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Detroit Lions, NFC North Position Rankings: Defensive Line

By Jack Ozark

Sep 3, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions defensive tackle Haloti Ngata (92) gives high fives to fans as he runs onto the field before a preseason NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills at Ford Field. Lions beat the Bills 17-10. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 3, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions defensive tackle Haloti Ngata (92) gives high fives to fans as he runs onto the field before a preseason NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills at Ford Field. Lions beat the Bills 17-10. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 1, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive end Brian Robison (96) and defensive end Everson Griffen (97) against the Chicago Bears at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Bears 38-10. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive end Brian Robison (96) and defensive end Everson Griffen (97) against the Chicago Bears at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Bears 38-10. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Minnesota Vikings

The Minnesota Vikings rank first because of both talent and consistency. Though their starters may not be the youngest players, they continue to produce.

Defensive ends Brian Robison and Everson Griffen are some of the most consistent faces in football. Neither of these guys miss games, and on top of that are very productive. Having consistency from a position like defensive end really assists all the players behind as well, which is probably why the Vikings have had a solid defense for years.

And the Vikings are prepared for when these veterans call it quits as well. Specifically with Danielle Hunter, who is entering his third season yet is still only 22 years old. If he and one of their UDFA or a player drafted next year can take off they shouldn’t need to worry about a defensive end for years.

The defensive tackle position has been a little shakier for the Vikings, but that doesn’t mean it’s been bad. Sharrif Floyd has been a star for the Vikings over the past few seasons, but after an injury, his career might be in jeopardy. The Vikings would love if they could get him back, but they still have options behind him ready to go.

They will probably start the season with Tom Johnson and Linval Joseph as the two defensive tackles. Both have been with the Vikings since 2014 and have seen plenty of playing time over those years.

Next: Detroit Lions, NFC North Position Rankings: Offensive Line

The third Johnson they have might be the most exciting this season. Jaleel Johnson was selected in the fourth round of the 2017 draft and should get plenty of snaps this season. If he can show any signs of growth this year, Vikings fans may not need to worry so much about not having Floyd on the field for awhile.

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