The Minnesota Vikings were really good on defense in the 2023 season.

They went from 31st in total defense to 17th along with being 13th in scoring defense. Defensive coordinator Brian Flores has been a revelation for the defense in maximizing the depleted roster.

Even with the holes, there is still a lot to like. They made some major additions to the roster on defense this offseason, especially at edge rusher and linebacker. Those moves will end up making things a little bit easier for the Vikings to take a step forward.

Even with the optimism, there are still some reasons to be concerned. How much should we be concerned at each position on defense?

Vikings’ concern level at each defensive position

Edge rusher: 3/10

The Vikings finally feel like they have quality depth at edge rusher for the first time in a while. Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel are going to be not just dependable as the starters, but it will also allow rookie Dallas Turner to grow and develop. With Van Ginkel still nursing a foot injury going into mandatory minicamp, it gives Turner a lot of extra valuable reps.

The back end of the room also has really intriguing players. Pat Jones II is a quality EDGE4 and both Andre Carter II and Gabriel Murphy have some really intriguing potential. The only thing that would derail this group is injuries.

Defensive line: 10/10

This is a five-alarm fire for the Vikings. It was so rough last year that defensive coordinator Brian Flores used a lot of three edge rusher and seven defensive back sets. That could be the case again this year. Greenard has the length to play a 4i/5T which will make a difference but only Harrison Phillips is a good player. 

Outside of Phillips, it’s brutal. Jerry Tillery is a former first-round pick who hasn’t done anything of note in his career. Jonathan Bullard is a fine but rotational player at this point in his career. The one thing that looks intriguing is Jaquelin Roy in year two. He was a fifth-round pick in 2023 but was projected at one point to be a first round pick.

This is going to be a major point of emphasis in the 2025 offseason but it could end up being the reason the Vikings don’t have much success in 2024.

Inside linebacker: 5/10

This is a solid group! Blake Cashman provides you the do-it-all linebacker that the Vikings needed so much last season. It also allows Ivan Pace Jr., who was a revelation as a rookie, to focus more on the things that make him such a unique and talented player.

The intrigue is with the depth. Brian Asamoah II is a major wild card. He struggles with being consistent as a tackler despite being very explosive as a defender. Kamu Grugier-Hill is a special teamer at this point in his career. That could leave a spot open for an intriguing rookie UDFA in either Dallas Gant or Bo Richter.

Cornerback: 8/10

This is so high not because of the talent in the room, but because there isn’t any true consistency. The only reliable player has been Byron Murphy Jr. Mekhi Blackmon, Akayleb Evans and Andrew Booth Jr. have varying levels of consistency but it’s been rough at times with all of them. Khyree Jackson and Shaquill Griffin are both intriguing additions to the room, but it desperately needs someone to step up and be either an alpha or just consistent.

Safety: 3/10

Let’s be real. This is the best safety room in the National Football League. Camryn Bynum, Josh Metellus and Harrison Smith are a great trio. They all played over 90% of the snaps in 2023 and thrived in doing so. 

Theo Jackson and Jay Ward are also really talented players who have potential and the former seems to be playing well by all accounts. Then you have Lewis Cine, who has all the talent in the world but hasn’t been able to put it together and could end up being cut or traded this August.

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