What to expect from new Vikings defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson

What to expect from Tomlinson in 2021

It is a massive relief to see the Vikings move on from Shamar Stephen on the defensive line. His ineffective play helped lead to highlight-reel games from opposing teams and made the other defenders on his team have to work harder to perform at a high level.

Now, Dalvin Tomlinson will step into a situation next to Michael Pierce to form a barrier on the interior of the defensive line that opposing teams may want to scheme to get around instead of charging directly at.

That said, it wouldn’t be shocking to see Tomlinson come off the field in pass-rush situations such as third and long and hail mary instances. Knowing how Mike Zimmer operates his defense, he will do anything it takes to get pressure and this would be a logical and one that the big defensive tackle likely understands.

Having two big, bruising defenders in the middle of the line should open up the game for Eric Kendricks to move about freely and be even more effective in coverage, as a pass rusher, and in pursuing ball-carriers.

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There is no reason to believe Tomlinson’s production from the Giants will drop at all with his new situation with Minnesota. He should step right into a starting role and produce at a high level to help the defense return to form after an embarrassing 2020 campaign.