Minnesota took several significant steps to strengthen its defensive line for 2024 and beyond.
Last year, the Vikings brought in 2019 first-round pick Jerry Tillery on a one-year, prove-it contract, re-signed free agent Jonathan Bullard, and extended Harrison Phillips through 2026 in early September.
Additionally, the team added three young defensive linemen—all under 26 years old—Jalen Redmond, Levi Drake Rodriguez, and Taki Taimani, generating varying levels of excitement (more details below).
Bullard, Phillips, and Tillery played key roles in helping the Vikings establish one of the NFL’s toughest run defenses. Minnesota was one of just seven teams to allow fewer than 100 rushing yards per game (93.4 avg.). While there were some breakdowns, including allowing over 140 rushing yards four times (twice against the Lions), the trio generally helped control the line of scrimmage and set the tone for the run defense under Defensive Coordinator Brian Flores.
However, the pass rush was less effective. The defensive line struggled to generate consistent pressure.
To make up for this, Flores relied on blitzing—a tactic he favors—sending pressure on a league-high 38.9% of dropbacks, down from 51.5% in 2023. This aggressive approach led to 62 hurries (4th in the NFL), 69 knockdowns (T-3rd), 49 sacks (T-4th), and 180 pressures (T-2nd).
The problem was that Bullard, Phillips, and Tillery were rarely the ones making these impactful plays. They mostly played supplementary roles in Minnesota’s aggressive defensive strategy and didn’t often make the flashy plays that stand out.