5 underrated moves the Vikings made in 2022
By Adam Carlson
Assembling a high-potential linebacker group
The defense needed a lot of help after a season where opponents were averaging 25.1 points per game. The Minnesota Vikings responded quickly, moving to a 3-4 defense and looking for strong players to fill those roles.
Minnesota already had two stars to build the unit around. Eric Kendricks is one of the most complete inside linebackers in the NFL and Danielle Hunter moves from defensive end to outside linebacker to rush the passer.
Adding Jordan Hicks to pair with Kendricks in the middle gives the team two amazing tacklers to contain and limit plays while signing Za’Darius Smith to be opposite Danielle Hunter potentially gives Minnesota one of the best pass rush duos in the league.
The sky is the limit for the linebackers in this defense. If they click and the defensive line can get some push or even hold their own, this front seven should be able to thrive and give the Vikings offense a better chance at putting more points on the board than their opponents.