5 candidates to be the Vikings starting defensive end in 2021

The Minnesota Vikings have a lot of positions locked down heading into the 2021 NFL season but they need to figure out one of their starting defensive ends.

Last year was hard to watch for fans of the Minnesota Vikings who have gotten used to seeing a high level of pass rush from the team over the last few years. A lack of pressure led to the defense as a whole being unable to keep up with opposing offenses.

Of course, a lot of that had to do with Danielle Hunter missing the entire season and Yannick Ngakoue only sticking with the team for a short time before being traded away. That left some major question marks at both starting positions.

This year, Minnesota hopes to get Hunter back the spot opposite him on the defensive line will be up for grabs. While Sheldon Richardson and other players might fill in there on a  situational basis, there needs to be a starter there for the team.

There will be a competition at training camp and during the preseason to determine who will win this job and unless an outside candidate is brought in, there are five great options on the Minnesota Vikings roster that have a shot at taking it all home.

Let’s take a look at the five defensive ends to win a starting job opposite Danielle Hunter this year.