Dalvin Tomlinson, Underrated Key to Vikings Defense
K. Joudry
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Dalvin Tomlinson quietly had a strong 2021 season.
True, the Vikings defense was a disappointment. Their inability to slow down the run with consistency was concerning, and it’s a problem that needs to get fixed in 2022. Tomlinson, we should remember, can be part of the solution.
At 6’3, 325, Tomlinson has ideal size for a NFL NT. He’ll be the starting 1T, meaning he’ll be lining up across from the center. Part of his role will simply be to gobble up double teams. If the center and guard are both needed to handle Minnesota’s NT, then one of the middle linebackers should have a clear path to step up for the tackle.
What’s even more encouraging is that Dalvin Tomlinson can make a strong impact against the pass.
He got in on 16 games last season, making him one of the few starting defenders to play almost all of the games. For his career, he has started in 16 games all five seasons (don’t forget that last year was the first year of 17 games). In 2021, he had 2.5 sacks and 14 pressures. He hurried the QB 7 times and knocked the QB down 4 times. The entirety of his pass rush snaps resulted in a 72.8 pass rush grade on PFF, 22nd best among DTs.
Getting push up the middle is supremely important for a team’s pass rush. Being able to push a guard back into the pocket can make a huge difference. Danielle Hunter and Za’Darius Smith will create plenty of problems along the edge, prompting a QB to step up into the pocket. It’s in these moments that Minnesota will be very glad if Dalvin Tomlinson pushes his man back. The QB won’t have any room to escape Hunter and Smith.
Fans, logically enough, have been putting a lot of their hope on the edge rusher pair. There has also been an awful lot of digital ink spent on the secondary, especially since the team’s first two picks went to safety Lewis Cine and corner Andrew Booth Jr. Part of what can make it all work, though, is a DT who demands consistent attention when he’s on the field. Tomlinson’s ability to overwhelm most centers will force offensive coordinators to start using guards to help. As a result, other players (such as the edge rushers and middle linebackers) will have more room to make plays.
Much of the focus will continue to be on players who play the more prominent positions. Nevertheless, Dalvin Tomlinson will be integral to this team’s success.
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