Minnesota Sports Forum

http://www.dailynorseman.com/2017/4/25/15424030/resetting-minnesota-vikings-depth-chart-linebacker

Going into the 2017 NFL Draft, it appears that the Minnesota Vikings have some questions to answer at the linebacker position. With the retirement of Chad Greenway, the unit will definitely have a different look going into this next season, but we know that they have a couple of solid pieces there to work with.

Here's a look at who the Vikings currently have manning the linebacker position, according to the roster on the team's official website.

Stepping Up - Eric Kendricks

In his second NFL season, Kendricks displayed why he was such a steal when the Vikings drafted him in the second round in 2016. He has the ability to make plays from sideline to sideline, and his play in coverage improved dramatically from his rookie season. A true three-down linebacker that can handle just about anything, Kendricks has given himself the opportunity to be a centerpiece of this defense for years to come.

Stepping Back - Anthony Barr

In 2015, Anthony Barr was on the verge of becoming one of the NFL's better playmakers on the defensive side of the ball. However, whether it was because of injuries or whatever, he took a significant step back in 2016. He was missing tackles and found himself frequently out of position. The team is likely going to pick up his fifth-year option here in a few days, and if the Vikings' defense is to continue the trajectory they were on last season, then Barr needs to get back to the form of his first two seasons.

Looking For A Shot - Edmond Robinson

Of the linebackers on the Vikings' roster right now, the one that might stand to benefit the most from Greenway's departure is Robinson. After getting a start or two in 2015 after an injury to Barr, he was reduced to mostly special teams work last season. Still, the team seems to like him quite a bit, and he could have an opportunity to take over Greenway's spot on the weakside if the team wants to keep Kendricks at middle linebacker.

An Increased Role? - Kentrell Brothers

The only Vikings' rookie that made any sort of actual contribution in 2016, Brothers was a special teams monster last season. If the team has designs on potentially moving Kendricks into Greenway's old weakside linebacker position, Brothers could be a potential fit at the middle linebacker spot. He looks like a classic two-down middle linebacker that may have some issues in coverage, but Barr and Kendricks are going to handle all the sub-package work anyway.

Undefined - Emmanuel Lamur

Lamur signed with the Vikings as a free agent last season, and I honestly can't remember one thing that he did all season. I don't think he saw a whole lot of time, and I can't imagine that he's locked into a roster spot by any stretch of the imagination. He might have an opportunity to compete for more time as well, but I can't imagine that he's ahead of Robinson in the eyes of the coaching staff.

Those are all of the linebackers the Vikings list on their roster at the present time. At some point today, we'll take a look at some of the potential prospects that the team could draft to fill out the roster at the position.

FWIW Lamur saw 38 snaps last season (Cole had 35) on defense and Robinson saw 0.

My outlook is they lost to players and might need to add some depth here.

Call me old fashion, but I think they need a true thumper of a MLB. Someone that will blow up any running play between the tackles. That would be a nice to have though. They could use another 3 down LB to replace Greenway and push Barr. Robinson shows promise, but I had higher hopes for Lamur and never was a fan of Brothers. I felt he was another free agent type.

oh yeah they absolutely need to add depth. I forgot you didn't like Brothers. He fits that profile of 2 down MLB pretty well. He isn't a monster sized dude but that doesn't always mean anything. I think Zimmer has said twice now after the season Kendricks played well at MLB he is probably staying there. It does make sense to have a thumper on the roster. with a couple spots open and a starting spot available they have a number of directions they can go. Cole was a versatile guy for them. IF they can't find a guy in the draft (I'llbe shocked if they don't draft at least 1 LB) there are probably depth LBs available. Gerald Hodges come to mind and if he is available there are probably other guys. You also have the UFA route.

monsterpile wrote:oh yeah they absolutely need to add depth. I forgot you didn't like Brothers. He fits that profile of 2 down MLB pretty well. He isn't a monster sized dude but that doesn't always mean anything. I think Zimmer has said twice now after the season Kendricks played well at MLB he is probably staying there. It does make sense to have a thumper on the roster. with a couple spots open and a starting spot available they have a number of directions they can go. Cole was a versatile guy for them. IF they can't find a guy in the draft (I'llbe shocked if they don't draft at least 1 LB) there are probably depth LBs available. Gerald Hodges come to mind and if he is available there are probably other guys. You also have the UFA route.

Brothers not big enough to be a thumper and can't cover anyone. Good instincts though. If you have DL that eats up blockers a big MLB doesn't do nearly as much for you.

I was wondering if Hodges signed. He had great ratings last year in SF.