4 Vikings plummeting down the depth chart in training camp
By Adam Patrick
Blake Lynch – LB
Signed as an undrafted free agent in 2020, Blake Lynch actually started six games for the Vikings last season. Some might have thought that the starting experience Lynch gained in 2021 would help his chances of making Minnesota’s roster this year. But that hasn’t seemed to be the case.
When Vikings linebacker Jordan Hicks missed multiple practices at the start of this summer’s training camp due to a non-COVID illness, Lynch was not the guy who replaced him on the first-team defense. Instead, Troy Dye was the one who was given the opportunity to work with the starting defense in the absence of Hicks.
With Hicks back on the field, Lynch hasn’t even been working with Minnesota’s second-team defense. Dye and rookie Brian Asamoah are the guys that have been working as the team’s No. 3 and No. 4 inside linebackers this summer.
As is the case with most of the players on this list, Lynch is going to need a strong showing in the Vikings’ three preseason games this year if he wants to stick around in purple and gold for the 2022 regular season.