{"id":65605,"date":"2019-05-21T08:00:44","date_gmt":"2019-05-21T12:00:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lwosonnfl.ms.lastwordonsports.com\/?p=65605"},"modified":"2021-03-09T22:35:50","modified_gmt":"2021-03-10T03:35:50","slug":"a-look-at-the-minnesota-vikings-defensive-line","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2019\/05\/21\/a-look-at-the-minnesota-vikings-defensive-line\/","title":{"rendered":"A Look at the Minnesota Vikings Defensive Line"},"content":{"rendered":"

As the NFL prepares for training camp this summer, it is important to recognize where things stand now. The Minnesota Vikings<\/a> are built through their defense as we all know. After looking at the secondary<\/a> and linebackers<\/a>, it is time to dive into the Vikings defensive line.<\/p>\n

The Minnesota Vikings Defensive Line at the Moment<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The Vikings defensive line is loaded with talent. The starting four up front are phenomenal. Danielle Hunter<\/a><\/strong> is one of the best young pass rushers in the NFL, and he is on a great contract. At just 24 years old, Hunter already has 40 sacks, 52 tackles for loss, and three forced fumbles. The Vikings locked him up on a team-friendly deal compared to recent deals for pass rushers. Hunter was signed to a five-year extension worth $72 million last summer. Hunter hasn\u2019t even hit his prime yet and he is already of the scariest rushers in the league. His counterpart isn\u2019t too shabby either.<\/p>\n

Everson Griffen<\/a><\/strong> has been chasing quarterbacks for a while now. In nine seasons, Griffen has 66.5 sacks, nine forced fumbles, and has batted 14 passes at the line. He has a plethora of rush moves that let him get into the backfield with ease. Griffen has made his way to the quarterback 152 times to disrupt the play. After a brief departure from the team last season, Griffen is back and ready to prove himself once again in 2019.<\/p>\n

The interior of the defensive line is great in its own right. Linval Joseph<\/a><\/strong> is an immovable object up the middle. Yet he still moves well and wreaks havoc against both the pass and the run. Joseph has 44 tackles for loss in his career, to go with 21 sacks and seven forced fumbles. He has been named to two Pro Bowls since coming to Minnesota in 2014.<\/p>\n

The final starting spot on the interior is up for grabs. Shamar Stephen<\/a><\/strong>, who left Minnesota for Seattle, is back with the Vikings and will battle with some young guys. Jaleel Johnson<\/a><\/strong> and Jalyn Holmes<\/a><\/strong> each have a chance to win the spot in camp, and it will be a battle to keep an eye on. The two have very different skill sets, but each work in the NFL. As we will see a bit later, the Vikings have a ton of options on the interior.<\/p>\n

The Vikings have a great front four, but the talent extends beyond the starting unit. Years of drafting depth has put them in prime position. While they may not have a ton of developed talents on the bench, they have a wealth of guys who can contribute in one way or another. Let\u2019s take a look.<\/p>\n

The Depth<\/h3>\n

With Hunter and Griffen holding down the edge, they need guys to spell them out. Veterans such as Tashawn Bower<\/a><\/strong> and Stephen Weatherly<\/a><\/strong> have some experience at the NFL level, but not a ton. Weatherly has played the majority of his snaps on special teams and in garbage time. Weatherly\u2019s only extended action came in Griffen\u2019s absence last season. As both step into larger roles in 2019, expect to hear their names more. Hercules Mata\u2019afa<\/strong>, an undrafted free agent in 2018, returns from injury prior to his first full camp. Ade Aruna<\/strong> is in the same boat, as he tore his ACL in the 2018 preseason. Ifeadi Odenigbo<\/a><\/strong> is another name to keep an eye on outside. He is a big rusher that can add some versatility to the line throughout the season.<\/p>\n

The Vikings have depth inside as well. We don\u2019t know who will start between Stephen, Johnson, and Holmes, but that is good news. Regardless of who wins the job, he will have plenty of help behind him to keep fresh legs in the game. Add in rookie Armon Watts<\/strong> and Minnesota is in business. The Vikings are notorious for playing their starters more than almost anyone else in the league. However, the line is getting a little older and they need to develop young talent.<\/p>\n

A Closer Look<\/h2>\n

Danielle Hunter<\/h3>\n

Hunter is an athletic freak. He is an absolute stud of a rusher with long arms and great speed. Hunter blends speed and power to drive tackles back and get to the quarterback time and time again. His inside rush move is one of the best in the league. He uses his strength and long arms to utilize his swim move and get in the backfield consistently.<\/p>\n

https:\/\/twitter.com\/LedyardNFLDraft\/status\/914873895970275331<\/p>\n

When Hunter hits his next gear, he can drive the tackle back. This next clip shows Hunter shrug the tight end\u2019s chip and lower his shoulder into the right tackle. He drives him all the way into the quarterback\u2019s chest and blows the play up.<\/p>\n

https:\/\/twitter.com\/LedyardNFLDraft\/status\/932631779533606912<\/p>\n

Watch here as Hunter mauls the left tackle and proceeds to blow by the helping guard. This play alone put his raw power and speed on full display. Defensive ends shouldn\u2019t move like this.<\/p>\n

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Viewer Discretion Advised: Danielle Hunter is #good<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/mH8MYQC3rV<\/a><\/p>\n

— Jordan Reid (@Jordan_Reid) July 21, 2017<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n