Friday, August 5, 2022

Minnesota Vikings Roster: The Defensive Line

This run through the Minnesota Vikings roster continues. Next up: The Defensive Line. 

The Vikings new coaching staff has brought a new defense to Minnesota. For the first time in nearly 40 years the Vikings base defense will be a 3-4. New positions. New techniques. Football is football but things are going to be done a little differently at the front of the Vikings defense. It starts with the defensive line. 

Minnesota Vikings Roster: The Defensive Line

Dalvin Tomlinson
Harrison Phillips
Armon Watts
James Lynch
Jaylen Twyman
Esezi Otomewo 
Jullian Taylor
Jonathan Bullard
T.Y. McGill
T.J. Smith
Tyarise Stevenson

The starters on the Vikings new three-man front appear set. 

Dalvin Tomlinson
Harrison Phillips
Armon Watts

Perhaps the best thing about those three players in this defense is that each can line up anywhere along the line. All three can play over the center. All three can play in any of the gaps along the line. They are a strong and versatile trio. The offensive line might not know which Viking is their responsibility until the snap. I like James Lynch as an interior pass rusher. He should have a significant role in the defensive line rotation. Jaylen Twyman missed all of his rookie season last season. Due to his size, strength, pass rushing, and Pitt origins, he carries comparisons to Aaron Donald. No one should be compared to Donald. It’s also a heavy load for Twyman. Still, he’s an intriguing talent. Esezi Otomewo was selected in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL Draft. The age and cost of rookie draft picks often have an edge on cutdown days. Jullian Taylor and Jonathan Bullard were offseason veteran additions. T.Y. McGill, T.J. Smith, and Tyarise Stevenson have their NFL shot. At 6’3” 365 lbs, Stevenson has size like no other defensive lineman on the roster. 

Top Competition: 
All of the backup spots are up for grabs. 

Could Surprise:
James Lynch. I really like Lynch as a breakout candidate. 

I see the Vikings keeping six defensive linemen.

Dalvin Tomlinson
Harrison Phillips
Armon Watts
James Lynch
Jaylen Twyman
Esezi Otomewo 





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