The Viking Age
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Vikings free agency 2017: What defensive ends are available?

By Adam Patrick

Sep 18, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul (90) celebrates a sack of New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 18, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul (90) celebrates a sack of New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 26, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Detroit Lions defensive end Devin Taylor (98) before the game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 26, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Detroit Lions defensive end Devin Taylor (98) before the game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

Devin Taylor

  • 27-years-old
  • 6-foot-7, 266 pounds

2016 stats (in 16 games with the Detroit Lions):

  • 29 total tackles, 4.5 sacks
  • 2 pass deflections, 1 forced fumble

In his first season as a full-time starter in 2016, Taylor did not do a whole lot that landed under the umbrella of impressive. In fact, Pro Football Focus gave him the lowest grade of any defensive end in the NFL last season.

But at his age and size, Taylor is still at the point in his career where a little coaching could take him a long way. With the success rate that Minnesota has when it comes to developing defensive ends, improving Taylor’s skills on the field could end up with a nice reward for the Vikings in the future.

One thing the defensive end has going for him that should pique the interest of Minnesota’s fans is that he has sacked Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers twice during his four years in the NFL. That seems like enough to build a statue of Taylor outside U.S. Bank Stadium right?

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