5 Minnesota Vikings players with nothing to prove in 2019

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - SEPTEMBER 09: Harrison Smith #22 of the Minnesota Vikings celebrates after recovering a fumbled ball in the second quarter of the game against the San Francisco 49ers at U.S. Bank Stadium on September 9, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - SEPTEMBER 09: Harrison Smith #22 of the Minnesota Vikings celebrates after recovering a fumbled ball in the second quarter of the game against the San Francisco 49ers at U.S. Bank Stadium on September 9, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
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(Photo By Jerry Holt/Star Tribune via Getty Images) Linval Joseph - Minnesota Vikings
(Photo By Jerry Holt/Star Tribune via Getty Images) Linval Joseph /

3. Linval Joseph, defensive tackle

When the Minnesota Vikings signed Linval Joseph in free agency, it was a move that wasn’t greeted with a lot of fanfare. Bringing in a defensive lineman isn’t usually a sexy move, but when it comes to “The Big Goon”, it should be.

Joseph has been the anchor of the Vikings defense for the last five years, using his big body to not only plug holes to stop opposing running backs but also use his power and athleticism to disrupt the passing game.

When Minnesota has Linval in the lineup, fans know the team has a high effort player who is going to do everything he can do to make things hard for the opposition. Considering the lack of stability at the defensive tackle spot next to him, it’s impressive Joseph has enjoyed the success he has.

The two-time Pro Bowl big man is someone the team couldn’t replace with anyone else on their roster at this time. While there is some good talent behind him on the depth chart, there is absolutely no substitute for Linval Joseph.