The Minnesota Vikings Look To Remain A Top 5 Defense, In 2019.
My series covering every NFL team continues with this article taking a look at the Minnesota Vikings. I will be identifying players that I would consider adding ahead of the 2019 season. Also included will be my recommendations on what it might take to acquire these players.
Shamar Stephen, Defensive Tackle:
Shamar Stephen, 28, is returning to Minnesota, on a three-year contract, where he spent the first four years of his career. He spent last season with the Seattle Seahawks and had 11 solo tackles, two tackles for loss, three quarterback hits, and two sacks. Stephen started 14 games and played in one more. Over Shamar's four years in Minnesota he had 41 solo tackles, one tackle for loss, six quarterback hits, and one sack. That was accrued over 52 games played and 20 starts. Given the overall strength of this defense Shamar has a great chance to be an impact player that not many know about, making him a great buy-low.
Fantasy Recommendation:
He has great upside going into this season and should be available on your wavier wire.
Honorable Mention:Â Everson Griffen, Defensive End.
Ben Gedeon, Linebacker:
Ben Gedeon, 24, was a fourth round pick of the Vikings in 2017, out of Michigan. Last season, Gedeon had 29 solo tackles over eight starts and 15 games played. Ben is someone who doesn't profile as a starting linebacker, in the NFL, but could develop into a nice low-end starter opposite Anthony Barr and Eric Kendricks. However, it wouldn't shock me to see Minnesota address this position in the upcoming draft. Ben makes a nice buy-low depending how, or if, the Vikings address this during the draft.
Fantasy Recommendation:
His production will be based on if or when a rookie linebacker is drafted. Ben should be available on your wavier wire.
Honorable Mention:Â Anthony Barr/Whoever the Vikings draft.
Anthony Harris, Safety:
Anthony Harris, 26, had his best year as a pro, last season, where he totaled 34 tackles, and one quarterback hit. He played in 15 games, while starting nine. I see Harris getting the start at strong safety, replacing the often injured Andrew Sendejo. Harris, came on strong to end last season and I think he's a great candidate to pickup where he left off with the potential to continue to improve going into this season. He is someone that is a great buy-low candidate and someone i'd want to add to my team.
Fantasy Recommendation:
I see him as a potential weekly starter in IDP leagues. He should be available on your wavier wire, but if not, it shouldn't cost more than a late round pick to get him.
Honorable Mention: Mackensie Alexander, Cornerback.
Conclusion
As you can see, a defense this talented doesn't have many holes. If they can draft a young rookie linebacker or Gedeon can step up and Harris steps up too, then this could be an even better unit then last season. I'm looking forward to seeing how much better this unit can get. Ranking these buy-lows in order of priority, it would be Anthony Harris, Shamar Stephen, and Ben Gedeon. Hopefully, you find these recommendations helpful in your quest to build that championship roster for 2019. Please keep an eye out for the New England Patriots.
