This offseason has been one of transformation for the Minnesota Vikings' defensive line, as one of their young players will now have an even bigger role on the team than he did over the last two seasons.
Bleacher Report's Brent Sobleski recently shared his one player on each of the 32 NFL teams that are considered their best-kept secret. He may not be a secret in Minnesota, but Sobleski named Vikings defensive tackle Jalen Redmond as that pick for them.
"Jalen Redmond's story alone deserves attention after being an undrafted free agent, needing the United Football League as a pathway to the NFL and growing into an underappreciated defensive lineman.
The Vikings employ an attacking defensive front. Redmond fits in nicely, with six sacks and numerous pressures last season.
Minnesota wanted a disruptive interior presence, hence the selection of Caleb Banks in this year's first round. He will join Redmond and give the unit an explosive, upfield duo."
Minnesota Vikings DL Jalen Redmond certainly won't be a secret for long
Redmond had a stellar 2025 campaign, earning significant playing time and starting 15 of 17 games. He racked up 62 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, eight quarterback hits, six sacks, five pass deflections, two fumble recoveries, and one forced fumble.
According to Pro Football Focus, he ranked 22nd in the NFL in overall PFF defensive grade among interior defensive linemen at 72.7 last season. Redmond created 35 pressures and 26 hurries last year.
With Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen now gone, Redmond instantly steps in as the full-time starter on the defensive line and the main focal point.
Redmond will have assistance from Minnesota rookie first-round pick Caleb Banks, who will be handling the opposite side of the defensive line, and rookie third-round pick Domonique Orange, who many believe will start at nose tackle for the Vikings in 2026.
Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores will have some things to work out on the defensive line with Banks coming in as a new starter and figuring out who else will step up between Levi Drake Rodriguez and Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins.
There isn't a question, though, that more is going to be put on Redmond to step up to the plate as he has been building up towards this moment since 2024, when he came in from the UFL with the Arlington Renegades.
It has truly become one of the best stories in the NFL that no one is talking about, as Redmond can stop the run and rush the passer with consistency.
The Vikings might see a dip in some parts of the defense, but Redmond is poised for a big 2026 season that might end in a surprise Pro Bowl selection if the NFL isn't aware of what he can do.
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