It’s always fun to watch edge rushers. These are the flashy superstars of the defense, terrorizing quarterbacks and chasing down shifty outside runners. Throughout Vikings history, we’ve been blessed by elite edge rushers, freak athletes and memorable faces. From Jim Marshall and Carl Eller to John Randle to Jared Allen, and now into the era of Everson Griffen, the Vikings have a legacy to uphold. Here is the group of people filling those shoes.

Danielle Hunter – As a sexy potential breakout player, Danielle Hunter’s third year expectations are sky-high. It could be argued he’s already broken out as a top-tier pass rusher, but the national media has yet to latch on. Hunter was known more for his physical fitness and athleticism than his college production, but he did do enough to get drafted in the 3rd round. Immediately, his perceived rawness was exposed as a lie, and Danielle Hunter started producing. Now, Hunter is the set understudy to Brian Robison, and this year is in a relatively even competition for starting snaps. But barring disaster, the future is Danielle Hunter’s, locked and loaded.

Brian Robison – Robison balanced between football and track & field until being drafted by the Vikings in 2007 (but still participating in track events). By 2011, Robison had earned a contract extension, bumping off Ray Edwards in a highly criticized move. But as the years went on, Brian Robison proved himself, and is entering his 10th year as a Viking. While he continued to thrive, the looming shadow of the mullet-sporting superstar across from him kept him under the radar. As Robison aged, he grew more versatile and remains a vital tool for the Vikings. Similarly to Griffen, he’s a well-known face and media presence, and will compete with both Danielle Hunter as an exterior rusher and Datone Jones as a versatile rotational piece.

Ifeadi Odenigbo – Along with Jack Tocho, Ifeadi Odenigbo ( if-AH-dee o-DEN-uh-bo. ) is a first-generation immigrant, adding an international flair the NFL has so sorely aspired to. For his Nigerian parents, coming to America and watching their son excel to the highest level of his sport has been more than rewarding (if not worrying). As a top 50 Ohio prospect, Ifeadi chose Northwestern for academics, not solely their football program. Once there, he made a quick, Kanye West-fueled impact and continued to impress with his personality. But come draft day, Odenigbo fell so far he gave up watching and left, only to get a call from Rick Spielman while in a car with friends. Now Odenigbo will compete with Weatherly for what is likely the final DE spot, though a fifth isn’t impossible.

Tashawn Bower – The Vikings have a pretty good reason to like raw LSU defensive ends with the way Danielle Hunter has panned out. Bower’s choice of LSU over Auburn has had interesting repercussions. LSU runs a scheme that, despite being a 3-4, has players doing things similar to what the Vikings do with their 4-3 defensive ends. This gave Bower odd experience at outside linebacker, but also a hand-to-ground edge rusher. As a “tweener” without consistent experience (and poor strength relative to his size), he was left out of the draft and on the outside looking into a strong Vikings defensive line. He’ll have to overcome drafted players like Weatherly and Odenigbo, as well as excel on special teams, to crack the roster. He largely will eye a practice squad slot.

Dylan Bradley – Bradley, unlike players like Bower or Weatherly, falls between the edge rusher and interior rusher roles. At Southern Mississippi, Bradley excelled on the edge, but moved inside at times as well. He’s a team player in that sense, and cared more about his college team success than his NFL future. That attitude helped Southern Miss rebuild an ailing program, and that attitude likely attracted the Vikings to sign him after he fell out of the draft. He’ll likely dabble in both facets of the defensive line throughout camp, competing with Tashawn Bower, Sam McCaskill and Caleb Kidder for space on the practice squad.

Sam McCaskill – Most of the players who get opportunities in the NFL are highly touted high school prospects who grow into stars at the college level, and the vast majority peak there. For Sam McCaskill, he had a much tougher path to this point. As only a two-star recruit, McCaskill had to fend off competition to remain relevant at Boise State. After fighting his way out of of the shadow of former 2nd round pick Kamalei Correa, McCaskill stepped up for the Broncos during his senior season, earning All-Mountain West honors. At 6’3”, 259 pounds, McCaskill will likely struggle to overcome the bigger and stronger players in front of him, but he’s no stranger to being an underdog on a new team.

BATTLE TO WATCH: Many eyes will be on the battle between Danielle Hunter and Brian Robison, but considering their respective ages, the question is one of “when” and not “if.” Behind those two and Griffen, there will be a battle royale between two incredibly intelligent and likable finesse players in Ifeadi Odenigbo and Stephen Weatherly, with Bower, Bradley and McCaskill as dark horses. There’s a possibility there are two roster spots available for both, leaving more practice squad space for the undrafted free agents.

Thanks for reading!