MINNEAPOLIS -- In this week's edition of the Vikings Twitter mailbag, we look at the team's running back future beyond Adrian Peterson, the progress of Trae Waynes, competition for punter Jeff Locke and the Minnesota Vikings' depth at defensive tackle.

@GoesslingESPN do the vimings go running back by committee or try and find another workhorse post AP? #VikingsMail — Dusten Abell (@lightningDusten) April 21, 2016

@GoesslingESPN Do you think Trae Wayne's will be the week 1 starter over Newman? #VikingsMail — John (@John66911407) April 21, 2016

@GoesslingESPN #Vikingsmail are the Vikings looking at or expected to at Punter whether through draft or signing one after draft?? — Laurent DAlmeida (@Laurentdalmeida) April 20, 2016

@GoesslingESPN Am I crazy thinking that DT is actually a bigger "need" depth wise on this team than LB in the draft? #VikingsMail — Hco Jeremy Jaschen (@HollisterJJ) April 20, 2016

Good morning, everyone. I was dreaming when I wrote this, so forgive me if it goes astray. We'll get started here, with a look at what the Vikings' running back future could look like post-Adrian Peterson. It's an interesting question, Dusten, but put simply, I don't see them pursuing another featured back like Peterson once he departs. Those backs are becoming harder and harder to find, and it's easy enough now to get decent (and cheap) production out of a committee of running backs, particularly if those players can complement each other in some different ways. The Vikings got more than 1,100 yards out of Jerick McKinnon and Matt Asiata in 2014, and that came at a cost of just over $1 million. Even if Teddy Bridgewater continues to play at his current level, he'll be looking at a potential salary north of $10 million by 2019 or 2020. It probably doesn't make sense for the Vikings to continue to spend big money at the running back position when their quarterback costs are going to spike in the next few years. I got another question this week about whether Peterson will play out his contract; he's due for a $6 million roster bonus on the third day of the 2017 league year, during which he'll count $18 million against the cap in the final year of his deal. I tend to think that contract is structured in such a way that both sides will have to do something, whether it's restructuring it or agreeing to part ways before next year. It's hard to envision a scenario in which a 32-year-old running back is carrying an $18 million cap charge. Then again, the Vikings have shown they're willing to carry a big number for Peterson before. We'll see what happens.I'm not sure if it will happen Week 1, or if it even has to, but I'll say this: I Waynes doesn't have that spot by, say, November -- or if the Vikings aren't comfortable putting him in a bigger role -- they could have a problem. Mike Zimmer said something very interesting last December, when I asked him about Waynes effectively having a redshirt year in 2015. Much of that had to do with Terence Newman, he said, and when I suggested it might be a good thing for Waynes to sit and learn, he said, "It can be, as long as a guy is talented and wants to continue to work." Then he added, "He's talented, so ..." before trailing off. Take that how you'd like, but it certainly seems like this will be an important year for Waynes to prove himself. It's fine to give a rookie corner some time to learn, but you don't take a guy 11th overall without wanting to see the return on your investment in the near future. Newman played well enough last year that I expect him to be in the base defense at the start of OTAs, but I also expect Waynes will get a chance to push for that job. He needs to make the most of it.There have been a number of questions about the punting situation, and while the Vikings have essentially let Jeff Locke run unopposed for the job the last three years, I wouldn't be shocked if they brought in some competition for him this year. He'll be a free agent after the season, and he was 32nd in the league in net average last year, while ranking 17th in opponent starting field position after a punt return, according to ESPN Stats and Information. The Vikings believed strongly in Locke when they took him in the fifth round in 2013, and he could have an easier time kicking indoors at home this year, after two seasons at TCF Bank Stadium. But the Vikings certainly could take a look at a punter as a rookie free agent, to get an idea of what they might do if Locke struggles this year, or even to compete with him in camp. That certainly wouldn't be beyond the pale at this point.

@GoesslingESPN: Not at all. In fact, you can make a strong argument for the Vikings adding a defensive tackle somewhere in the first four rounds of this draft. Linval Joseph is mostly recovered from turf toe, but Shamar Stephen is returning from a knee injury. Sharrif Floyd missed time with knee and ankle injuries last year, and Tom Johnson will be 32 before the start of the season. Baylor's Andrew Billings reportedly said after the combine that the Vikings told them they'd take him at No. 23 if he's there; it's certainly not their biggest need, but I've been impressed with what I've seen of Billings on tape. He's a powerful man who moves surprisingly well for his size, has fast hands and gets into the backfield with regularity. It wouldn't hurt the Vikings to address the position, and Billings could be a name worth keeping in mind if the Vikings decide to go against the conventional wisdom that has them taking a receiver in the first round. In any case, I certainly agree with you that defensive tackle depth could be addressed next week.

That'll do it for this week; thanks for the great questions, everyone. We'll be heavy into draft mode all of next week, so be sure to check back for more.

And remember, when you call up that shrink in Beverly Hills -- you know the one; Dr. Everything'll Be Alright -- instead of asking him how much of your time is left, ask him how much of your mind, baby. 'Cause in this life, things are much harder than the after world. In this life, you're on your own.