Minnesota Vikings 2017 positional needs evaluation: Defensive end

The Minnesota Vikings have a good group of pass rushers from the defensive line, but do they need to improve their situation with the ends in the draft?

One of the biggest strengths for the Minnesota Vikings in recent history has been their ability to get to the opposing quarterback. This is in large part due to the play of the pass rushers on the ends of the defensive line.

Minnesota ended 2016 with a total of 41 sacks, which is good for 5th among NFL teams. While not all of those came from the ends, their ability helped to open things up for other teammates to make plays.

But will the team be ready at the position for the 2017 NFL season? Here are the defensive ends who are currently under contract by the Minnesota Vikings along with the year their contract expires according to the team’s official website and Spotrac.

• Everson Griffen – Under contract through 2018
• Brian Robison – Under contract through 2018
• Danielle Hunter – Under contract through 2018
• Datone Jones – Under contract through 2017
• Stephen Weatherly – Under contract through 2017
• B.J. Dubose – Under contract through 2017
• Sterling Bailey – Under contract through 2018

First, the starters need to be discussed. Griffen is a lock to be one of them, but a competition between Robison and Hunter will likely result in the other. Whichever player it is, the other should still serve a large role as a situational and relief pass rusher.

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The fourth defensive end is an interesting situation. While the Vikings worked hard to keep Weatherly on their roster for 2017, their signing of Jones could signal they are ready to move on from him or place him back on the practice squad.

Meanwhile, Dubose and Bailey should both be considered as potential practice squad players hoping to make a good impression on the franchise.

Last season, Minnesota brought 4 defensive ends on the 53-man roster. If they repeat that number this season, Griffen, Hunter, Robison and Jones should be considered the favorites to have those spots.

Next: Vikings free agency tracker

For the time being, it would be a bit of a surprise to see the Minnesota Vikings use a high draft pick on a defensive end unless a huge talent fell into their laps. Even their depth looks decent, with several interesting players fighting for bigger roles. The team is likely set at defensive end for 2017.