​Continuing the Minnesota Vikings roster evaluation and 53-man roster projection, this second half of the series will focus on the defensive side and specialists. I’ll break down each position group with analysis and provide useful links and information as July progresses and we await the start of training camp at month’s end. If you’re looking for the offense portion, Part One of the series can be found here.
The defensive interior line group will be stocked with a number of young players, which brings both opportunities and risks. On the upside, a young and ascending group could offer stability and solid play for years to come as they develop together. On the downside, there could be growing pains as two rookies learn the scheme and acclimate to the league. Looking at the projected depth chart, the only proven quality starter is Jalen Redmond. The others have either been average performers or are rookies who haven’t yet played in the league. That reality also applies to players I’ve listed as not making the roster. In short, this group carries more uncertainty heading into training camp and the regular season than is typical. The Vikings will likely need their rookies to contribute early and could hope for incremental improvement from the veterans.
Overall, the first three spots are pretty much locked in, but the last three are less certain—assuming the Vikings keep six defensive tackles again this year, which I view as very likely. There’s also a scenario where Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins shifts more into an edge rusher role; if that happens, I’d place him with the edge rushers and add one of the cut players here, most plausibly Jahvaree Ritzie, to the edge group.
Jalen Redmond
Redmond has emerged as a notable success story for the Vikings. He initially signed with the Panthers as an undrafted free agent in 2023, didn’t make the roster, and spent 2024 in the XFL before the Vikings brought him on board in June of that year. In his first season with Minnesota, he logged 236 defensive snaps and demonstrated he belonged, finishing with the highest overall PFF defensive grade among defensive tackles, far outperforming the established starters that year. In 2025, even with a new cadre of more expensive veteran defensive tackles, Redmond again posted the top grade in the group. He led the unit in quarterback pressures, run stops, forced fumbles, and batted passes.
This season, with the Vikings letting go of Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave, Redmond steps into the veteran leadership role at age 27. The key question is whether he’s reached his ceiling and can continue to elevate his play this year. Through his first two seasons, his PFF grades have been fairly similar, suggesting there might not be a dramatic leap ahead. Still, after his first full year as a starter, there’s room for another uptick. For now, I anticipate a performance near last year’s level, which was already quite solid.
Caleb Banks
All signs point to first-round pick Caleb Banks being fully cleared for training camp, which would be a positive indicator for his readiness and potential impact. (Note: This transition addresses the earlier concern about SEO and clarity for readers; Banks’ health and readiness are crucial for their early-season role.)