NFL Spin Zone
Fansided

Minnesota Vikings: 5 Potential Hall of Fame candidates on current roster

By Luke Parrish

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - NOVEMBER 4: Everson Griffen #97 and Danielle Hunter #99 of the Minnesota Vikings are interviewed after the game against the Detroit Lions at U.S. Bank Stadium on November 4, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings set a franchise record in the game with 10 sacks of the quarterback. (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - NOVEMBER 4: Everson Griffen #97 and Danielle Hunter #99 of the Minnesota Vikings are interviewed after the game against the Detroit Lions at U.S. Bank Stadium on November 4, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings set a franchise record in the game with 10 sacks of the quarterback. (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 6
Next
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – DECEMBER 16: Everson Griffen #97 of the Minnesota Vikings celebrates after sacking Ryan Tannehill #17 of the Miami Dolphins in the fourth quarter of the game at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 16, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – DECEMBER 16: Everson Griffen #97 of the Minnesota Vikings celebrates after sacking Ryan Tannehill #17 of the Miami Dolphins in the fourth quarter of the game at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 16, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

Everson Griffen

If you asked me to make this list three years ago, I probably would have placed Everson Griffen higher. After a rollercoaster of a 2018 campaign, Griffen enters 2019 with 66.5 career sacks. He also has 77 tackles for loss in nine seasons.

More from NFL Spin Zone

Griffen has been a staple of one of the best defenses in the league for several years now. His Hall of Fame prospects were much higher a few years ago, but his consistency is noteworthy.

Why he will get in

Griffen has been a nightmare for opposing tackles. His arsenal of rush moves has paved the way for his success up to this point. He has a deadly spin move and a powerful bull rush to get to the quarterback often. His 66.5 sacks and nine forced fumbles have been vital for Minnesota’s defensive success of late.

Between 2014 and 2017, Griffen missed just two games and racked up 43.5 sacks. He totaled a whopping 101 hits on the quarterback during those four seasons. Griffen was named to three consecutive Pro Bowls from 2015 to 2017 as well. That stretch was by far the best of his career up to this point.

Why he will miss out

Everson Griffen hasn’t been much outside of those four seasons. He didn’t become a full-time starter until his fifth NFL season. His career sack total will not come anywhere close to those of Hall of Fame rushers of the past. He only has three seasons with double-digit sack totals. I think Griffen is a longshot to make Canton, but he is a strong candidate for the Vikings Ring of Honor.

Home/Minnesota Vikings