Vikings 53-man roster predictions following the 2022 NFL Draft

Defensive line (5)

• Dalvin Tomlinson, Harrison Phillips, Armon Watts, Jaylen Twyman, Jordan Scott

Since the Vikings are switching to a hybrid system of 3-4 and 4-3 on defense, it is hard to separate by defensive line and linebacker anymore. For that reason, the defensive tackles and ends in a 3-4 go here, in the defensive line section.

Dalvin Tomlinson didn’t thrive last year under Mike Zimmer, but he and the returning Armon Watts created an established front that should help to get things going. The Vikings also signed Harrison Phillips from Buffalo, making him the most likely to be the third lineman in a 3-4 front.

Maybe it’s the amazing story of Jaylen Twyman’s rise to the NFL and struggles after being drafted, but he’s an easy player to root for this preseason. He has the heart, motor, and muscles of a player that could make an impact if he gets an opportunity.

To round out the unit, Jordan Scott is another big-bodied defender who could fill in at nose in a pinch if needed. These big guys will have their hands full with stopping the run and plugging holes, but they have the beef to get it done.