The Viking Age
FanSided

Five veteran Vikings impacted the most by the team’s 2017 draft class

By Adam Patrick

Dec 10, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jarius Wright (17) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Vikings 23-20. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 10, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jarius Wright (17) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Vikings 23-20. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 1, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Shamar Stephen (93) runs onto the field before the game against the Chicago Bears at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Vikings win 38-10. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Shamar Stephen (93) runs onto the field before the game against the Chicago Bears at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Vikings win 38-10. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports /

Shamar Stephen, DT

Since getting selected by the Vikings in the seventh round of the 2014 NFL Draft, Stephen’s impact on the defense has not really been one of any sort of significance. He saw more playing time last year thanks to the injury to Minnesota defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd, but he was unable to take advantage of his increased snaps.

In 37 career games with the Vikings, Stephen has zero sacks and has averaged just over 21 tackles per season.

Minnesota added Iowa defensive tackle Jaleel Johnson in the fourth round of this year’s draft and also signed a versatile defensive lineman in Datone Jones this offseason. Plus, there is still a chance that Floyd could be returning to the team in 2017 also.

The upside of Johnson and Jones seems to be higher than Stephen’s at this point in time and it could lead to the Vikings showing him the door before the start of the 2017 season.

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