Minnesota Vikings 53 man roster projection: Preseason edition
By Adam Carlson
Linebackers (6)
It can be argued that the linebackers are the weakest part of the Minnesota Vikings defense, but the truth is that the position is top-heavy in talent with several players under them who haven’t been tested much at the NFL level.
Here are the linebackers projected to be on the team’s 53-man roster:
The starting three linebackers all return! Barr, Kendricks, and Gedeon are a solid grouping, even if Gedeon does get taken off the field in nickel situations. Still, the two former UCLA boys are athletic and versatile, which are important in the scheme of the Vikings.
Wilson has shined every chance he gets when on defense. When filling in, he started four games for Minnesota and took part in all 32 regular-season games of his career. He will be the primary backup at any spot as well as pay dividends on special teams.
Past those players, special teams are the key to making the squad. Brothers had an amazing 2017 on special teams and Downs did a solid job in that respect last year. While neither has been tested much on defense, the hope is that they won’t have to see the field.