Best front 7 in the NFL? Your Minnesota Vikings

[StickierBuns]

https://www.sharpfootballanalysis.com/an...-rankings/

1. Minnesota Vikings
The biggest mover across our entire rankings was the Minnesota front seven, which jumped 24 spots to No. 1 this year. The Vikings added both Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave to a defensive front that finished sixth in pressure rate and fourth in sacks last season.

Warren Sharp
@SharpFootball
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Best front sevens in 2025:

1. Vikings
2. Broncos
3. Steelers
4. Giants
5. Texans
6. Browns
7. Jets
8. Eagles
9. Bills
10. Lions
11. Seahawks
12. Cowboys
13. Raiders
14. 49ers
15. Ravens
16. Chiefs
17. Rams
18. Colts
19. Dolphins
20. Bears
21. Chargers
22. Buccaneers
23. Patriots
24. Commanders
25. Packers
26. Bengals
27. Jaguars
28. Cardinals
29. Panthers
30. Saints
31. Titans
32. Falcons

[JR44]

I think our edge rushers are top 5 in the league, but I wouldn't rank the rest of front 7 in the top tier. Not sure how they are ranking this, do not see us anywhere close to a top 5 overall.

[MaroonBells]

I think our edge rushers are top 5 in the league, but I wouldn't rank the rest of front 7 in the top tier.  Not sure how they are ranking this, do not see us anywhere close to a top 5 overall.

So a defensive front that finished 6th in pressure rate and 4th in sacks last year, then added two Pro Bowl DTs shouldn't be "anywhere close to top 5?"

[Montana Tom]

Two observations:
1) Does the addition of Hargraves and Allen in fact give us a grade to move us to the top of the class? What is the methodology that Warren Sharp used to make these evaluations? And what are his qualifications to make that evaluation?
2) All things being equal, I like where the Packers, Lions and Bears respectively sit in this same evaluation.

[greediron]

Two observations:
1) Does the addition of Hargraves and Allen in fact give us a grade to move us to the top of the class?  What is the methodology that Warren Sharp used to make these evaluations?  And what are his qualifications to make that evaluation?
2) All things being equal, I like where the Packers, Lions and Bears respectively sit in this same evaluation.

Offseason clickbait?  Probably.  Hard to rank teams with new players honestly.  Are the Eagles really that far down the list?

[JR44]

So a defensive front that finished 6th in pressure rate and 4th in sacks last year, then added two Pro Bowl DTs shouldn't be "anywhere close to top 5?"

Defensive front or our edge rushers?  Do you really think our DL last year had anything to do with those stats, it was our biggest weak spot last year.  I have high hopes for the DTs, but they both have question marks and do not see them transforming the DL into a top 5 DL.  Also, our LBs are not top 5.  This is about the overall front 7 and they are not top 5 in the league.

[Mattyman]

Vikings 2024 defense was #5 in points allowed.

They lost 1 starter, bynum.

[MaroonBells]

Defensive front or our edge rushers?  Do you really think our DL last year had anything to do with those stats, it was our biggest weak spot last year.  I have high hopes for the DTs, but they both have question marks and do not see them transforming the DL into a top 5 DL.  Also, our LBs are not top 5.  This is about the overall front 7 and they are not top 5 in the league.

Man, how do you tell me you're a Viking fan without telling me you're a Viking fan? LOL. On passing downs all 4 of our pass rushers will be Pro Bowlers. The 5th is Dallas Turner. Curious about all those teams you think have better front 7s. He ranks the Broncos 2nd. Here's their front 7. 

https://www.ourlads.com/nfldepthcharts/depthchart/DEN

[medaille]

I think our front 7 is going to be good. I’m not sure it’s great. I’d like to think it’s going to be great. I’m going to need to see it in action. When I think #1 ranked front 7, I think back to some of the all time great defenses. I don’t think we’re in the same ballpark as them. Up until now, we have a lot of guys without much brand recognition. Obviously, we’re hoping that the two older, injured DT’s we signed return to their past glory days and not their subpar 2024 seasons. Our average 2024 PFF grade along the DLine is 57. Neither are really known for their run defense. I’d really like for us to draft a young stud in the next draft or two.

That said, I think we should definitely be in the conversation.

[Mattyman]

Two observations:
1) Does the addition of Hargraves and Allen in fact give us a grade to move us to the top of the class?  What is the methodology that Warren Sharp used to make these evaluations?  And what are his qualifications to make that evaluation?
 

  Since they switched to 3-4 in 2022 , the vikings haven't had talent like Hargrave and Allen.

 Bullard, Ward and Tillery were solid 

Hargrave and Allen wreck games.  

Here's an 16 minute video of Allen.