NFL.com tabs Vikings DE Everson Griffen as an indispensable defender
By Adam Carlson
Everson Griffen is a passionate part of the Minnesota Vikings defense, but is he the most valuable part of the top-ranked unit from last season?
When the Minnesota Vikings selected USC defensive end Everson Griffen in the fourth round of the 2010 NFL Draft, the team knew they were getting a pass rusher with a lot of passion and a non-stop motor.
Sitting behind potential Pro Football Hall of Fame defensive end Jared Allen, hopes were that Griffen could become a capable replacement to take over when his number was finally called to be a starter.
Since then, Griffen has shattered those expectations and become one of the most dangerous pass rushers in the league. He has accumulated 43.5 sacks in the last four seasons and countless occasions of pressuring the quarterback.
Recently, Adam Schein of NFL.com released a list ranking the most indispensable defenders from each team. Somewhat surprisingly, Everson Griffen came in fifth on that list as the representative from the Vikings following his pass-rushing triple-double.
"“This 30-year-old makes Minnesota’s elite defense go. He’s an unblockable and unstoppable defensive lineman who doesn’t get enough credit. And he’s the leader of the pack.”"
Placing him behind only Aaron Donald, Von Miller, Fletcher Cox, and Khalil Mack, Griffen has been getting a lot of respect lately, particularly from lists like the Top 100 Players of 2018. However, calling him the most indispensable player on the Minnesota defense is debatable.
Any of three players could have been interchangeable on this list, with Xavier Rhodes being among the league’s best at cornerback and Harrison Smith being arguably the best safety in the NFL.
Either way, fans know all the talent that Minnesota has on the defensive side of the ball. Whether it had been Griffen, Smith, or Rhodes on the list, they would have been among the NFL’s elite, which says a lot for the future of the team.
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Congratulations to Minnesota Vikings defensive end Everson Griffen on being recognized by NFL.com as one of the best defenders in the league. He will continue to prove his worth during the 2018 season when the team will attempt to return to the postseason and make a deep playoff run.