Corey Peters – DT
One of my biggest concerns with the Minnesota Vikings after two full preseason games is the interior run defense. I do realize that both Livnal Joseph and Shamar Stephen have yet to play, and having those guys available will make a night and day type of difference. My concern is that if one of them gets hurt, the Minnesota Vikings will be very susceptible up the gut if teams decide to keep pounding the football.
At this point, I’m not sure what Jaleel Johnson‘s worth is to the team. He has been pushed around by every offensive line he’s faced so far this preseason. He’s a run-stuffer who can’t stop the run. He’s the primary backup to Linval Joseph and if he has to play an extended period of time in 2019 the Vikings’ defense will take a massive step back.
That’s why adding a guy like Corey Peters would be very helpful to the Vikings in 2019. Peters is a proven force against the run. He is stout and powerful and can collapse pockets and anchor. He’s a beast and probably should get more league-wide recognition for how good a player he is.
Not only can Peters stuff the run he can add some interior pressure. He’s racked up 14.5 sacks in his career. Whether or not he’d supplant Shamar Stephen is irrelevant. Whether he starts or Stephen does, the depth would be very much improved.
The Vikings wouldn’t have to sweat it if Joseph were to go down for a large portion of the season, as they’d have a capable backup waiting in the wings.