Minnesota Vikings training camp battles: Replacing Chad Greenway

Candidate 1 : Emmanuel Lamur

Outside of Anthony Barr and Eric Kendricks, Emmanuel Lamur is the only linebacker on the Vikings roster who received defensive snaps last season. As per Football Outsiders Lamur racked up a whopping 38 plays. Admittedly 38 is a relatively low number however if the season started today it is safe to say he would be starting.

As per Chris Tomasson, Lamur is receiving first team snaps in Greenway’s absence on day 1 of training camp.

Undrafted out of Kansas State in 2012, Lamur signed with the Cinncinati Bengals and played in the Queen City for 4 seasons. He served as a back up for the majority of his time as a Bengal but crucially played under Mike Zimmer for his first two seasons.

After Zimmer left for the Vikings, Lamur graduated to starting strong side linebacker for the majority of 2014 season. As per Bleacher Report’s scouting department Emmanuel excelled at tackling but was distinctly average in pass coverage, rushing the passer and defending the run. B/R signed off stating that Lamur required improvement.

"“Although he started 13 games in 2014, Lamur remains a better athlete than football player. He is projected to be the Bengals’ starting strong-side linebacker in 2015 but must continue to improve his fundamentals.”"

Unfortunately Lamur failed to progress and spent 2015 once again as a rotational player. He was released at the end of the season, setting him on the path to be reunited with Zimmer in Minnesota.  If Lamur can make the necessary improvements under Zimmer’s tutelage he should be able to hold of the competition from the rest of the roster.

Due to his knowledge of Zimmer’s scheme, his previous starting experience and the lack of disruption it would cause to the defense the job remains Lamur’s to lose.