3 days ago
Vikings' Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen have looked the part in practices
The interior defensive line of the Vikings was an issue at times in 2024. While Harrison Phillips was a reliable piece, he needed some help. Kwesi Adofo-Mensah recognized that, and the team went out and signed two bulls who play in the trenches of the defense.
Fast forward from free agency to the present, and both Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave are making impacts early.
In a mailbag piece put together by The Star Tribune's Vikings writers, Mark Craig was asked how the new faces on the defensive line have looked in camp. His answer not only speaks to the success they are having, but also to how high the potential is for the group with their presence.
Craig writes, "They've looked outstanding and long overdue to a unit that's been lacking in elite, run-and-pass-defending talent for some time. Even better is they've also looked healthy and available every day a year after both of them missed significant time with injuries. . .Look at the world-champion Eagles and their Mahomes-pounding D-line depth as the template for what the Vikings, and many others, are trying to replicate. . ."
The depth along the edge rusher and defensive line positions has been something the Eagles have found success with in their two recent Super Bowl wins. The more depth you have, the easier it is to overwhelm opposing offensive lines, who cannot rotate players in and out.
Brian Flores should have a good time utilizing both Hargrave and Allen this year and beyond in the Vikings defense.
