Minnesota Vikings: 5 Reasons For Hope Following 2014 Season

3. A Young and Productive Defense

The Front Office and more specifically, General Manager Rick Spielman, has struck gold in defensive players in the last couple drafts. In the last 3 drafts, the Vikings have had 7 first round picks, 4 of them being defensive players. In 2012, the Vikings traded back into the first round to get Harrison Smith, who is one of the top safeties in the league after only his third season. In 2013, the Vikings used 2 of 3 picks in the first round to get Sharrif Floyd and Xavier Rhodes, both of whom have made a huge impact this past year under Zimmer’s coaching. In the 2014 draft, the Vikings got their linebacker and pass rusher of the future in Anthony Barr. While his season was cut short, Barr looks to be everything that draft analysts projected him to be – an athletic, pass rushing linebacker who is learning coverage skills by the game. Outside of guys like Barr, Smith, Floyd, & Rhodes, the Vikings also have proven defensive players such as Chad Greenway, Brian Robison, and Everson Griffen who offer good productivity and leadership.

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