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Analyzing the opponent: Ranking NFC North Defensive Line Groups

By Parker Hurley

Dec 24, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) prepares to throw the ball as Chicago Bears defensive end Akiem Hicks (96) defends during the first quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 24, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) prepares to throw the ball as Chicago Bears defensive end Akiem Hicks (96) defends during the first quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 1, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Linval Joseph (98) runs onto the field before the game against the Chicago Bears at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Vikings win 38-10. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Linval Joseph (98) runs onto the field before the game against the Chicago Bears at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Vikings win 38-10. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Vikings

Tom Johnson, Linval Joseph, Jaleel Johnson, Sharrif Floyd, Shamar Stephen, Will Sutton

The Vikings line is headlined by Joseph. Joseph is a force to move and is one of the better run stuffers in the league. Last season he put up four sacks and has been the anchor in the front that has to lead this strong defense.

The players beside him have shuffled around but, but for the majority, they have gotten solid play. In a perfect world, it is the former first-round pick, Sharrif Floyd stepping in and stepping up. On the field, Floyd has been solid. However, he has started 12 games in the past two years, and just 24 games in his four-year career. Johnson has seen the field a lot because of this, but he has proven to be a formidable option in the league.

Jaleel Johnson is a second-round pick and is a really refined player with a pretty high floor. He should be the fourth in the rotation with Floyd healthy, and that front should be dominant when clicking on all gears. If Floyd were a guarantee to put in 16 games, the Vikings would be number one. However that is a major question at this point, and while Johnson should make an impact it is enough questions to push them to second in the division.

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