NFL.com ranks Minnesota Vikings as NFL’s fourth best defensive line
By Adam Carlson
The Minnesota Vikings defensive line is one of the most stout units in the league, but they weren’t good enough to land in the top 3 of NFL.com’s list.
When looking at the Minnesota Vikings depth chart, it is pretty easy to see why the franchise has so much success on the defensive side of the ball. They are loaded with talented players and are deep with reserves to strike fear into the hearts of opposing offenses.
One of the major strengths of the Vikings defense is the line. Everson Griffen headlines the unit with three Pro Bowl appearances and double-digit sack numbers in three of the last four seasons with the team.
Opposite Griffen at defensive end is 23-year-old Danielle Hunter who has racked up 25.5 sacks in his first three years with the team despite only officially becoming a starter before the 2017 NFL season.
Minnesota Vikings
In the middle, two-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Linval Joseph swallows up blockers and closes running gaps while also getting pressure on the quarterback. Assisting Joseph this year is new addition Sheldon Richardson, who was the AP Defensive Rookie of the Year and has one Pro Bowl under his belt.
All those accolades and production are great, but they still weren’t enough to land Minnesota among the three best defensive lines in the NFL according to a list compiled by Gregg Rosenthal of NFL.com.
Rosenthal’s only real knock on the Vikings defensive line is a lack of depth despite veteran Brian Robison returning to the team and rookies Jalyn Holmes and Ade Aruna joining breakout contender Tashawn Bower and 2017 fourth-round draft pick Jaleel Johnson.
Ranked ahead of Minnesota on the list are the Los Angeles Rams in third, the Philadelphia Eagles in the second spot, and the Jacksonville Jaguars as the best defensive line in the league.
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Although the Minnesota Vikings didn’t crack the top 3 on Rosenthal’s countdown on NFL.com, that doesn’t mean there isn’t excellence demanded from this unit. With so much experience and potential, teams should fear going up against this foursome and for good reason: they’re among the league’s best!