Vikings Training Camp 2018: Previewing the defensive line

By Chris Schad | Jul 24, 2018

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - DECEMBER 17: Danielle Hunter #99 of the Minnesota Vikings and Linval Joseph #98 celebrate a sack in the second quarter of the game against the Cincinnati Bengals on December 17, 2017 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) Everson Griffen /

Starting Defensive Ends:

Everson Griffen and Danielle Hunter

The best way to start an elite pass-rush is to get pressure from the edge. Fortunately for the Vikings, they have one of the best edge rushers in the league and another that should begin to come into his own during his third season as a starter.

Griffen has been a staple for the Vikings’ defense since his promotion to the starting lineup prior to the 2014 season. In his four seasons as a starter, he’s been selected to three Pro Bowls while tallying 43.5 sacks.

Although he’s starting to get a little bit older at age 31, Griffen’s 13 sacks last season were a career high and he will still demand attention from opposing offenses.

Just like Griffen, Minnesota is hoping that a new extension will bring out the best in Hunter as well. After notching 12.5 sacks in 2016, Hunter had a solid encore with seven last year.

With his 24th birthday not coming until October, the former draft lottery ticket is expected to emerge as one of the top edge rushers in the league this season.

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