Minnesota Vikings: Handful of tough roster decisions remain
By Dan Zinski
May 27, 2015; Eden Prairie, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Brandon Watts (58) works on drills at Winter Park. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
Perhaps the toughest call will be at the linebacker position where solid-looking players like Michael Mauti and Brian Peters sit firmly on the bubble.
The Vikings seem set at the top four linebacker spots with Anthony Barr, Gerald Hodges and Chad Greenway starting in the base defense and rookie Eric Kendricks coming in situationally.
Fan-favorite Audie Cole found himself running with the scrubs late in Saturday’s Dallas game but his versatility makes him too valuable to cut.
If the Vikings choose to keep six linebackers, they will have to pick among the aforementioned Mauti and Peters and two recent 7th round draft picks: Brandon Watts and Edmond Robinson.
Of those four, Mauti is clearly the best special teamer, which gives him a leg-up. Scrappy former CFL-er Brian Peters has shown some flashes this preseason but was it enough to put him in the conversation?
Watts did very little in his rookie season as he was hampered by injury, and frankly he hasn’t been much more of a factor this preseason. Robinson has shown up at times and is a top practice squad candidate if he clears waivers.