Detroit Lions, NFC North training camp previews: Defense

Minnesota Vikings

Much like their offense, age and financial constraints forced the Vikings to part with several defensive fixtures this offseason. As a result, a number of young players and rookies will be relied upon to become early contributors in 2020 despite the lack of an in-person offseason program.

The most notable absence will be edge rusher Everson Griffen, who has tormented the Lions for most of the last decade. He remains unsigned at press time. Explosive Danielle Hunter will have to rely on pass-rushing help from a questionable committee that includes Ifeadi Odenigbo (7.0 snaps in 2019), rookie Kenny Willekes, and former Lion Anthony Zettel.

In the middle, another conspicuous departure is Linval Joseph, who was replaced with Michael Pierce. Pierce played in a similar defensive scheme with the Baltimore Ravens over the last several seasons, so the shift should be easy. Next to him will be a rotation of Shamar Stephen, Jaleel Johnson, and Jayln Holmes. Johnson has easily the most upside of this group.

You’d be hard-pressed to find a better – or more expensive – pair of linebackers than the Vikings’ Eric Kendricks and Anthony Barr. Together, there is very little that they can’t do on the field. The only area in which they don’t contribute much is pass-rushing – they combined for just 2.0 sacks last year. Eric Wilson has made nice progress in three seasons and could be in for a bigger role this year, particularly in the case of an injury or infection.

Minnesota’s cornerback unit will hardly resemble the one that has taken the field in recent years. Gone are underperforming veterans Xavier Rhodes, Mackensie Alexander, and Trae Waynes, replaced with a youth movement. Mike Hughes will man one spot, though he has started just five career games and is better suited to play as a slot corner.

He’ll likely be joined by rookie first-rounder Jeff Gladney, though both he and Hughes measure under six feet. It’s a risky approach, especially considering the options behind them have little experience. Holton Hill is a talented player, but he served eight games worth of suspensions in 2019. Rookie Cameron Dantzler offers intriguing size at 6-2.

The Vikings also have an excellent starting tandem at safety. Harrison Smith, who continues to pile up great seasons into his thirties, will be joined again by Anthony Harris, who enjoyed a breakout campaign in 2019. Harris will play 2020 on the franchise tag. Like their corners, Minnesota’s backups lack any experience; the only other safeties currently on the roster are rookies.