During the Mike Zimmer era, the Vikings defense has been a strength of the team, but last year, the unit often cost Minnesota games.
The Vikings struggled in the pass rush. Missing players like Danielle Hunter and Anthony Barr for considerable time did not help. Minnesota had plenty of injury problems beyond those two as well.
Michael Pierce is expected to play in 2021, which should be a boost. The team also made some big splashes in free agency to be more competitive on the defensive side of the ball next season.
Just a note: I added nickel corner and a third linebacker to this list, because Minnesota will likely utilize both of those positions at times in 2021.
Here is a projection of the starting defense:
