How the Vikings reshaped their defense after a miserable 2020

EAGAN, Minn. -- The Minnesota Vikings' defense didn’t just receive a facelift. Over the past four months, the unit underwent a total reconstruction following the worst season of coach Mike Zimmer’s tenure.

Zimmer’s discontent over the way his group performed in 2020 came to a head in a Christmas Day loss to the New Orleans Saints when he called the Vikings' defense the “worst one I’ve ever had.” His frustrations prompted major change this offseason, from scheme adjustments to pouring resources into more talent.

Minnesota added 16 defensive players through free agency and the draft. The Vikings will add two players into the mix who were sidelined last year -- defensive end Danielle Hunter and…