EAGAN, Minn. — Brian Flores has some new talent to utilize up front.

The Vikings added Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen in the first wave of free agency, and the pair of interior defensive linemen will help bolster a front seven that already shined last season.

Flores' defensive system provides interior linemen opportunities to get to the quarterback — a skill both Hargrave and Allen have demonstrated with previous teams — and the excitement to join forces in Minnesota is mutual between coach and players.

"When you look at a guy like Coach Flores, man, they refer to him as a 'mad scientist.' Sometimes we'll be in a 3-4, bringing pressure off both ends, and some games we're switching it up," Allen told Twin Cities media members via videoconference Wednesday. "Every week, being in that playbook's a big key. But I really like how he's able to create space on the inside and allow guys to get 1-on-1s. And when you get 1-on-1s in this NFL, you've gotta be able to win those. I'm looking forward to just fitting right in and doing what I can to help."

In 2023, the last season Hargrave and Allen each played a full regular season, they totaled 12.5 sacks between the two of them. According to analytics site Pro Football Focus, Hargrave tied for fourth-most QB hurries (48) among interior defensive linemen with at least 100 pass rushing snaps, and Allen tied for eighth in QB hits with 15.

Today's NFL has moved away from prioritizing only the tallest and biggest defensive tackles and recognized the impact a smaller inside defender can have (see Aaron Donald). So though the 6-foot-2 Hargrave was criticized coming out of college for being undersized, he's no longer viewed that way.

The league sees the value of interior defensive linemen who can affect the passer, and Hargrave is leaning into that.

"If you've got a defensive tackle who can pass rush and cause havoc, it's a good thing for the defense," he said.

"I think it really don't matter no more [if you're smaller]; they kind of look at the football player more than just looking at the size of the football player," Hargrave added. "I think [Flores] creates a lot of 1-on-1s for the inside and the outside guys."

Allen noted the importance of having players inside who can play the run on early downs and then stay on the field for third down and "get after" the quarterback. And as he pointed out above, that doesn't mean solely sacks.

Allen emphasized "interior pressure," especially when supported by Vikings pass rushers Andrew Van Ginkel and Jonathan Greenard from the outside.

"That just makes everything easier with getting the quarterback off his spot, forced throws, force him to miss his target," Allen said. "I think when you can add that element of interior pressure from the inside, that just helps the defense out tremendously."

This season will mark Allen and Hargrave's first time sharing an NFL team locker room; but they've previously shared a division and an all-star roster. They first met each other — outside of quick interactions — during the Pro Bowl that capped the 2021 season and swapped phone numbers to stay in touch.

Now, they'll be in the same meeting room.

When Hargrave was with the Eagles, he played against Allen and the Commanders twice a season.

"He causes havoc on the field and makes a lot of plays, and he knows when to take his chances … on those plays," he said.

Allen mentioned he found himself unofficially competing with Hargrave's stats each season, simply because he's viewed him as one of the best at the position.

"So for us to be able to line up and play with each other, I'm super excited about it," Allen said. "Obviously you know what [Javon] can do — he can rush the passer from the inside, he can take on double teams, he can play the run — and I'm looking to help boost his game, and vice versa."

In the same way Allen and Hargrave are looking forward to being a part of Flores' defense, they have a shared desire to be part of the culture Vikings Head Coach Kevin O'Connell has established.

Both are well-aware of the annual NFL Players Association report cards and Minnesota's high-scoring reputation around the league.

Allen mentioned "culture" multiple times during his media session, and he also explained the importance of a positive environment extending beyond just the football team.

"It's not something you can tangibly touch, but you can feel it. When something bad happens during the game, you look at the sideline for guys' reactions. I think it becomes pretty evident of a good culture and a bad culture and how different players and different people react during different situations in the game," Allen said. "I'm a firm believer in, it's really hard to win games in this football league – I mean, if you look at it, it probably comes down to five plays a game. And I think culture's a huge part of it; when those certain plays don't go your way, how do your respond? It's easy to turn one bad play into two or three bad plays, and that can be the difference in the game.

"The NFL's tough, it's hard, and nobody wants to come to work every day in an environment that is just not upbeat, no one's excited to do their job," he added. "That was one of the biggest reasons why I chose this place.

"Going into this offseason, I definitely wanted to take my family into consideration," Allen added. "I mean, when your wife and your family's able to have a great life and be included and be involved in so many things in the community, it definitely makes that decision a lot easier."

Hargrave noticed similar culture "green flags," from locker room atmosphere and coaching approach to NFLPA report card grades.

"You can tell they just want to win. … It's a lot of talent on offense and defense and special teams," Hargrave said. "It's a great team, and they've got a reputation in the league of how they run their organization, and that was kind of a big thing for me, too. Seeing everything, seeing the reports of how good they take care of their players, I think that's big."

Hargrave has gotten an up-close look at the Vikings in the O'Connell era, having played against the team three times since 2022, including two contests in Minnesota. Allen played the Vikings in Washington in November 2022 and once on the road during the 2019 season, part of Mike Zimmer's tenure.

In addition to referencing Minnesota's ability to "wreak havoc" against opposing offenses and create takeaways, Hargrave also can't ignore the home-field advantage U.S. Bank Stadium provides.

Now, he and Allen will be on the home team sideline.

"I'm just ready to hear the [SKOL] Drum getting beat and hear the SKOL Chant," Hargrave said. "And I'm real excited to hear that horn being [sounded] before the game. I think that's one of the hardest things I've seen in the NFL, especially pregame.

"It's gonna be kind of dope to be on the other side of it and be able to hear it every home game," he added with a smile.

Hargrave and Allen know they can't get ahead of themselves; but they also know they're helping build something special.

"I really think we can go out there and do great things. But again, it's early. I mean, it's March. No games are won in March," Allen said, exhibiting veteran levelheadedness. "Right now, we're just trying to put the work in, trying to get as acclimated as we can as soon as possible. That way when OTAs start, we can hit the ground running. We're excited to be here."