5 questions left for the Vikings after the 2020 NFL Draft
By Chris Schad
Who will be the 3-technique?
One of the biggest mysteries about the Vikings is what they see in Shamar Stephen. Minnesota’s staff has praised his efforts and they feel like he helps everyone on the defense get better. But the stats just don’t see him as being a productive player.
Last season, Stephen ranked 158th in run-stop percentage and pass rusher productivity and no matter how much Zimmer hates Pro Football Focus, that should be unacceptable.
Despite the praise, there seems to be some movement on this front after the Vikings had to move Danielle Hunter and Everson Griffen to the inside just to generate pressure in the playoffs. While free-agent import Michael Pierce should help, he’s more of a run stuffer, meaning Minnesota needs someone to attack the passer.
When it comes to picking a pass-rushing, 3-technique defensive tackle, the Vikings have some options. Armon Watts logged a 5.7 PRP last season that would have ranked 23rd among full-time defensive tackles. This year’s fourth-round pick, James Lynch, also enters the mix with 13.5 sacks and an 8.9 PRP in 2019 at Baylor.
It will be interesting to see if Minnesota continues to covet the ability to “be in the right spot” at defensive tackle or if they make the switch to someone who can help others out by sending themselves into the quarterback.