So Far, The Vikings’ Strategy at a Critical Position Hasn’t Worked Particularly Well
K. Joudry
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For the most part, the solutions at defensive tackle haven’t been that: solutions. Does the Vikings’ strategy need to be tweaked?
Looking back, Harrison Phillips was an excellent signing. The former Bill had a bit of a muted role in Buffalo but he has since become Minnesota’s DT1. He’s a sturdy run defender and has offered a bit of pass-rush sizzle (even if it’s not his forte).
Otherwise, the DT spot isn’t overly formidable, especially at present. Or, at least, the options outside of Phillips still have a lot to prove.
Phillips is joined by Jaquelin Roy, Jerry Tillery, Jonathan Bullard, and Jonah Williams. Maybe Jihad Ward gets tossed into the mix as a defensive end who can slide down into a 3T spot. Is that going to be enough for the 2024 season? How has Kwesi Adofo-Mensah been attacking the position?
The Vikings’ Strategy at Defensive Tackle Hasn’t Been Working
Begin with Dalvin Tomlinson.
Adofo-Mensah inherited the nimble 325-pound tackle; Adofo-Mensah allowed the powerful 6’3″-tackle to slip through Minnesota’s grasp in the free agency period of 2023. The man looks like a nose tackle but he plays like a rock-solid 3-technique. In other words, he balances tremendous size with an ability to get after the quarterback. His debut season in Cleveland featured 4 sacks, 9 QB hits, 23 hurries, and 36 total pressures, per PFF.
Losing him stung, especially since some of the talent that has been added hasn’t been on his level.
One thinks of the decision to sign Dean Lowry in free agency. Or the move with the Texans to add Ross Blacklock. Drafting Esezi Otomewo didn’t lead to a lasting solution at defensive end and nor did players like James Lynch (who, in fairness, got hurt last year), Khyiris Tonga, T.J. Smith, or Sheldon Day fully neutralize concerns up front.
Maybe the most promising tackle who has stuck around is Bullard. Now, don’t get me wrong: Jonathan Bullard is a good football player and he’s someone who will help a team win. The issue isn’t with his talent but, rather, with his role. Bullard is an excellent DT4; as a DT2, the situation is less than ideal. More penetration on passing downs would be the preference.
Last year, the veteran defender picked up a career-high 44 tackles to stand alongside a career-high 2 sacks. Bullard did so while playing a career-high 644 snaps on defense alongside a career-high 14 starts. Any chance Minnesota looks to reduce the 30-yard-old’s workload? Keep in mind that Kevin O’Connell has said earlier that he’s looking to reduce Phillips’ snaps.
During the offseason, the Vikings have been following a familiar pattern. Jerry Tillery is an upside option as a former high pick who hasn’t lived up to the hype. Jonah Williams is solid depth. Jaquelin Roy has a lot of potential but nothing is certain as he enters Year 2 in the NFL.
Do the Vikings mostly content themselves with this crew or does the draft send over some top-tier talent? For whatever it’s worth, the opening pair of drafts with Brian Flores as Miami’s head coach featured a 1st (Christian Wilkins) and a 2nd (Raekwon Davis) being sunk into DT. Presumably, the DC would be in favor of a boost at defensive tackle/end.
Winning in 2024 will almost certainly require Minnesota’s defense to climb into the NFL’s top 10. Last year, they were above average, finishing the season at 13th for points allowed with an average of 21.3 points against per game. Pushing that number down into the high teens would go a long way in making the upcoming season a successful one.
To that end, the defensive tackle position stands out as a spot in need of some repair. Don’t be totally shocked if Minnesota sticks and picks in Round 1, ratcheting up the talent on defense with their high picks.
Editor’s Note: Information from Pro Football Reference and PFF helped with this piece.
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K. Joudry is the Senior Editor for Vikings Territory and PurplePTSD. He has been covering the Vikings full time since the summer of 2021. He can be found on Twitter and as a co-host for Notes from the North, a humble Vikings podcast.