Projected starters for the Minnesota Vikings during the 2019 season
By Adam Carlson
Defensive Line
- Everson Griffen – defensive end
- Danielle Hunter – defensive end
- Linval Joseph – defensive tackle
- Shamar Stephen – defensive tackle
The starting defensive ends from the last couple of seasons will return for 2019 and put a ton of pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Both Everson Griffen and Danielle Hunter are top-tier pass rushers in the league who should continue to play at a high level.
There are talented players behind them on the depth chart. Stephen Weatherly played well when filling in for Griffen last season and players like AAF standout Karter Schult and the intriguing Ifeadi Odenigbo are nice for backup or rotational work.
Inside the defensive line, Linval Joseph returns to once again plug up the middle, but last year’s starter beside him has moved on. Sheldon Richardson is with a new team, yet the Vikings went out and got Shamar Stephen back to take the role over again.
Jaleel Johnson looked good at times and rookie Armon Watts looked like a steal in the sixth round of the draft. Add Jalyn Holmes to the mix and you have some nice depth behind those two starters with some solid rotational players to stay fresh and healthy.