What to expect from new Vikings defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson

The Good

Experience and durability

Since joining the Giants as a second-round draft pick in 2017, the big defensive tackle has played in all 16 regular-season games for each of his four seasons, starting in all 64 of these contests as well for the G-Men.

Getting that kind of durability and consistency from anyone in the NFL is tough these days, especially with how physical the game can be in the trenches. He will be facing off against some extremely tough competition in the NFC North and he should be able to hold up against that kind of task.

Run-stopping ability

At 318 pounds, Tomlinson has a massive body that is tough for the opposition to move, clogging run lanes and slowing or stopping running backs. In fact, the big man has the second-highest run stuff rate in the NFL since 2017 among interior defensive linemen with a minimum of 800 snaps against the run.

Consistency

The statistics for Tomlinson during his last two seasons are nearly identical. He matched his marks in total tackles (49) and sacks (3.5) in these years, proving his play is no fluke. His tackles for a loss were quite close as well, with seven in 2019 and eight in 2020.

Leadership

Not only was Tomlinson an excellent defender for the Giants, but he was also a locker room leader. He was a team captain and a motivator who can bring a positive attitude as well as toughness to the defensive line.