Who will be the team’s three-technique defensive lineman?
For those who don’t know, a 4-3 defense will often employ a defensive tackle in a one technique, and another in a three technique.
The one and three refers to their respective alignment on the defensive line — with the one being lined up between the guard and center, and the three being lined up between the guard and tackle on the other side of the defensive line.
It seems like Michael Pierce would be a great choice for the one-technique player, because he is a big-bodied player who can stop the run and clog up holes. But who will the three-technique player be? The Vikings will have to find a player who can fill out that role — whether it’s Shamar Stephen, Armon Watts or even James Lynch.
Lynch is the most enticing choice for the role, but I think Stephen is the most likely candidate.