Vikings' Jalen Redmond named by PFF as a breakout candidate
Vikings DL Jalen Redmond could be set to have a breakout season after being a surprise standout through two years.
Jalen Redmond, an undrafted free agent who joined the Minnesota Vikings in 2024, has emerged as one of the team's standout defenders. According to PFF (Pro Football Focus), Redmond achieved a 77.2 grade on 208 snaps during his inaugural season with the Vikings. His performance last year solidified his reputation as one of the most dependable players on the squad.
Redmond's 72.8 grade was third among qualifying defenders, surpassing veteran free-agent acquisition Javon Hargrave, who signed a lucrative two-year, $30 million contract.
PFF analyst Gordon McGuiness has high expectations for Redmond, labeling him as the Vikings' breakout candidate for 2026. In 2025, Redmond showcased his growth as a well-rounded player, generating 35 pressures on 369 pass-rushing snaps. Notably, nine of these pressures resulted in a combined sack and quarterback hit, earning him a 72.7 PFF run-defense grade.
With the Vikings anticipating significant contributions from their two top draft picks, they are particularly optimistic about Redmond's potential to continue his rapid ascent in 2026. If he fulfills these expectations, the Vikings could boast one of the premier defensive lines in the NFL.
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