Armon Watts has the size of a nose tackle, the speed of a three-technique tackle and the ability to be an unexpected breakout player that helps fill a critical position of need in Vikings coach Mike Zimmer's retooled defense.
Just ask Bears center Cody Whitehair, a former Pro Bowler who surrendered a Watts strip sack on an inside speed move from the nose tackle position in last year's regular-season finale.
Or, better yet, ask Cowboys right guard Zack Martin, a six-time Pro Bowler and four-time first-team All-Pro. In Watts' NFL debut seven weeks earlier, Martin gave up half a sack to Watts on a power move from the three-technique position, which calls for more penetration while the nose tackle absorbs blockers at the line of scrimmage.