With the exception of Chad Greenway retiring, Minnesota has maintained its key linebackers and defensive linemen while also adding additional players for depth through free agency and the NFL Draft.
Gregg Rosenthal recently ranked the top 12 teams by the strength of their front sevens on defense. He placed the Vikings at fourth-best in the league behind the Texans, Seahawks and Panthers, who were first, second and third, respectively. According to Rosenthal, the Vikings have a “balanced and versatile group with few weaknesses.” He wrote:
The Vikings don't have the marquee names in lights like most of the teams on this list.