Starting linebacker
Top competitors:
- Ryan Connely
- Troy Dye
- Chazz Surratt
- Nick Vigil
There are two positions locked down at linebacker. Eric Kendricks will be returning to hold down things at middle linebacker while Anthony Barr restructured his contract and will be entering what could be his final season in Minnesota.
The third linebacker spot is up for grabs, but that spot might be more of a badge of honor than an actual huge job. Since the Vikings spend a large amount of their time with two linebackers and an extra defensive back on the field, odds are that this individual will not see the field too much.
Minnesota will likely go with a good tackler who can contain the edge even if they aren’t a great pass rusher or coverage defender. The returning Ryan Connely fits that role quite well but Troy Dye has also flashed at times.
Rookie Chazz Surratt out of North Carolina is an interesting prospect to watch and Nick Vigil is an interesting addition to the team in free agency with his 39 career starts in 69 total games. Any of these players could win the role, but Connely could get the job done.
Projected winner: Ryan Connely