Most players on defense have a job they perform more often than others. Cornerbacks predominantly cover passes. Nose tackles predominantly defend the run. Linebackers are responsible for everything. Run defense, pass defense man schemes, zone schemes and more all rely heavily on linebacking. The Vikings’ most iconic linebacker, Chad Greenway, retired after last season. Those shoes need to be filled, both practically and symbolically. While the Vikings have their two every-down guys locked in, the rotational third spot is up for grabs. A plethora of young players all face the biggest opportunity of their careers, and possibly the only chance they’ll get at a starting job.

This series isn’t meant to be evaluative- don’t take any of the content here as a projection or opinion on a player’s talent. This is a rundown of everyone’s story, and where they are in their career trajectories. Everyone has something to gain and something to lose from training camp. While we won’t talk about who will win, we can talk about what they stand to win. For a more traditional experience, check out Joe Oberle’s roster analysis or Sam Ekstrom’s series on ZoneCoverage.com.



Battle to Watch: Obviously, the 3rd linebacker spot is the enigma worth paying attention to. For the last two years, Kendricks, Barr and Greenway have been the solidified starters with many others waiting in the wings. With Greenway stepping aside, we get to see what the understudies have been working on. While Edmond Robinson took the first snaps at OTAs, Lamur and Brothers can contend with him as the other front runners. But Gedeon, Lee and even the UDFAs could feasibly work their way onto the 1st team if they play well enough. Further complicating things is a fuzzy definition of the third spot- it could be filled by an old school Mike like Brothers or a two-down Will like Robinson or Lamur. You can beat out everyone else at your position, but still end up as a special teamer as Eric Kendricks looms above you. Keep an eye on linebacker play throughout the preseason- it may color the look of the middle of the defense for all of 2017.

Thanks for reading!