in the NFL with a 37.8-yard average.
Under special teams coordinator Mike Priefer, the Vikings ask their punters to sacrifice some gross punting yards in order to limit or completely eliminate return yardage.