5 defensive prospects for Vikings to watch at the East-West Shrine Bowl

ORLANDO, FL - JANUARY 01: Shyheim Carter #5 of the Alabama Crimson Tide in action on defense during the Vrbo Citrus Bowl against the Michigan Wolverines at Camping World Stadium on January 1, 2020 in Orlando, Florida. Alabama defeated Michigan 35-16. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL - JANUARY 01: Shyheim Carter #5 of the Alabama Crimson Tide in action on defense during the Vrbo Citrus Bowl against the Michigan Wolverines at Camping World Stadium on January 1, 2020 in Orlando, Florida. Alabama defeated Michigan 35-16. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
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(Photo by James Black/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) Lavert Hill
(Photo by James Black/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) Lavert Hill

Who are five defensive prospects the Minnesota Vikings should watch closely during this week’s East-West Shrine Bowl?

The Minnesota Vikings 2019 season is officially over after getting thoroughly beaten by the San Francisco 49ers in the divisional round of the playoffs.

The Vikings now have to focus on the offseason and figure out who they are going to try to keep, who they are willing to let go, and what positions they will like to bolster through the draft and free agency. That process kicks off this week with the East-West Shrine Bowl game.

The East-West Shrine Bowl is made up of players who usually are taken anywhere from second round or after and some even go undrafted. These aren’t the top prospects available in the upcoming draft, but plenty of NFL starters have started their professional career by participating in this game.

After the game against the 49ers, it’s clear Minnesota has needs on both sides of the ball. But when looking at the prospects from the defensive side of the ball, who are five players the Vikings should be watching closely this week?

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