Notebook: Spielman calls defensive linemen group at combine 'one of the strongest'

INDIANAPOLIS – Vikings GM Rick Spielman said this year's class of defensive linemen "is one of the strongest I've seen in a long time." Starting with Ohio State defensive end and potential No. 1 pick Joey Bosa, there are a handful of defensive linemen who could be selected in the first round. And Spielman thinks talent will be available in the later rounds, too.

"We spent almost 13 hours [evaluating and discussing] just defensive line one day just because of the depth of the defensive line [in the draft]," Spielman said.

Defensive line is arguably the Vikings' strongest position group, but Spielman will not rule out drafting a defensive tackle or defensive end in the first round.

"You can never have enough pass rushers," Spielman said.

Robison back?

Brian Robison acknowledged last month that his increasing age and salary could prompt the Vikings to part ways with him this offseason. But based Spielman's comments at the NFL scouting combine Wednesday, it sounds as if Robison will be sticking around.

"Brian played, we thought, very well for us," Spielman said. "I think he still has a lot of play in him. How his role increases or decreases, that will be determined as we go through training camp and this offseason. But he still is not only a valuable football player for us but extremely valuable from a leadership standpoint."

Still, the Vikings could envision significant roles for both Robison and Hunter.

While in Indianapolis, Spielman plans to chat with the agents of veteran players who could potentially be released for salary cap reasons. Wide receiver Mike Wallace and offensive tackles Matt Kalil and Phil Loadholt also have significant cap figures.

Spielman hinted that cuts, if any are made at all, could happen next week.

"We'll start putting the whole plan in place," Spielman said. "Those will be probably determined after we finish the work that we need to get done here."

Spielman also likes the depth of the quarterback class and said the Vikings are open to drafting a backup to starter Teddy Bridgewater. But he also had praise for Taylor Heinicke, the team's No. 3 quarterback in 2015.

"He has something unique to him. He may not be the tallest, but he has some 'it factor' to him," he said. "I know we're excited about Taylor and how he's progressed."

If the Vikings have serious interest in Bears receiver Alshon Jeffery, a pending free agent, they might not get a chance to express it to him.

Bears General Manager Ryan Pace told reporters Wednesday that his team is "actively and aggressively negotiating" with Jeffery. And ESPN reported that if the Bears can't reach a long-term deal with Jeffery by March 1, they will place the franchise tag on Jeffery, who has 24 touchdown catches in four NFL seasons.