The Viking Age
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Who will be the Minnesota Vikings’ best defensive player in 2017?

By Adam Patrick

Oct 23, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Minnesota Vikings middle linebacker Eric Kendricks (54) runs onto the field for action against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. The Philadelphia Eagles won 21-10. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 23, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Minnesota Vikings middle linebacker Eric Kendricks (54) runs onto the field for action against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. The Philadelphia Eagles won 21-10. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Minnesota Vikings Everson Griffen
Nov 20, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) carries the ball past Minnesota Vikings defensive end Everson Griffen (97) during the fourth quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Cardinals 30-24. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /

Everson Griffen, DE

After Minnesota made him a full-time starter in 2014, Griffen has provided the team with with plenty of moments to reassure them that they made the right decision. He has gone from being a utility player during his first four seasons with the Vikings to being regarded now as one of the best pass rushers in the entire NFL.

There is no reason to think that the defensive end will slow down anytime soon, so he should still be forcing opposing quarterbacks to run for their lives this year.

During Minnesota’s recent offseason practices, the team experimented with lining Griffen up all over the defensive line. Having him play a few snaps on the inside as a defensive tackle could help the Vikings create matchup problems for the opposing offensive line this year.

Next: Vikings' defense could have two new starters in 2017

It could also lead to Griffen having more chances to end the 2017 season as the best player on Minnesota’s defense.

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