**9\. D-line newcomers integrating nicely | By Rob Kleifield**
Like Minnesota's offensive line, a formidable vision exists along the Vikings defensive front.
There's tremendous upside and organizational belief in youngsters Jalen Redmond, Levi Drake Rodriguez and Taki Taimani. Rookie fifth-round pick Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins possesses raw, moldable ability. Harrison Phillips brings leadership and mastery of Flores' defense, and Pro Bowl newcomers Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave add pass-rushing sizzle to the interior.
The defensive line is essentially revamped with strong holdovers and stronger additions.
"We've got a lot of guys who have played. There's a good amount of depth in that room," Flores commented. "We're excited about all the pieces. And as coaches, it's just \[determining\] who fits where."
Naturally, most of the intrigue has centered on Allen and Hargrave, whose combined 87.5 career sacks are 77.5 more than the rest of the room (Phillips has recorded eight, and Redmond and Jonathan Harris, who joined Minnesota's practice squad last season, one each).
Their pro experience will be helpful to them transitioning smoothly on the field and joining a culture that each said attracted them.
"One of the biggest things about coming here that I was excited for was the culture," said Allen, who entered the NFL with Washington in 2017, when O'Connell was in his first of three seasons with the team. "Listening to the guys who were here talk about how it was here really made it enticing for me."
Allen said he thinks his skill set will align well with Flores' defense.
"Playing fast, pass rushing, all things I feel like I can bring to this team and help out with," Allen said. "He throws a lot on the playbook, a lot for guys to learn, but that's good. \[It\] really gives us a lot of flexibility in multiple situations."
After an Organized Team Activity practice, Phillips' excitement for his new linemates was felt by listeners. Above all, though, Phillips sounded as thrilled with the people as he is with their ability as players.
The three-time nominee for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year (twice with Bills and once with Vikings) said of Allen, a two-time nominee by Washington: "He's going to be a friend of mine for life, I feel like, outside of football just because of the character he has."