Analyst predicts the Vikings' defensive line to take a 'step back'

The Minnesota Vikings are counting on their defense to lead them this year. Questions at quarterback linger, and the team's five-game winning streak to end the 2025 season seemed to signal a change in philosophy: control the ball, avoid turnovers, and let Brian Flores' unit take over.

But can the Vikings' defense be dominant if the line isn't as good? After trading Jonathan Greenard to the Philadelphia Eagles during the draft, Minnesota is expecting third-year EDGE rusher Dallas Turner to finally prove why he was taken 17th overall in the 2024 draft.

Concerns also linger at interior linebacker. After cutting veterans Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave one year after giving them large contracts, the Vikings are counting on several young players to step into their vacated roles.

Bradley Locker of PFF is skeptical, naming Minnesota's defensive line as one of five units primed to take a step back in 2026.

The biggest loss confronting this unit is edge rusher Jonathan Greenard, whose 131 pressures since 2024 are the 13th-most at the position. The Vikings do bring back Dallas Turner and Andrew Van Ginkel, but they’ll have their work cut out for them to individually step up — and there’s minimal depth behind them. The interior of Minnesota’s defensive line is even greener, with rookies Caleb Banks and Domonique Orange poised for significant roles next to Jalen Redmond.

A coach like Flores has the acumen to mask a weaker defensive line, especially given his blitz-heavy scheme. But how well the Vikings’ front four can rush the passer and stop the run looms as a defining element of their season.

It's hard to blame an outsider for being suspicious of the line. But Locker admits that Flores can get the most out of his defense, no matter what he's given. Take, for example, the Vikings ranked second in passing yards allowed in 2025 despite entering the season with only four cornerbacks on the active roster. Only Byron Murphy Jr. (1,045) and Isaiah Rodgers (963) played over 200 snaps at cornerback.

While the defensive line is a whole different animal, it would be wise to trust Flores in elevating the unit. Just don't be surprised if outsiders question its effectiveness heading into the season.

This article originally appeared on Vikings Wire: Analyst predicts the Vikings' defensive line to take a 'step back'