Vikings take DE Jalyn Holmes in fourth round of NFL draft

Published Apr. 28, 2018 12:55 p.m. ET

The Minnesota Vikings had the NFL's top defense in 2017, but that's not stopping general manager Rick Spielman from improving the depth of the team's defensive line.

Minnesota used its fourth-round pick (No. 102 overall) to select Jalyn Holmes, a 6-foot-5, 270-pound defensive end from Ohio State.

Holmes played four years for the Buckeyes, registering 84 tackles, 14 tackles for loss and five sacks. He played in 11 games during Ohio State's national championship season in 2014.

Last season, Holmes served as one of Ohio State's captains and compiled 29 tackles, two sacks and three passes defensed.

The outlook on Minnesota's defensive line is unclear after the 2018 season. Danielle Hunter, who has racked up 25.5 sacks over three season with the Vikings, will be a free agent after next year and is due a massive contract. Veteran Brian Robison -- if he returns in 2018 -- will likely retire after the season.

The Vikings have used two of their first three picks in the draft on defense -- Holmes and cornerback Mike Hughes (No. 30 overall).