Vikings preseason Week 1: Who to watch on defense vs. the Bills

Ben Gedeon, LB

Thought of as a bit of a reach by some when Minnesota drafted him in the fourth round this year, Gedeon has been proving his worth better than most could have imagined this offseason. The Vikings’ coaching staff even gave the young linebacker some reps with the first-team defense during this year’s training camp.

Despite being an inside linebacker during college at Michigan, Gedeon has suddenly become a candidate to fill Minnesota’s vacant weak-side linebacker spot. Thursday will be the team’s first opportunity to see how legitimate his chances actually are of winning the position battle.

He at least has one thing going for him, as Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer has already been praising the rookie for his impressive work this offseason. That has probably helped him sleep a little better at night.