Super early 22-man starter projections for the 2023 Vikings
By Adam Carlson
Starting Defensive Line
- Harrison Phillips – DT
In the second year of his three-year contract with the Minnesota Vikings, Harrison Phillips will be the only returning starter for the defensive line. He will be tasked with helping a defense that struggled mightily in the trenches last season.
Statistically, Phillips wasn't very impressive last season. The 27-year-old defender had 59 combined tackles with 1.5 of those being sacks and three being for a loss while playing and starting in all 17 games in 2022.
- Khyiris Tonga – NT
A seventh-round draft pick of the Bears in 2021, Khyiris Tonga was waived by Chicago, picked up on waivers by the Falcons, for their practice squad but signed to the Vikings active roster to play in 11 games and start two of those. He had 28 combined tackles, four pass defenses, and half a sack in that time.
- Dean Lowry – DT
One of the Vikings' free agent signings this offseason, Dean Lowry was a productive member of the Green Bay Packers before coming to Minnesota on a two-year deal. He should help to establish the edge in the new-look defense.