2013 Defensive Line Position

DL Grade: 6

The Defensive Line for the Vikings in 2012 looked pretty good with some great play by Jared Allen, Brian Robison, Kevin Williams and Everson Griffen. We have some work to do this offseason to address the Defensive Tackle position, but on the outside we still can get to the quarterback and create big plays. Look for the Vikings to add depth in the draft and also in free agency this offseason, we will probably look for a young talent in the draft by trying to find a long-term replacement for the aging Kevin Williams. 

Jared Allen is a key piece to our defense line and offensive lineman must pay extra attention to keep him from getting pressure on their quarterback.  Jared didn’t have the type of year he had in 2011 with 22.0 sacks, but still was productive and we should see him still be productive in 2013. Yes,  Jared Allen isn’t in his prime anymore and must play smarter to create havoc. At 30 years old Jared Allen is still one of the best pass rushers in the NFL and can get the crowd pumped up with his relentless play. 

If you want a stellar pass rush opposite Allen you must look for a guy such as Brian Robison to be a key asset. Brian Robison was hampered with a shoulder injury last season late in the season, but still had a heck of a year with 8.5 sacks and was a pass swatting machine with 7 passes batted down. Brian is very quick and has a mentality like Allen and can create headaches for quarterbacks with the amount of pressure he can provide. Yes, Robison should still improve in 2013 at age 29 and will need better play from the tackle positions to free up some space. 

An aging Kevin Williams at 32 has not been the dominate Defensive Tackle he was with his old counter part Pat Williams. Is he decreasing with productivity or does he just need some support inside? In 2012 he had 7 passes defended and only 2 sacks, he isn't getting the pressure this big tackle should get up the middle. Look for the Vikings to find a long-term answer to replace Kevin during the draft.

A 25 year old Letroy Guion started 15 games for the Minnesota Vikings last season and needs to improve in 2013. He tallied only 2 sacks and 31 total tackles in 2012. Yes, he is only 25 years old but must improve his quickness, hands and speed rushing skills to create more productivity. Is he the answer next to help Jared Allen and the rest of the line get pressure? I am not sure yet, he is young and needs to improve his overall game.

How athletic is Everson Griffen? This beast is a nightmare for offensive lineman and quarterbacks. He played in 16 games and only started in 1 game due to Brian Robison's shoulder injury, but recorded 8 sacks, 2 fumble recoveries and 1 interception for a touchdown last season. The problem with Everson is that he can't be on the field more because Robison. Can you put him inside? I think the Vikings and Leslie Friazier need to find ways to get him on the field more. He is machine and can create big plays and can be a huge part of this defense. Look for Griffen to have an outstanding year in 2013.

Other guys we need to step up in 2013 is Fred Evans and Christian Ballard, they both add depth inside and must improve to compete for more work next season. Don't be surprised to see more of both of these guys next season. The Vikings do a great job shuffling in fresh legs and these two can both help in the middle. 

Other young talent to keep your eye on if they can get on the field like George Johnson and D'Aundre Reed. Both guys are raw and need to improve in order to make the team next season. 

Overall the Vikings Defensive Line is solid with some big playmakers and look for them to add depth this offseason both in the draft and in free agency. Spielman will take some risk finding young playmakers to improve this lines run stopping and pass rushing ability. We must get younger up front and don't be surprised if Spielman adds 2 rookies in the draft.