Minnesota Vikings need to address multiple position on defense with intriguing options still available
After nine selections in the NFL Draft, the Minnesota Vikings still have positions to address, and they are lucky enough to have options.
There is a delicate balance for the Minnesota Vikings to strike when it comes to their roster. Interim general manager Rob Brzezinski is currently tasked with figuring out how to maximize the 2026 season while keeping flexibility with the future.
They fixed a lot of issues on the roster in both the short and long-term. Adding two defensive tackles and a linebacker has strengthened those positions plenty for now and later. The discussion for Brzezinski and the front office will be centered around the idea of improving the team immediately and the opportunity cost of it, taking away from the future.
As things stand, the secondary could arguably use a player, the defensive tackle needs a veteran, and edge rusher is only two deep. There are a few players who can make an impact on the roster and keep maximum flexibility moving forward.
Minnesota Vikings Roster Construction
- Rob Brzezinski made nine NFL Draft selections to solidify the depth of the roster, including defensive tackles Caleb Banks and Domonique Orange.
- After solidifying defensive tackle and linebacker, edge rusher is the biggest need on defense.
- The secondary is theoretically set going into the year, but there are opportunities to improve at safety.
EDGE Jadeveon Clowney
Right now, the Vikings don’t have a replacement for Dallas Turner. While Turner is going to be taking over for Jonathan Greenard, they don’t have anyone to replace the EDGE3 role. 500 snaps, 30-35 pressures, and 4-6 sacks per year. That’s something you can realistically get from an EDGE3.
Clowney is the exact type of player to give you that kind of production, and he can possibly give you even more. Having turned 33 on Valentine’s Day, Clowney played just 372 snaps for the Dallas Cowboys and earned 40 pressures and 8.5 sacks. His size, length, power, and explosiveness are plenty good enough to be a starter, let alone the first guy off the bench. Having made less than $3.5 million in 2025, the Vikings may be able to get him at a reasonable price.
EDGE Leonard Floyd
The Chicago Bears made Floyd the ninth overall pick in 2016, and he’s been a solid player throughout his career. His best season happened to be with hte Los Angeles Rams in 2021 with 73 pressures and 70.0 9.5. sacks on over 1,000 snaps. He’s been a really solid player, but Floyd fits what the Vikings have targeted over the years: someone linked to head coach Kevin O’Connell.
It’s a massive aspect to this entire situation. O’Connell has a propensity to target those he has spent time with in his past. Of those, the most famous is Cam Akers, whom he’s traded for twice and signed a third time. Floyd would be the next one, but he’s got the ability and skillset the Vikings need.
S Ashtyn Davis
Having a veteran in the safety room who is capable of playing a free safety role should be something the Vikings bring in. While they do have Theo Jackson, he played so poorly last season that the Vikings ended up benching him. They ran a significantly higher percentage of base defense than most of the league.
He’s not an elite player, but with his speed and range on the back end, Davis is a player who can be impactful for the Vikings on the back end.
S Harrison Smith
Duh.
