Minnesota Vikings 53-man roster prediction after 2023 minicamp
By Adam Carlson
Vikings Inside Linebackers (5)
- Jordan Hicks
- Brian Asamoah II
- Troy Dye
- Troy Reader
- Ivan Pace Jr.
It is going to feel weird seeing the middle of a Minnesota Vikings defense without Eric Kendricks but Jordan Hicks is returning for a starting role and Brian Asamoah II has a great opportunity to be paired with him.
Since linebackers can be great special teams players, experienced defender Troy Reader and Troy Dye can compete for backup duties while undrafted free agent Ivan Pace Jr. seems to be a player the Vikings like a lot.
Under the new defensive scheme, being a secure tackler is of paramount importance. Having five inside linebackers for two spots seems like overkill until the non-starters start making plays on special teams.
Of course, Hicks reworked his contract to stay in Minnesota this year but the team could be looking for a long-term replacement in one of these young defenders, meaning they could see the field a lot in preseason and possibly the regular season.