Minnesota added a run-stopping defensive tackle in free agency, and in the draft it went with a versatile player on the interior of the defensive line.
Minnesota drafted Baylor defensive tackle James Lynch in the fourth round, taking him at No. 130 overall. Lynch tallied 13.5 sacks and 19.5 tackles for loss in 2019.
Defensive tackle Linval Joseph signed with the Chargers in free agency this offseason. However, the team added a solid candidate to replace him in former Ravens defensive tackle Michael Pierce, who signed with the Vikings in free agency.
Though the team returns a starter on the interior of the defensive line in Shamar Stephen, it would help to add another starting-caliber player at that position.
Pierce is a big-bodied defensive lineman who can clog up holes, and the Vikings already have Danielle Hunter, who is very good in pass rush. It seems like, compared to Pierce, Lynch adds a different dimension to the defensive line.
