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NFC North power rankings: 2018 pass rushers

By Brian Sampson

SANTA CLARA, CA - OCTOBER 04: Inside linebacker Clay Matthews #52 of the Green Bay Packers reacts after sacking quarterback Colin Kaepernick #7 of the San Francisco 49ers during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on October 4, 2015 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - OCTOBER 04: Inside linebacker Clay Matthews #52 of the Green Bay Packers reacts after sacking quarterback Colin Kaepernick #7 of the San Francisco 49ers during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on October 4, 2015 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – JANUARY 14: Everson Griffen #97 of the Minnesota Vikings celebrates after sacking Drew Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints in the second quarter of the NFC Divisional Playoff game on January 14, 2018 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – JANUARY 14: Everson Griffen #97 of the Minnesota Vikings celebrates after sacking Drew Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints in the second quarter of the NFC Divisional Playoff game on January 14, 2018 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

1. Minnesota Vikings

One of the strengths of the Minnesota Vikings is obviously their defense. And more particularly is their ability to get after the quarterback.

They have a plethora of players who can apply pressure, but are probably led by Everson Griffen. Griffen had a career-high 13 sacks last season and is constantly wreaking havoc for the opposition. However, they also have players such as Danielle Hunter, Brian Robison and the newly acquired Sheldon Richardson who can get after the quarterback as well.

The defensive line is where they generate most of their pressure from. Oddly enough, their linebacking corps don’t participate much in this category even though they are extremely talented. That’s probably because they are asked to handle other tasks and duties given the defensive line’s supreme success at pass-rushing.

The Vikings will find themselves as one of the best in this area again in 2019, as they don’t show any signs of letting up. This mean defense is hungry again and ready to prove they’re one of the best in the NFL.

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