Final Vikings 53-man roster projection for the 2020 season
By Adam Patrick
Defensive Line (9)
- Danielle Hunter, Yannick Ngakoue, Ifeadi Odenigbo, Jalyn Holmes, D.J. Wonnum (Defensive Ends)
- Shamar Stephen, Jaleel Johnson, Armon Watts, Hercules Mata’afa (Defensive Tackles)
Even without Michael Pierce and Everson Griffen, Minnesota’s defensive line should still be one of the best in the NFL this season. Especially with the recent addition of former Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end, Yannick Ngakoue.
Danielle Hunter has been dealing with a mystery injury all summer, but Minnesota hasn’t seemed overly concerned about it impacting him during the regular season. Hunter and Ngakoue have the potential to be the best pass-rushing duo in the league this year and there are fewer things in this world that could make Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer happier.
On the inside, Shamar Stephen is expected to shift over and line up as Minnesota’s nose tackle this season following Pierce’s decision to opt-out. Stephen didn’t impress much at the 3-technique spot last year, so maybe this position switch will result in a better outcome.
Signs seem to point to Jaleel Johnson opening the season as the Vikings’ new starting 3-technique. But don’t be surprised if someone like Armon Watts or Hercules Mata’afa is given a chance to take Johnson’s starting spot at some point this year.