Minnesota Vikings: Projected starters for the 2020 NFL season
By Adam Carlson
Defensive line
- Danielle Hunter
- Shamar Stephen
- Michael Pierce
- Ifeadi Odenigbo
Two Pro Bowl-caliber players made their exit from the Minnesota Vikings this offseason. The team will look different without Linval Joseph holding down the middle of the line. Plus, if they are unable to bring back Everson Griffen, that would be a big loss as he is a solid pass-rusher.
It looks as though Odenigbo will be filling in for Griffen. However, there are some other talented defensive ends who will be pushing for that spot. Veterans Anthony Zettel and Eddie Yarbrough will be competing while rookies D.J. Wonnum and Kenny Willekes will be looking to make a great impression this preseason.
The interior of the defensive line will be without Joseph, but the signing of Pierce has the potential to make fans forget about that loss. Pierce is four years younger than Joseph and was the anchor in the Ravens defense before leaving Baltimore.
Returning defensive lineman Stephen will need to make a bigger impact, particularly when it comes to rushing the passer. He will face a big challenge in holding down the spot since the Vikings have many players including Jalyn Holmes, Hercules Mata’afa and rookie James Lynch breathing down his neck.