Minnesota Vikings: Preliminary 53-man roster analysis
By Luke Sims
Dec 1, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Chad Greenway (52) and linebacker Audie Cole (57) and linebacker Audie Cole (57) and defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd (95) stop Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte (22) in the second quarter at Mall of America Field at H.H.H. Metrodome. Vikings win 23-20 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
Defensive Line: Everson Griffen, Sharrif Floyd, Linval Joseph, Brian Robison, Scott Crichton, Danielle Hunter, Justin Trattou, Tom Johnson, Shamar Stephen
A defensive line that could absolutely dominate, the Minnesota Vikings are well set heading into 2015.
The biggest strength of the team in my mind, the Vikes are poised to dominate opposing offensive lines all season long. From Everson Griffen’s absolute hassling of opposing linemen to Sharrif Floyd’s utter decimation of the interior line, this is a group of players that can do pretty much whatever they want all season long.
The defensive tackle rotation is ridiculously strong. Headed by Floyd, guys like Linval Joseph, Tom Johnson, and Shamar Stephen are more than capable of capitalizing on the opportunities he creates. There isn’t a bad player in the mix and it looks more and more like the 2015 season will see them all surge forward. I would like to see Joseph take a big leap forward in his play, but I may be getting nit-picky about it.
The defensive end group, led by Griffen, has the possibility to really capitalize in 2015. They have the third best pass rush as measured by Pro Football Focus and with just slightly more effort will see their sack totals increase as well. Opposing quarterbacks are always under pressure with this defensive line and it’s clear they can make 2015 their year to shine.
Sharrif Floyd is the big focal point of this unit. While I don’t want to jinx anything, if he goes down with injury, the defensive line could suffer. The Minnesota Vikings need to make sure they keep him fresh and in as many games as possible.
Next: The most talented group of linebackers in a long time, ready to step up