After experimentation, Vikings have tapped into Jaleel Johnson's greatest value

[purplefaithful]

Behind Jaleel Johnson’s dominant effort in the second half of last week’s preseason game in Seattle was a simple sidestep to a different position.
A couple weeks ago, the Vikings moved Johnson, the rookie fourth-round pick out of Iowa, back from nose tackle to the under tackle position, also called the three-technique defensive tackle. That’s where the Vikings need the most help next to nose tackle Linval Joseph. It’s also where coaches and teammates saw Johnson thrive against the Seahawks, and the position where he racked up 7.5 sacks as a senior for the Hawkeyes last fall.
“I feel like he can be a little more free at [under tackle] than at nose,” Joseph said of Johnson’s move. “At nose, you make one mistake you really mess up the whole defense. That’s pressure on him right there.”
Against the Seahawks, Johnson bashed through Seattle’s line for five run stops in 29 snaps, a flash of production the Vikings shouldn’t ignore as they’re again expected to be without injured first-round pick Sharrif Floyd at defensive tackle.
However, Johnson is only getting started...
http://www.startribune.com/after-experim...441696583/

[Guest]

If he wins the 3T, we strengthen two positions...the 3T and nickel 3T...Tom Johnson shouldn't be starting...

[Guest]

Early returns on this rookie class are damned impressive. 2015, with Waynes, Kendricks, Hunter, Diggs (and UDFAs Heinicke and Harris) might be the best class we've had in 20 years. 2017 is looking like it might even top that one.

Cook, Elflein, JJ and Gedeon are all either starting or still legitimately competing for starting jobs. Even the back half of the draft--Adams, Isadora, Hodges, Coley and Odenigbo--has looked above average.  Long way to go, but if you throw in the UDFAs (especially Bower and Winston), this could end up topping 2015.

[Guest]

It's really cool that Jaleel is 310+ so we would have a 3T who shouldn't get pushed around on running plays. As discussed elsewhere, I'm disappointed Datone Jones has not impressed (tho there is still time).

I wonder if the Vikes will keep only 3 DTs (Joseph, Stephen, Jaleel) and use BRob as the nickel 3T. That would let them keep another DE on the roster instead of risking waiver to the PS.

[Guest]

I have to wonder if we're not playing Datone out of position as well. Guy was a beast at the Senior Bowl, but everyone thought he'd be a 4-3 DE. Packers misused him at LB and the Vikings are trying him at 3T. If he doesn't make the team, I have to wonder if he might not find his groove somewhere as a 43 LDE. 

[Guest]

@Jor-El said:


I wonder if the Vikes will keep only 3 DTs (Joseph, Stephen, Jaleel) and use BRob as the nickel 3T. That would let them keep another DE on the roster instead of risking waiver to the PS.

i was even thinking they may keep 5 DT. I guess the question will be how many D Lineman make the final 53. Everson, Hunter, BRob, and Linval are locks. My guess is 9 on the final 53 which I think is one more than last year.  so that leaves 5 spots left.   Jaleel J, TomJ, Sutton, D Jones, Stepan for DTs and Bower, Weatherly, Odenigbo at DE.  8 guys to fill max of 5 spots, maybe 4. we will loose some talent this year to other teams on cut down. Better than the other way around.