Javon Hargrave Faces Pivotal Season Entering Vikings OTAs

In his recent article, PFF writer Dalton Wasserman examined the top bounce-back season candidates from each of the 32 teams. Hargrave was the top candidate with Minnesota after missing significant time in 2024 with the San Francisco 49ers.

“Hargrave played just 104 snaps in 2024 before a torn triceps sidelined him for the remainder of the season. In the three years prior, he posted a 92.4 pass-rush grade, a 13.2% pressure rate and a 16.6% pass-rush win rate, all of which ranked in the top four among qualified interior defenders over that span. He now joins a Minnesota defensive front that finished 29th in pass-rush grade from interior defenders last season. Hargrave should have plenty of opportunities to make his presence felt in 2025.”

Last year, Hargrave played in only three games before a triceps injury ended his 2024 campaign. The two-time Pro Bowler has accumulated 380 tackles, 79 quarterback hits, 55 tackles for loss, 45.5 sacks, eight pass deflections, four forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries, and one fumble returned for a touchdown in 130 career games.

Hargrave, Allen, and Harrison Phillips are projected to start on the defensive line. While all are more than capable of playing, there is concern that their rising age could mean they are entering the twilight of their careers.

Minnesota’s defense needs them to step up after the unit was ranked right in the middle of the league in total defense with 335.4 yards allowed per game. The upside is that the Vikings ranked second in the NFL in rush defense, allowing 93.4 yards per game.

Hargrave needs to be the run stopper the Vikings need and apply pressure on the quarterback when needed. OTAs this week will be a massive indicator of what kind of season the Vikings’ defensive line will have and whether Hargrave can return to form.