Vikings Training Camp 2018: Previewing the linebackers

(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) Anthony Barr and Eric Kendricks
(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) Anthony Barr and Eric Kendricks /
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PROVO, UT - NOVEMBER 12: Wide receiver Mitchell Juergens #87 of the Brigham Young Cougars can't catch the pass while being defended by Mike Needham #34 of the Southern Utah Thunderbirds in the first half at LaVell Edwards Stadium on November 12, 2016 in Provo Utah. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr/Getty Images)
(Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr/Getty Images) Mike Needham /

The Rest:

Devante Downs, Garret Dooley, Mike Needham, Brett Taylor, Antwione Williams, and Reshard Cliett

The remaining linebackers on the Vikings’ roster has a lot of uninspiring options (and ones that could put a halt to using Anthony Barr as a pass rusher).

The lone name that stands out here is Downs, who was a seventh-round pick by Minnesota last April. There’s not too much to say about Downs’ skill set (NFL.com doesn’t even have a draft profile for him), but there is a hope that he can at least latch on as a special teamer.

The rest of the group will be looking to either make the roster through special teams or find themselves on the practice squad.

Next: Training Camp 2018 preview, defensive line

With Mike Zimmer’s penchant for defensive backs, he could keep 10 or 11, which leaves fewer spots for these young linebackers to compete for.