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Minnesota Vikings D/ST 2019 Outlook: Elite Defense Ready To Dominate
5 years agoMinnesota Vikings D/ST has been a dominant unit for a few years now, ranking top-5 in yards allowed per game the last two years (#1 in 2017) and led by defensive-guru head coach Mike Zimmer. The Vikes return a talented and deep roster that includes Linval Joseph, Danielle Hunter, Everson Griffen, Xavier Rhodes, Trae Waynes, Eric Kendricks, Anthony Barr, and Harrison Smith. That's a scary group for any team's offense to face. 2018's first-round pick Mike Hughes is an enticing playmaker at the cornerback position and is expected to push Ameer Abdullah for kick and punt return duties this season. The only thing missing from this D/ST is the lack of turnover upside as the Vikes ranked 18th with 12 interceptions and 16th with eight fumbles recovered in the 2018 season. It's really difficult to project turnovers, but you can assume a top-5 defense adjusts to finish higher in those two categories in 2019. Minnesota D/ST is being drafted at 191 overall (D/ST6), behind the Bears, Rams, Jaguars, Ravens, and Chargers. This ADP feels too low, and you can feel free to bet on the continuity and general talent in this defense to finish in the top-3 or even in the top spot for the upcoming season.
