Vikings Training Camp 2018: Previewing the defensive line
By Chris Schad
Starting Defensive Tackles:
Linval Joseph and Sheldon Richardson
While Hunter and Griffen have gotten the job done on the ends, Joseph has plugged up the middle for the Vikings defense since coming over in free agency prior to the 2014 season.
Although his sack totals are relatively low (3.5 last season), his job is to disrupt things for opposing offensive linemen and help the guys behind him make plays. Judging by the recent performances of linebackers Eric Kendricks and Anthony Barr, Joseph done just that.
The issue for Minnesota has been finding a tag team partner for Joseph on the inside. After Sharrif Floyd saw his career (presumably) come to a close with a quad injury, the Vikings have relied on guys like Tom Johnson and Shamar Stephen to play above their level.
Minnesota’s solution this offseason was to add Richardson to the fold on a one-year, $8 million contract in free agency.
The 2013 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year has compiled just 2.5 sacks in the past two seasons. But he’ll be playing on a defensive line that has more talent around him than what he saw in his time with the New York Jets and Seattle Seahawks.
With that in mind, it’s possible that Richardson could be sitting on an impact season with the Vikings.