5 riddles Mike Zimmer must solve at Vikings training camp in 2021
By Dean Jones
LB rotation
Getting Anthony Barr back is going to be a massive boost for the Vikings. As stated previously, generating pressure became an ongoing concern in 2020, and although the UCLA product’s sack numbers have never been extraordinary, his athleticism makes him a useful asset that can free up space for others to do damage.
What happens opposite Barr at the second level is less certain. Eric Wilson manned this position in 2020 but signed for the Philadelphia Eagles in free agency, leaving Minnesota looking for another consistent presence that can make a difference next to All-Pro Eric Kendricks.
Some useful pieces were brought into the organization in free agency and the draft, so it might be a collective approach once again considering the options at Mike Zimmer’s disposal.
Nick Vigil should offer something judging by his production with the Los Angeles Chargers. The likes of Patrick Jones II, Chazz Surratt, and Janarius Robinson could also assist during their first year in a professional environment, which could bring more explosiveness if the rookie trio both adjust well to their new surroundings.
Having a formidable defensive line once again is something else that should assist those behind them at linebacker. Barr and Kendricks are locked to start, obviously, so it will be interesting to see which players come to the fore at training camp who could emerge onto the rotation.