Dec 24, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings fans react during the game against the Detroit Lions at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
The Minnesota Vikings begin training camp this week. After months of waiting, we are that much closer to seeing real football.
The Vikings had one of the most interesting offseasons of any NFL team. For starters, longtime quarterback Kirk Cousins departed in free agency. Star edge rusher Danielle Hunter and countless role players also departed.
Feb 27, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Minnesota Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah speaks during a press conference at the NFL Scouting Combine at Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
However, the team did well in adding talented veterans and rookies to areas of need as well.
With the departure of Cousins, the team brought in veteran Sam Darnold and rookie JJ McCarthy. The Vikings added Jonathan Greenard, Andrew Van Ginkel, and rookie Dallas Turner to replace Hunter. While QB play will be a concern, many fans are hopeful that McCarthy will live up to his draft slot sooner rather than later.
However, one position group has not been addressed much this offseason ‒ the defensive line.
The Defensive Line Is the Weakest Position Group for the Minnesota Vikings
Oct 15, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle T.J. Smith (50) and defensive tackle Harrison Phillips (97) tackle Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields (1) during the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-USA TODAY Sports
Khyiris Tonga and Dean Lowry departed this offseason, while Jerry Tillery was the only notable addition. Currently, Jonathan Bullard, Harrison Phillips, and Tillery are slated to start. Depth options include Jaquelin Roy, Jonah Williams, James Lynch, and Levi Drake Rodriguez.
Jared Dubin of CBS Sports recently analyzed each team’s weakest position group. To nobody’s surprise, Dubin listed the defensive line as the Vikings’ biggest problem area. Dubin offered the following explanation for that pick:
Harrison Phillips is a solid player, but the Vikes are counting on guys like Jerry Tillery, 2023 fifth-rounder Jaquelin Roy and 2024 seventh-rounder Levi Rodriguez next to him. That is highly concerning, even with Brian Flores magicking things up for them.
Jared Dubin
Nov 27, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Chicago Bears running back Roschon Johnson (23) runs with the ball against the Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Harrison Phillips (97) in the third quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
I have to agree with Dubin’s sentiment here. Unless Roy steps up and becomes a playmaker, it’s hard to get excited about this group. Phillips had a nice 2023 season, racking up 92 total tackles and three sacks, but it’s hard to imagine Bullard or Tillery helping out much in 2024.
In 2023, Tillery collected 31 tackles and two sacks. Bullard had 44 tackles and two sacks. PFF gave Tillery a respectable 67.7 grade last season, but the lineman had previously graded in the 40s. PFF was not a fan of Bullard’s work in 2023, giving the veteran a 46.3 PFF grade, ranking him amongst the league’s worst players at the position.
Dec 24, 2022; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (22) runs the ball against Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Jerry Tillery (90) during the second quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Unfortunately, at this point in the offseason, there aren’t many options available on the free agent market. Any improvements to the defensive line in the Twin Cities will likely have to come from within.
Levi Drake Rodriguez was drafted by the Vikings in the seventh round of the 2024 NFL Draft. The DT played two seasons at Texas A&M Commerce and collected 88 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, and a forced fumble. However, Rodriguez is undersized for an interior pass rusher and may struggle to adjust to the talent and size of NFL players. If Rodriguez has a good summer, the DT could sneak onto the roster and even see playing time. As mentioned above, this is not a deep position group, so Rodriguez could carve out a niche.
Even if Rodriguez doesn’t impress, somebody will need to step up. A new player could be acquired, too. Keep an eye on preseason roster cuts and cap casualties along the defensive line.
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Publish date : 2024-07-22 21:42:02
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