Analyzing The Vikings Defensive Line

Every few days I'll go more in depth which a group position like defensive line. Today I'll go in depth on there DL.

The defensive line may be the strongest unit the Vikings have and it probably is the best in the NFL. Our DL is well above average against the pass and the best against the run. I also feel it has the best depth in the NFL.

I'll rate each player from 1 to 10. A 10 will be given to a top 3 player in the NFL and a 1 to a poor backup player in the NFL.

Jared Allen plays right defensive end. He is in the top 3 in sacks in the NFL and has a constant motor on every play. His rank is a 10

Right defensive tackle is the 37 year old Pat Williams. He is past his prime, but is still a force against the run. He plays about 60 to 65 percent of the plays. He is very hard to move off the ball and can push an offensive linemen. His rank is an 8.

At left defensive tackle Kevin Williams plays at a pro bowl level. Kevin plays above average against the run and may be the best pass rusher at defensive tackle. He can beat an opponent either with his size or speed. His rank is a 10.

At left defensive end is Ray Edwards. He is an underrated defensive end. Ray really stood out in the playoffs with his sacks. He got national exposure and the Vikings protected the potential restricted free agent with a first round tender. His strength is against the run. He is one of the best DE against the run, but isn't as strong against the pass. I rank him at 7.

Besides the starters the Vikings have a lot of talent as backups and players used in rotating in to give starters a breather. The backups are also important in difference situations and in case of injuries.

The projected backups are:
Brian Robison backs up Ray Edwards. He is a speedy undersized DE who can rush
the quarterback quite well, but isn't good against the run. Rank is a 4.

Everson Griffith a 4th round pick this past draft is having a good camp and
is being used at both DE and DT(on passing downs). He has the potential to be
a very good defensive end. Right now he has no rank, but could be as high as
7-8 by the end of the year.

Jimmy Kennedy will back up Pat Williams and play around 35 percent of the downs.
The former first round pick can play the run and pass slightly above average.
His rank is a 6. He'd be a starter on many teams.

Fred Evans is a solid back up at defensive tackle. He'll back up Kevin Williams and be in the defensive rotation. He is solid against the run and pass. A little better at pass rushing. His rank is a 3.5.

Mike Montgomery serves as a solid veteran back up at defensive end. He's not a
flashy player but is adequate against the run and pass. His rank is a 3.

Letroy Guion will battle to be the last defensive line player on the team. His
career has had a lot of injuries, but he does have potential to be above
average against the run and and an average pass run rusher. He has had a really good camp so far. His rank was a 2, but now is 3.5.

Jayme Mitchell will also battle to make the team. He plays defensive end and is
much better at the pass than run. He also has battled injuries throughout his
career. A solid rank of 2 is fair. He has had a really good camp and his rank is up to 4. He is really doing well with his pass rushing.

Tremaine Johnson who is signed as a free agent out of college will be given a
chance to make the practice squad. He plays defensive end. In camp he's seen time at defensive tackle. He's had a really good camp. Hopefully he will make it to the practice squad and not be claimed. Still not enough information to give him a rank. If I was to rank him it'd be 2.5.

As good as the defensive line was last year they could be even better in 2010. Several players battled through significant injuries last year. They also had an injured back seven that put more pressure on the defensive line. Look for a recap of the defense later this month. They have back up players who would be starters on other teams. This should keep the defensive line as a strong area for the Vikings.

Later this week I'll breakdown the linebackers.