Minnesota Vikings outdoors linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel speaks with reporters after an OTA session at TCO Efficiency Middle, providing updates on offseason work and his function in Brian Flores’ protection. On June 4, 2026, Van Ginkel addressed the media in Eagan as Minnesota continued making ready for coaching camp and one other season underneath Kevin O’Connell. Necessary Credit score: YouTube.
The Minnesota Vikings are projected to as soon as once more discipline a formidable protection in 2026, however they’ll accomplish that with out big-name firepower, in response to ESPN, which just lately surveyed coaches, executives, and scouts for the league’s finest particular person DT and EDGEs.
The polling means that Minnesota has no defensive lineman or outdoors linebacker who even remotely ranks within the Prime 15 of particular person rankings.
Vikings’ Latest Manufacturing Makes Each Omissions Tough to Clarify
Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores watches from the sideline at U.S. Financial institution Stadium as Inexperienced Bay closes out one other divisional matchup in Minneapolis. On Jan. 4, 2026, Flores tracked the fourth-quarter motion inside the house venue whereas Minnesota’s protection labored by means of the ultimate stretch of the regular-season assembly in opposition to the Packers. Necessary Credit score: Matt Blewett-Imagn Photos.
The Survey Outcomes
Jeremy Fowler revealed 19 defensive tackles and 19 EDGE defenders who earned recognition from his voting course of — no Vikings.
Seattle Seahawks DT Leonard Williams was named the highest DT, with Fowler writing, “Williams had never previously cracked the top five since this project’s inception in 2020. But he has always been a major talent, and he has maximized his contributions over the past two years in Seattle coach Mike Macdonald’s defense.”
“These days, he’s an absolute nightmare to block. Several offensive coaches did not hesitate to say Williams was the toughest player to guard last season.”
And naturally, Myles Garrett of the Los Angeles Rams took dwelling the primary prize at EDGE: “It’s a clean sweep for Garrett, who was No. 1 on every ballot. That’s rare for this exercise, which usually features at least one detractor.”
“But Garrett is undeniable after a season for the ages that included an NFL-record 23 sacks — and perhaps an even more impressive 33 tackles for loss. Garrett had a stronghold on the voting last year too, well before his banner season.”
No Vikings defenders pulled down Honorable Mentions; the article featured the phrase ‘Vikings’ zero occasions.
No Andrew Van Ginkel
Van Ginkel had a breakout yr in 2024, beginning all 17 video games and accumulating 11.5 sacks. He recorded 79 tackles, together with 18 for loss, and added 19 quarterback hits. Notably, he additionally secured two interceptions, returning each for touchdowns.
The distinctive efficiency earned him a Professional Bowl invitation and second-team All-Professional honors. Professional Soccer Focus assigned him a 71.4 general grade, with an 81.0 protection mark highlighting his versatility as an EDGE rusher.
Minnesota Vikings linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel works in opposition to the Los Angeles Rams throughout an NFC Wild Card matchup at State Farm Stadium, bringing his pass-rush versatility right into a postseason setting. On Jan. 13, 2025, Van Ginkel took half in Minnesota’s defensive effort because the Vikings battled the Rams in Glendale. Necessary Credit score: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Photos.
Van Ginkel’s 2025 season was quieter on account of taking part in solely 12 video games. Regardless of taking part in time lowered by a neck harm, he nonetheless managed 7 sacks, 54 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, and 13 quarterback hits. His protection remained robust, with PFF rising his grade to 81.5. He additionally notched a 63.8 passer score when quarterbacks focused his protection space.
The first space of concern in 2025 was his tackling, the place PFF gave him a 36.5 grade, citing a 21.7% missed sort out charge. However his two-year efficiency stays spectacular. Van Ginkel has accrued 18.5 sacks for Minnesota and stays one among Brian Flores‘s most adaptable defenders.
It simply wasn’t fairly sufficient for ESPN’s voting requirements.
No Jalen Redmond
Redmond’s 2024 season supplied a glimpse of his potential, as he performed 236 defensive snaps and made two begins. Even with a restricted function, his efficiency garnered consideration. He recorded a sack, 18 tackles (together with six for a loss), and earned a 75.6 general grade from PFF, with a 73.4 run-defense grade.
In 2025, Redmond then transitioned right into a full-time starter, accumulating 793 snaps throughout 15 begins. His manufacturing elevated considerably, with 6 sacks, 62 tackles (12 for a loss), and eight quarterback hits. PFF credited him with 35 pressures, together with 26 hurries.
Minnesota Vikings defensive lineman Jalen Redmond traces up in opposition to the Los Angeles Rams at State Farm Stadium as Minnesota prepares for an additional high-pressure postseason snap. On Jan. 13, 2025, Redmond labored alongside the defensive entrance through the NFC Wild Card recreation, preventing for leverage because the Vikings tried to disrupt Los Angeles. Necessary Credit score: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Photos.
His general PFF grade barely decreased to 72.7, however that was comprehensible given his more-than-tripled workload. His run-defense grade remained stable at 72.7.
Redmond developed from a rotational participant to a reliable inside starter in a single season. His pass-rush talents are evident. He’s now a long-term asset for Minnesota.
A Sum of All Elements?
Regardless of not having particular person defenders flattening summer time kudos from ESPN, the Vikings should be doing one thing proper. They ranked third within the NFL final season per defensive DVOA and EPA/Play. The unit additionally dragged the membership by means of the final part of the 2025 common season with a 5-0 report. Even when the quarterback play faltered, the protection did its half.
Minnesota received’t have outdoors linebacker Jonathan Greenard this season — it traded him to the Philadelphia Eagles — however the apparently nameless group of Van Ginkel, Redmond, Dallas Turner, Caleb Banks, Domonique Orange, and Tyrion-Ingram Dawkins, amongst others, ought to have the ability to preserve Flores’s way of life.
Possibly Turner will even be included on the flamboyant listing subsequent summer time. One can hope.
Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders , is out now. So is … Extra about Dustin Baker
