Minnesota Vikings 53 man roster projection: Pre-training camp edition
By Adam Carlson
Linebackers (6)
This is still the weakest unit in the team’s defense. Despite the team being able to steal Barr back from the Jets and locking down Kendricks on a long-term deal, there are a lot of questions past those two individuals.
Here are the players expected to make the roster from this positional grouping:
Past Barr and Kendricks, there are replaceable pieces that might be interchangeable or replaceable. Gedeon does a decent enough job as a starter, but the Vikings move to nickel enough and take him off the field in many situations.
Proving that point, Wilson started four games last year and played in all 16. He played well when his number was called despite getting assignments to drop back into coverage, rush the passer, or be in run support.
Past those four, Minnesota will likely look for high-potential players or those who they can count on to play special teams. Brothers has shined in the role during the twelve games he played (missed four due to suspension) and Downs in familiar to that concept since he saw action in eleven games last year.
The biggest name missing from the 53 is rookie Cameron Smith out of USC, who the team selected with a fifth-round draft pick. So far, not a lot of buzz has been surfacing about him and tape on him is underwhelming, so, for now, the team will likely stick with familiar faces in familiar roles.
Barely missed the cut: Reshard Cliett