1 Vikings Position Group Still Feels Like a Dream
In this year’s offseason, Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah had some money to toss around for the first time in charge of the franchise, and he made some big-time moves. Of course, the reinforcements along the offensive line have drawn some praise, but the new-looking defensive line might be even more impressive.
1 Vikings Position Group Still Feels Like a Dream
From left to right, including the outside linebackers, the defensive front looks like an absolute juggernaut on paper after a few years of employing underwhelming groups.
That has caught the eye of some leaguewide analysts. The most recent example is Bucky Brooks of NFL.com, who listed the NFL’s top three defensive lines, and the purple squad ranks second.
His top spot belongs to the New York Giants, a team that features Dexter Lawrence, perhaps the league’s best interior defender. There’s then edge rushers Brian Burns, Kayvon Thibodeaux, and third overall pick Abdul Carter.
For the Vikings, Brooks wrote: “Brian Flores’ creative schemes perfectly mesh with a disruptive front that boasts playmakers at every spot. The Vikings have carefully assembled a pass-rushing group that features a pair of crafty sack artists (Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel) who accounted for 23.5 sacks and five forced fumbles in 2024, with both making the Pro Bowl.”
Adding the duo last year was a genius move. Nowadays, top “sack artists” earn north of $30 million, with some earning even $40 million. Van Ginkel and Greenard cost a combined $28 million a year, which is pretty ridiculous for a pair of Pro Bowlers at a critical position.
Mind you, they were game-wreckers without much help from their interior defensive line. Offenses could put an emphasis on stopping the duo, and they still produced. That could look different in 2025, Brooks explained: “After signing Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave this offseason to upgrade the defensive interior around Harrison Phillips, the Vikings can impose their will on opponents with a group of bullies poised to dominate overmatched opponents.”
Hargrave and Allen flash their skills in training camp. Suddenly, the Vikings have four scary players on pass-rushing downs, with Phillips providing valuable run defense. If the unit’s talent translates to the field, offensive coordinators will look at the tape and ask themselves, “Where’s the weakness? Who do I attack?”
In recent years, the interior pass rush was barely a threat, making that answer way easier.
Even the reserve players add some oomph, including Dallas Turner, last year’s 17th overall pick. Brooks noted, “And don’t forget about Dallas Turner. The No. 17 overall pick in last year’s draft didn’t provide much in Year 1, but he could take a step forward with a full offseason under his belt. With Flores itching to bring more creative pressures designed to exploit favorable one-on-one matchups, Minnesota’s front could vault to the top of this list by season’s end.”
Sure, Turner was just a role player in year one, but he has gotten praise throughout the summer and could be a breakout star in his sophomore campaign. Don’t forget he’s still just 22 years old.
An honorable mention should go to Jalen Redmond. The backup defensive tackle showcased some potential in 2024, and teammate Greenard would love to line up next to him more often, even in a crowded room.
The Vikings didn’t throw a cheap contract at a veteran to be just a replacement-level player. That happened in 2023 with Dean Lowry and in 2024 with Jerry Tillery. No, Adofo-Mensah hired a pair of former Pro Bowlers, who might be past their primes, but still have some gas left if the training camp reports are any indication.
Brian Flores’ defense has been cooking all summer, and the first victim is scheduled to be Caleb Williams and the Chicago Bears offense next month.
Editor’s Note: Information from PFF, Over The Cap, and Pro Football Reference helped with this article.