Minnesota Vikings Best Defensive Linemen Of All-Time

The Minnesota Vikings are a franchise that has always been known for their strength on the defensive line. From the Purple People Eaters to the Williams Wall, the excellent play at that spot has always been encouraging. Nicknames like those don’t get attached to under-performing or disappointing units.

But when you look past the units, the individual parts of the defensive line have also been fantastic. There have been many great players who lined up on the line of scrimmage for the Minnesota Vikings, but recently the folks over at 24/7 Sports ranked their top 5 players to ever play on the team’s defensive line.

Here is the list they came up with:

5. Jim Marshall, (1961-1979)

4. Carl Eller, (1964-1978)

3. Chris Doleman, (1985-1993, 1999)

2. John Randle, (1990-2000)

1. Alan Page, (1967-1978)

Dec 29, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive end

Jared Allen

(69) celebrates a sack during the first quarter against the Detroit Lions at Mall of America Field at H.H.H. Metrodome. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

You know it’s a solid list when modern players like Kevin Williams, Pat Williams, or even Jared Allen can’t crack the top 5. In fact, four of the players on this list are in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, with Jim Marshall the only one that hasn’t been inducted. In the future, Jared Allen is likely to join Eller, Doleman, Randle, and Page in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, but for now it’s hard to argue these five guys as the best ever to play on the Vikings defensive line.

What do you guys think? Are there any changes you would make to this list? Is there someone who was overlooked or a player that you feel was rated too highly? Be sure to discuss this list in the comments below.

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