Minnesota Vikings Training Camp 2019: Previewing the linebackers

The Reserves

Eric Wilson – Wilson is the most recognizable name on this list as many thought he would take over for Anthony Barr after the 2018 season. While Wilson did a great job duplicating Barr’s success rushing the passer (PFF ranked his PRP rating at 13.3) and in coverage (0.80 yards allowed per coverage snap), his tackling efficiency of 5.8 attempts per missed tackle left a lot to be desired.

Wilson’s conversion from safety has gone well so far, but with Barr back in the fold, his best bet to see more playing time is to become a more suped-up version of Ben Gedeon’s role. If he can provide depth at both outside linebacker spots, he could be a solid contributor in the Vikings’ linebacking corps.

Devante Downs – Downs was a seventh-round pick by the Vikings back in 2018, but had a “redshirt” season after recovering from a torn ACL suffered in his senior season at Cal. Now recovered, the Vikings can see what they have from a linebacker that had the second-highest coverage score of any linebacker from that draft class (via Arif Hassan). While he won’t crack the starting lineup, he has a chance to be a darkhorse contributor once he hits the field.

Cameron Smith –  The USC product was a fifth-round pick for the Vikings last April and much like Wilson, the Vikings are hoping he’s a diesel version of Gedeon. According to NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein, Smith plays smart and puts himself in a position to make plays and has experience at all three positions. Such would be a nice depth piece for the Vikings if he can make the team.

Kentrell Brothers – Coming off a season in which he was suspended for the first four games, Brothers is what he is at this point of his career. He’s spent most of his three seasons on special teams and with the Missouri product coming up on a contract year, it’s fair to wonder if the Vikings could be tempted to move on.

Greer Martini – The Notre Dame product didn’t have much of a rookie season in 2018 as he spent the first four weeks on the Green Bay Packers’ practice squad before getting cut. Where Martini did gain attention was during his stint with the AAF’s Salt Lake Stallions, where he was sixth in the league with 55 tackles when the league folded. He’ll have his work cut out for him to get a roster spot, but could show enough to get the job done.

Rashard Cliett – The 27-year old has bounced around the NFL during his career and it might not be likely he sticks around with the Minnesota Vikings. He was released among the Vikings final cuts last August and spent the entire 2018 season on the practice squad. If he makes the roster, it will likely be as a member of the special teams unit.