Defensive tackle was a major priority for the Minnesota Vikings in free agency . They fortified the position with two former Pro Bowl players in Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave. Both players have a great pass rush profile, but they have one thing in common that is worrisome: they are both on the wrong side of 30 years old.
It's not the most pressing thing this year due to being somewhat in their prime. However, the Vikings do need to find a way to fortify the unit moving forward with some youth and upside.
Vikings have options to upgrade at defensive tackle
The Vikings should find a way to bring in more upside at the position for when both Allen and Hargrave's two-year deals expire. Luckily for the Vikings, there are players who could give the Vikings a future at the position.
Pro Football Focus's Jordan Plocher identified a talent in the first round and on day three who could be a fit for the Vikings. The first-round player is Oregon's Derrick Harmon, who has been a very popular player over the last few weeks in mock drafts.
Harmon is a well-rounded defensive tackle prospect who earned an 80.5 run-defense grade and an 86.3 pass-rush grade in 2024.
He got a mid-high second-round grade from me due to some inconsistencies, but the penetration ability is excellent. He understands how to get in the backfield from multiple alignments, which is going to play really well in Brian Flores' defense.
The player on day three is quite the enigma in Kentucky defensive tackle Deone Walker.
Walker, measuring 6-foot-7 and 331 pounds, is a massive space-eater capable of anchoring the interior and clogging run lanes effectively.
Walker is a really good mover for his size, including dropping into coverage. However, he struggles massively in two areas that could be dealbreakers: he doesn't have a strong, thick lower half and almost always loses the leverage battle. However, the wild movement skills are something that could be very appealing to Flores.
