Hovan has become a starter but doesn't seem destined to cure the Vikings' ills. The best that can be said of Robbins and Boireau is they have yet to earn their chance. The cornerback position has been the Vikings' other Achilles' heel. Washington was an immediate standout who regressed, left for Pittsburgh, and now is starting on an outstanding defense. Fuller became a good player but signed with the Cleveland Browns for slightly more money than the Vikings offered him.
Banks is a special teams player.
McDonald was promising but went AWOL last season after a dispute with the coaching staff and was picked up by San Francisco. None of the 32 defensive players they drafted in that space and time made the Pro Bowl this season. Another general perception of Green is that he has thrown money at the offense while neglecting the defense. Rudd is making almost as much money as fellow first-round pick Moss this season, while making about two percent of the impact. Green hasn't failed to address the defense.