Leader in the Vikings nose tackle battle appears to emerge

Did the Minnesota Vikings give away who will be their new starting nose tackle?

Shockwaves were sent around the Minnesota Vikings facilities a few weeks ago when Michael Pierce decided to opt-out of the upcoming season due to concerns about the COVID-19 virus.

Pierce was brought in as a free agent this year and the Vikings were counting on him to be their new starting nose tackle following the departure of Linval Joseph in March. But now, neither Pierce nor Joseph will be suiting up for Minnesota in 2020.

Instead, the Vikings have to find someone else to be their starting nose tackle with only a few weeks remaining before their first game of the season on September 13.

Veteran emerges as leading candidate to be Minnesota Vikings starting nose tackle

Minnesota co-defensive coordinator Adam Zimmer met with the media on Wednesday and he was asked about which guys on the team’s roster will be competing for the vacant starting nose tackle spot.

"“We’re going to give a couple guys looks. Shamar Stephen’s done it before and he’s as good a nose (tackle) as there is. We really think a lot of him. He’s really good in the running game. He’s an extremely smart player. I know the linebackers have an immense respect for him because he lets them flow and make plays. So I think he’ll have the ability to fill that role.”"

Zimmer also mentioned Armon Watts and Jaleel Johnson as other candidates who could potentially be in contention for the job. However, the Vikings co-defensive coordinator didn’t give a long, complimentary response when talking about Watts or Johnson like he did with Stephen.

If Minnesota does indeed end up going with Stephen as their new starting nose tackle, it shouldn’t be something that comes as too big of a surprise.

First, he’s currently the heaviest defensive linemen on the Vikings roster, which is usually an important trait to have as a nose tackle in the NFL. Second, Stephen has experience in lining up at the position like Zimmer mentioned.

Honestly, Stephen is probably a better fit as a nose tackle than he is at the three-technique spot where the team used him last season. He’s good at stopping the opposing run game and he’s not exactly known for having elite pass-rushing abilities.

Obviously, Minnesota would rather have Pierce back on the field. But at least the Vikings can still replace him with one of their current players and not have to worry about bringing in someone totally new with only a month’s time to get them ready for the season.