Minnesota Vikings: Replacing aging veterans through 2020 NFL Draft

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - JANUARY 1: Trae Waynes
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - JANUARY 1: Trae Waynes /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 5
Next
ATLANTA, GA – SEPTEMBER 01: Nick Coe #91 of the Auburn Tigers forces a fumble as he knocks the ball from the hands of Jake Browning #3 of the Washington Huskies at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on September 1, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA – SEPTEMBER 01: Nick Coe #91 of the Auburn Tigers forces a fumble as he knocks the ball from the hands of Jake Browning #3 of the Washington Huskies at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on September 1, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

Everson Griffen

Pass rusher Everson Griffen has been the heart and soul of the defense for a while now. Griffen has 66.5 sacks in nine seasons with the Vikings. However, personal circumstances forced Griffen to miss time last season. That led to his lowest single-season sack total since 2013 and his lowest since being the full-time starter.

He will hit age 32 by the end of the upcoming season. The Vikings should look to move on sooner rather than later.

More from NFL Spin Zone

Replacement Option: Nick Coe, Auburn

Auburn’s defensive line will be one of the best in the nation in 2019. Nick Coe is a big reason why. Listed at 6-5 and 291 pounds, Coe is a force up front. His length allows him to utilize a plethora of rush moves. He uses his long arms to gain leverage on his blockers but has the speed to win the outside as well.

Coe is an excellent athlete on the edge that finishes plays. He hustles through the whistle and does all he can to contribute. Coe can line up pretty much anywhere on the line. He has the speed to play the edge but the size to dominate the interior. His versatility in rush moves makes him a top-tier prospect for 2020.

I am a huge fan of Nick Coe as a pass rusher. His film up to this point has been phenomenal. Coe racked up seven sacks in nine games last season. Considering he plays in the SEC, he shows up when it matters. He has the tools to beat anyone at any time. Nick Coe is a name to keep an eye on for the Vikings in 2020.

Honorable mention: Yetur Gross-Matos, Penn State