The Viking Age
FanSided

Ranking the Minnesota Vikings’ best additions of the 2017 offseason

By Adam Patrick

Sep 27, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Oakland Raiders running back Latavius Murray (28) runs the ball during the first quarter against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 27, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Oakland Raiders running back Latavius Murray (28) runs the ball during the first quarter against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 26, 2017; Mobile, AL, USA; North squad defensive end Isaac Rochell of Notre Dame (left) battles defensive tackle Jaleel Johnson of Iowa (right) during Senior Bowl practice at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Glenn Andrews-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 26, 2017; Mobile, AL, USA; North squad defensive end Isaac Rochell of Notre Dame (left) battles defensive tackle Jaleel Johnson of Iowa (right) during Senior Bowl practice at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Glenn Andrews-USA TODAY Sports /

Jaleel Johnson, DT

Heading into the draft this year, it was revealed that the career of Minnesota defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd could be in jeopardy due to a nerve issue he sustained from surgery on his knee. Adding a defensive tackle was already expected to be addressed in the draft, but the news about Floyd made improving the position group a top priority for the Vikings.

So in the fourth round of the 2017 NFL Draft, Minnesota selected Iowa defensive tackle Jaleel Johnson. In 2016, Johnson was a First-Team All-Big Ten selection after finishing the year with 56 total tackles (10 for a loss) and 7.5 sacks.

At 6-foot-3, 316 pounds, the young defensive tackle is described by scouts as being better skilled at stopping the run than rushing the passer. But that is absolutely fine since the Vikings need to improve upon their 20th ranked run defense from a season ago.

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