Despite a playoff berth in 2019, the Vikings could not overcome their flaws in 2020, missing the playoffs and going 7-9 overall.
What went wrong? PFF pinpoints the issue. The outlet describes in a video how their defensive line cost them (H/T Daily Norseman). Here’s what PFF said in the clip:
“Michael Pierce opted out, Danielle Hunter got injured early on, missed the entire season. They did not have a pass rush. One of the worst pass rushes in the NFL. That, when you’re looking forward to the offseason, has to be fixed. They have to add more talent there.”
Even though Hunter and Piece could both be back in 2021, the Vikings still need to upgrade their defensive line. One of the ways the team can do that is through the draft. With the 14th overall pick, Minnesota doesn’t have a plethora of options to work with when it comes to surefire players at premium positions. But maybe a player like Michigan DE Kwity Paye could be available.
If Minnesota drafted a defensive end and DE D.J. Wonnum took a leap in his second season, maybe the Vikings defensive line will take a leap by extension. It can’t just be Hunter in the pass rush, though. Someone else has to step up.