Grading the Vikings defense by position based on the 2025 NFL season

The 2025 regular season has wrapped up, and the Minnesota Vikings somehow found a way to sneak above .500, rattling off five straight wins to close the season to get to 9-8. The offense has already received its grades; now it is time to hand out grades for this team's calling card: the defense.

This unit was outstanding this season, but how do the positions shake out? Let's talk about it.

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Defensive Line: B

I was torn about including the edge rushers in the defensive line group, but since they are generally listed as linebackers, that's where they will fall. Jonathan Allen and Jalen Redmond did the heavy lifting for this unit, as they were stout in run defense and combined for 130 total tackles. Javon Hargrave came on strong down the stretch, and I enjoyed what I saw out of Levi Drak Rodriguez this season, too.

Linebackers: A

These interior linebackers were incredible this season, headlined by a resurgence of Eric Wilson. Wilson won the job from Ivan Pace and never looked back, totaling 115 total tackles as well as 6.5 sacks and four forced fumbles. Blake Cashman finished ninth in the NFL in total tackles with 144, securing the middle of the field. On the edge, Dallas Turner celebrated a career year with eight sacks and four forced fumbles. Andrew Van Ginkel also enjoyed a strong year, registering seven sacks.

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Secondary: A

This is not a particularly star-heavy secondary, but would you believe it if I told you they finished second in passing defense in 2025?

The Minnesota Vikings allowed just 158.5 passing yards a game and 15 total touchdowns through the air. Those 15 are also the league's second fewest, behind only the Philadelphia Eagles with 14. Harrison Smith, Byron Murphy Jr., and Josha Metellus led the way, combining for 27(!) passes defensed, and combined for six of the team's eight interceptions. There are holes to fill in this unit this offseason, but their play in 2025 was nothing short of incredible, given the lack of star power.

This article originally appeared on Vikings Wire: Grading the Vikings defense by position based on their season