Minnesota Vikings 2017 positional needs evaluation: Linebacker

Having a solid linebacker corps is important to success in today’s NFL, but are the Minnesota Vikings set for the 2017 season or do they need to draft one?

The group of linebackers is going to look a lot different for the 2017 season. Now that Chad Greenway has retired, one of the most established players in recent Minnesota Vikings history will need to have his starting role covered.

Sadly, the Vikings haven’t made a move yet to replace the outside linebacker. The team focused on the offensive line in free agency, making fans wonder what Minnesota is going to do for starters and depth this season.

Here is a list of the linebackers who are currently on the Minnesota Vikings roster according to the official team website:

• Anthony Barr – signed through 2017
• Eric Kendricks – signed through 2018
• Edmond Robinson – signed through 2018
• Kentrell Brothers – signed through 2019
• Emmanuel Lamur – signed through 2017

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Last year, the Vikings used 5 linebackers with on their main roster. It is likely Minnesota uses the same number on the 53-man grouping this year. However, determining who the starters are may just be one of the toughest challenges.

Kendricks and Barr will likely return to their positions, but it will open up another spot. As of this writing, it should be going to Lamur, however there was encouraging play from Robinson on defense as well.

Meanwhile, Brothers has carved a niche for himself on special teams, but has yet to make the transition to the defensive side of the ball at the professional level. He could be a fun player to watch going forward.

Next: Vikings free agency tracker

It is moderately surprising that another linebacker hasn’t been brought in already to compete. Fans should fully expect the team to use a draft pick on a linebacker. If they don’t, a couple of undrafted free agent will likely be used for the practice squad and competition purposes.