Minnesota Vikings: 5 training camp battles to watch in 2020
By Luke Parrish
Minnesota Vikings Battle No. 3: Third Linebacker
Eric Kendricks and Anthony Barr will be back as the enforcing duo they have always been. The Vikings do not use three linebackers often, only in certain packages. Eric Wilson was third on the team in snaps at linebacker last season, playing in just 35 percent of defensive snaps.
Minnesota likes to play with extra defensive backs but there is still some value in a third linebacker. Wilson and Ben Gedeon have gone back and forth on that spot for a few years now, with neither guy truly standing out.
The Vikings added Troy Dye to the mix in the 2020 draft, and he will be able to compete for that playing time. Dye brings the ability to cover in the middle of the field and has the range to help in the run game.
As with other groups, Wilson and Gedeon have experience under their belts and know the system well. At the same time, Dye brings something that those guys do not, and he could be a valuable rotational piece moving forward.
Dye would allow Barr to stop covering running backs, which has not gone well of late.