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The Vikings Are Banking on One Risky Defensive Bet
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- The Vikings Are Banking on One Risky Defensive Bet
Kirby Lee
The Minnesota Vikings appear to be trending towards a situation where they address the interior defensive line through the NFL Draft. Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen were both sent packing and have since found new homes. The only returning consistent producer is Jalen Redmond.
It's not insignificant that Redmond will be back for Minnesota. He was trending positively in 2024 and truly broke out last year. His six sacks were a big number, and it was evident that he can be a difference maker in the middle. One stud on the interior defensive line isn't close to enough, however.
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Minnesota Is Leaning on EDGE Pressure to Stabilize the Defense
Levi Drake Rodriguez and Taki Taimani exist, but I think even Brian Flores would be hard-pressed to suggest he's content with that rotation. It's a spot that the 18th overall pick, or one of the four selections in the top 100, makes a good deal of sense to target. That said, the edge rushers could help to mitigate disaster.
Vikings defensive tackle Levi Drake Rodriguez celebrates with Bo Richter in 2024 after an impactful play. Mandatory Credit: Alli Rusco, Vikings.com
For a while, it appeared as though Jonathan Greenard and the Vikings could be barreling towards a breakup. He wants a new contract, though, and with teams unwilling to guarantee a level of compensation, the talented edge rusher may wind up sticking with Minnesota.
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If that happens, the Vikings will be in the same situation they were a year ago. Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel are pencilled in as the starters with Dallas Turner getting reps behind each of them. The talented 24-year-old first-round pick has continued to elevate his game, and he'd start on any team with less stardom at their disposal.
Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores stands on the sideline during the NFC wild card matchup against the Los Angeles Rams on Jan. 13, 2025, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. The postseason appearance highlighted Flores' aggressive defensive approach in a high-stakes environment as Minnesota faced playoff elimination on the road. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.
As was the case with the corner position last year, though, the Minnesota Vikings looked to bank on their pass rush as an effort to help the secondary. This time around, they could be hoping their edge rushers help to mitigate what could be a weak spot up the middle.
That trio won't stuff the run game up the middle, but they can collapse the outside run and force the opposition into a talented core of linebackers. While and until the Vikings rebuild their interior defensive line with more sustainable solutions, the edge talent should be expected to step up.
