Nerve damage to defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd’s knee during surgery has put his future in doubt, which in turn means the Vikings need to find a way to fill the possible gap on the defensive line. (Brian Wicker — AP/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

The defensive line was again the Vikings' strongest position group last season, with defensive end Everson Griffen and nose tackle Linval Joseph both getting Pro Bowl invitations. Veteran end Brian Robison had 7 ½ sacks, his highest total since Mike Zimmer was hired in 2014. And Danielle Hunter, with 12 ½ sacks, looked like a standout in his second year.

But while the front four was collectively one of the NFL's best, it was not great due to the gaping hole at defensive tackle left by Sharrif Floyd.

The oft-injured former first-round draft pick appeared in only one game in 2016 before undergoing what was supposed to be a minor surgery on his right knee. Three months later, the Vikings put Floyd, still not healed, on injured reserve. It was revealed in March that Floyd had suffered nerve damage during that September surgery, putting his career in jeopardy.

Trying to fill the void, the Vikings signed former Packers defender Datone Jones in free agency in the hopes he can play that three-technique spot. They also return pass-rushing specialist Tom Johnson and run stuffer Shamar Stephen, who split time next to Joseph with Floyd sidelined. But this is a position the Vikings are expected to address in the draft.

The Vikings are set at defensive end, with Griffen, Hunter and Robison all returning in 2017. The big offseason question there is whether Hunter will start at left defensive end this season or still will be behind Robison, who accepted a pay cut to stick around, on the depth chart.

Projected starters: Griffen and Hunter at defensive end, Joseph at nose tackle and Jones — or perhaps a high draft pick — at defensive tackle.

Don't forget about: Johnson. While he was exposed a bit last season because he was asked to play too many snaps with Floyd out, he has shown that he can be an effective role player when used predominantly as a pass rusher. Johnson is 32 and coming off a hamstring injury, but he probably still has enough juice left to again be a disruptive reserve.

Level of need: High at defensive tackle, low at end and nose tackle.

Five prospects to remember: Caleb Brantley, DT, Florida; Davon Godchaux, DT, Louisiana State; Carl Lawson, DE, Auburn; Malik McDowell, DT, Michigan State; Tanzel Smart, DT, Tulane.

Our best guess: The Vikings will strongly consider drafting a long-term replacement for Floyd on the second day of the draft, when they have one selection in the second round and two in the third. They could look to add another edge rusher in the late rounds if there is one they like. And with Stephen in a contract year and Joseph turning 29 during the season, don't rule out them drafting a nose tackle, too. One presumes Zimmer and the Vikings want to make sure this group remains strong.