Vikings Training Camp 2021: Top 4 takeaways from Day 11
By Adam Carlson
Disappointing defenders
The linebacker grouping is one that hasn’t gotten a lot of attention but might be an issue for the Minnesota Vikings if a situation comes up where the depth needs to be tested or something happens with Eric Kendricks or Anthony Barr.
Vikings analyst Eric Smith shared on Twitter that the battle for spots on the roster is still quite wide open according to a statement from Mike Zimmer on Monday.
Pointed words from Zimmer on the Linebacker3 battle behind 54 & 55.
— Eric Smith (@Eric_L_Smith) August 9, 2021
"Nick’s done a nice job. The others have to pick it up, all the other linebackers have to pick it up on special teams and, really, on defense, too. There’s a bunch of guys in there that need to get going.”
Several players have received a look at linebacker during camp. Cameron Smith has gotten some attention there as has Nick Vigil, but otherwise, there hasn’t been a lot of attention paid to other competitors.
In fact, the Vikings have been moving D.J. Wonnum around and putting him at linebacker in camp so far. At first, this seemed like a way to get more pass rushers on the field at once. But it might be just because there hasn’t been a lot of impressive linebacker play heading into the preseason.
Getting on the 53-man roster with great special teams play is great, but without having backups who can be trusted on the roster, it might be time to be a little worried about the middle of the defense.
How do you feel about some of these observations from the Minnesota Vikings training camp? And do you think a longer practice will help prepare for the 2021 NFL season? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.