One of the Vikings’ perennial needs in recent years has been more pass-rush production from the defensive tackle position. As they head into another critical offseason after falling short in the first round of the playoffs, that need once again stands out.
The Vikings got incredible play at outside linebacker (Jonathan Greenard, Andrew Van Ginkel) and inside linebacker (Blake Cashman, Ivan Pace Jr.) this year, and all four are under contract next season. But they got basically zero pressure creation from a DT room headlined by Harrison Phillips. Journeyman veteran Jihad Ward led that group with 31 pressures. Ward, Jerry Tillery, and Jonathan Bullard are all unrestricted free agents this offseason.
Interior defensive linemen who can rush the passer are highly impactful, especially when complemented by good edge rushers. The Rams showed that in their win over the Vikings in the wild card round, getting five of their nine sacks from DTs Kobie Turner, Neville Gallimore, Desjuan Johnson, and Braden Fiske. Sam Darnold constantly had pressure in his face in that game. Star tackles like the Chiefs’ Chris Jones, the Eagles’ Jalen Carter, and the Ravens’ Nnamdi Madubuike are big reasons why their teams have had so much success this season…