Breaking down the Minnesota Vikings 53-man roster for the 2018 season
By Adam Carlson
Defensive line (9)
- Tashawn Bower
- Everson Griffen
- Jalyn Holmes
- Danielle Hunter
- Jaleel Johnson
- Linval Joseph
- David Parry
- Sheldon Richardson
- Stephen Weatherly
Released: Curtis Cothran, Ifeadi Odenigbo, Brian Robison, Jonathan Wynn
The pass rushing talent on this defensive line is insane. Combining Griffen and Hunter while adding in developing talent like Weatherly and Bower, who have flashed whenever their numbers have been called.
Meanwhile, the interior of the line should be dominated by Joseph and Richardson. The two Pro Bowl caliber players should seal up the middle and make it a real challenge for opposing teams to run the ball as well as protect the quarterback.
The shocking cut of the day came in Robison, who took a pay cut to stay with the team and was beloved by fans as well as the locker room. The team will miss his veteran presence, but his release also opens up opportunities for other pass rushers.
Johnson, Holmes, and Parry should all be ready to play at a moments notice but also need more time to adapt to the NFL as well as their new team. Despite that, these talented players would have bigger roles on other teams, but have to deal with an amazing starting 4 that will force them to watch from the sidelines…for now.