Minnesota Vikings 2017 positional needs evaluation: Defensive tackle

Despite other needs, the Minnesota Vikings may be desperately looking to add a top-tier defensive tackle in the 2017 NFL Draft or even free agency.

At one time, the defensive line of the Minnesota Vikings was the biggest strength of the team. The starters had seemed to be solidified with several potential replacements fighting for positioning on the depth chart.

Since then, things have gotten a bit strange. Injuries have shaken things up while other players emerged in a big way. But those situations have shaken up the way the Vikings may look at the interior of the defensive line heading into the 2017 NFL season.

Here are the defensive tackles who are currently under contract by the Minnesota Vikings and the final year of their current deal according to the team’s official website and Spotrac:

• Linval Joseph – Signed through 2018
• Sharrif Floyd – Signed through 2017
• Tom Johnson – Signed through 2017
• Shamar Stephen – Signed through 2017
• Toby Johnson – Exclusive Rights Free Agent

The first thing to notice is that Toby Johnson still hasn’t signed as an exclusive rights free agent. However, even if he does end up signing a one year deal, Linval Joseph will be the only player signed into the 2018 NFL season.

Still, the fact that the player signed into 2018 is Linval Joseph is a positive. The Vikings will want to lock down Joseph as long as possible, as he has become one of the most disruptive big defensive tackles in the league and consistently has strong showings.

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Heartbreaking news that Sharrif Floyd may be having troubles from a surgery could cause Minnesota to have some problems at starter and with depth. Floyd may even be forced into an early retirement, meaning that the team shouldn’t rely on him to be a starter in 2017.

Tom Johnson is coming off one of his best years as a pro, and was tabbed as the one of the most improved players at his position from the 2016 season by Pro Football Focus. He could be in line for a bigger role if Floyd is unable to go.

Shamar Stephen is an interesting player. He accumulated 39 combined tackles last season and should be back with the team for 2017 to keep developing.

Looking at the players, there should be spots for Linval Joseph, Tom Johnson, and Shamar Stephen on the 53-man roster. Until Toby Johnson is signed and Sharrif Floyd is medically able to compete, neither is a lock.

Next: Vikings free agency tracker

Fans should expect the Minnesota Vikings to look to the 2017 NFL Draft for a long-term answer next to Linval Joseph. The team will be looking for a strong run stuffing presence, and may use one of their early picks to get one. Plus, the Vikings should look to get Joseph an extension as soon as possible.