Photo By Brian Curski
Written By Chris Schad
One offseason ago, the Minnesota Vikings’ defensive line was at a crossroads. As the most dominant unit of a weak defense, the team might have been in trouble as they let Jared Allen and Kevin Williams leave via free agency. However, their departure may have been a blessing in disguise.
With Allen (32 years old) and Williams (34) leaving, it presented the perfect opportunity to get younger across the line. While Brian Robison (31) remained the veteran presence on the unit, the Vikings re-signed Everson Griffen (27) and added Linval Joseph (26) to go with Sharrif Floyd (22).
A youth movement isn’t always a good thing for a team, but the Vikings line was more effective. With the team looking to upgrade in several areas this offseason, the defensive line seems to be one of the solidified groups on the team.
What The Vikings Expected in 2014
Many assumed that the Vikings would miss Jared Allen’s presence on the outside, but after swinging and missing on Michael Johnson, Rick Spielman decided to give Griffen a five-year, $42.5 million contract. The numbers alone were staggering, but his play in a reserve role showed enough potential to pull the trigger.
The Vikings also struck in free agency by signing Joseph. With his addition next to Floyd, the defensive line would have the strongest defensive tackle duo since the “Williams Wall” (Pat and Kevin) was crushing opponents during the late-2000s.
Along with Brian Robison, the Vikings appeared to have a successful overhaul of their defensive line.
What Actually Happened in 2014
Griffen rewarded the front office’s leap of faith with 12 sacks. With 64 quarterback pressures (5th most among 4-3 defensive linemen) and Allen showing his age with the Chicago Bears, his contract now looks like a bargain as he heads into his prime.
The transition in the middle didn’t go as well for Joseph as he struggled to learn the run-stuffing technique. Meanwhile, Floyd improved on a decent rookie season, but both took a backseat to veteran Tom Johnson, who recorded 6.5 sacks.
With all of the commotion about the newcomers, Robison found himself lost in the shuffle with just 4.5 sacks, but that could also be the result of the “spread the wealth” pass rush that the Zimmer scheme brings to the table.
The Current Situation
After an offseason of transition, the Vikings find themselves in good shape along the defensive line.
The only real concern is the free agent status of Johnson and Corey Wootton, who provided nice depth along the line — something that Zimmer covets.
Offseason Plan and Targets
It would be nice to bring back Johnson, but the Vikings might want to stay quiet during free agency and attack the later draft rounds to not only get deeper but find an eventual successor to Robison.
While it wouldn’t be wise to take that plunge with the eleventh overall pick, this draft class is loaded with edge rushers. Of course, this also doesn’t take into effect that Scott Crichton, a third-round pick from 2014 will have another year to digest the playbook.
Unlike a season ago, the Vikings can rest comfortably knowing that the defensive line is in good hands.