Vikings draft preview: Vikes could get even stronger on the defensive line

In the days leading up to the 2016 NFL draft, which runs April 28-30, we will break down where the Vikings stand at each position group on the roster. Today, we continue the series with a look at the defensive line.

The defensive line under Mike Zimmer and Andre Patterson was arguably the team’s strongest position group for the second straight season.

Nose tackle Linval Joseph was a force in his second year in Minnesota. Defensive end Everson Griffen recorded 10.5 sacks and made the Pro Bowl as an alternate. Defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd flashed at times. And rookie defensive end Danielle Hunter recorded an impressive six sacks.

As a group, the defensive line led the charge as the Vikings finished seventh in the NFL with 43 sacks and fifth in points allowed at 18.9 per game.

The Vikings will bring back all six of their regular rotation players, and fringe reserves such as nose tackle Kenrick Ellis and defensive end Justin Trattou re-signed on one-year deals and will fight to remain on the squad.

Yet, despite that depth, the Vikings could still draft a defensive lineman in the first couple of rounds. General manager Rick Spielman said at the scouting combine that this is one of the best classes of defensive line talent in years, a sentiment that is shared by many fellow GMs and scouts.

Projected starters: Joseph and Floyd between Griffen and left end Brian Robison, though Robison will have to hold off Hunter to keep his spot.

Don’t forget about: Defensive end Scott Crichton, who was passed up on the depth chart by Hunter and Trattou, has been around long enough to be considered a disappointment. It is too early to write him off, but he better be ready to battle for a roster spot because it might not be guaranteed.

Level of need: Low. The Vikings have invested heavily along the defensive line since Zimmer was hired in 2014, signing Joseph, re-signing Griffen and using third-round picks on Crichton in 2014 and Hunter in 2015.

Five prospects to remember: Andrew Billings, NT, Baylor; Tyrone Holmes, DE, Montana; Sheldon Rankins, DT, Louisville; Emmanuel Ogbah, DE, Oklahoma State; Roy Robertson-Harris, DE, Texas-El Paso.

Our best guess: Zimmer and the Vikings won’t be able to resist using one of their top three picks on one of the many talented defensive linemen in this draft and could end up using multiple selections on defensive linemen.