Brian Flores has had to compensate for a lack of pass-rushing defensive linemen by blitzing heavily in two seasons as Vikings defensive coordinator. He’s hoping his new defensive tackles can help provide a more well-rounded attack.
The Vikings are expecting Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave to return to their pre-injury forms and provide the defense with an interior pass-rush the team hasn’t had in several seasons. If they can do that, the Vikings can help mask an unproven secondary and improve on a defense that flashed brilliance in 2024 despite its shortcomings.
Alex Ballentine of Bleacher Report suggests that the best-case scenario for the Vikings’ defense this season is that their defensive front lives up to expectations, supporting EDGE rushers Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel.
Biggest Need:Â Cornerback
Best-Case Scenario:Â Dominant Front Helps Questionable Secondary Look Elite
Brian Flores is one of the best defensive coordinators in the league. No one dials up pressures like Flores and the Vikings defense benefitted from his aggressive style.
The Vikings were sixth in pressure percentage and had the No. 1 defense in EPA per rush. Now imagine that front with Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave added to the middle.
There’s no question corner is the biggest question on the Vikings defense. They added Isaiah Rodgers and Jeff Okudah to be presumptive starters on the outside with Byron Murphy Jr. as the slot corner.
Ideally, Rodgers and Okudah would put together career years playing behind a defensive line that should dominate.
The Vikings are likely hoping and expecting third-year cornerback Mekhi Blackmon, who suffered a torn ACL last season, to start in front of Okudah. Blackmon showed promise as a rookie in 2023, and Okudah feels like a low-risk signing that the Vikings are taking a flyer on.
Regardless of who starts opposite Murphy, the Vikings will need Allen and Hargrave to stay healthy and produce despite their age. They are both over 30, and that can impact their ability, regardless of their injury status.