{"id":65398,"date":"2019-05-16T10:40:56","date_gmt":"2019-05-16T14:40:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lwosonnfl.ms.lastwordonsports.com\/?p=65398"},"modified":"2021-03-12T16:30:30","modified_gmt":"2021-03-12T21:30:30","slug":"look-at-minnesota-vikings-linebackers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2019\/05\/16\/look-at-minnesota-vikings-linebackers\/","title":{"rendered":"A Look at the Minnesota Vikings Linebackers"},"content":{"rendered":"

This off-season presented quite the scare for Minnesota Vikings<\/a> fans. Anthony Barr<\/a> <\/strong>was rumored to have signed with the New York Jets<\/a> before a late change of heart. The defense is back and ready to carry the team in 2019. After looking at the secondary in the last segment of this series<\/a>, it is time to move down a level. Here is a look at the Minnesota Vikings linebackers as we head into the 2019 season.<\/p>\n

The Minnesota Vikings Linebackers as Things Stand<\/h2>\n

The Vikings have talent across the defense. They have Pro Bowlers at each level, but their linebackers are the glue that holds it all together. Barr is a Swiss Army knife; he can blitz, cover, and defend the run. He possesses great speed and fluidity all over the field. Barr took a slightly lower contract to return to Minnesota and finish what he started. Eric Kendricks<\/a><\/strong> is one of the best coverage linebackers in the NFL, and the Vikings rewarded him with a long-term contract as well. Kendricks recently re-structured his deal to make room for 2019 first-round pick Garrett Bradbury<\/a><\/strong> under the salary cap. The former UCLA Bruins have held down the middle of Minnesota\u2019s defense for several years now, and they aren\u2019t going anywhere.<\/p>\n

Beyond those two, the Vikings lack any depth at linebacker. No other linebacker on the team was drafted prior to day three of the draft. Aside from special teams contributions, they haven\u2019t produced much of note on defense. Ben Gedeon<\/a><\/strong> and Eric Wilson<\/a><\/strong> have split time as the third linebacker, but neither has stood out by any means. Kentrell Brothers<\/a><\/strong>, Reshard Cliett<\/strong>, and Devante Downs<\/a><\/strong> have limited (if any) experience in the NFL. Rookies Cameron Smith<\/strong> and Greer Martini<\/strong> will have a chance to make a name for themselves in training camp.<\/p>\n

What to Expect in 2019<\/h2>\n

Barr and Kendricks will lead the middle of the defense again in 2019. Since being drafted in back-to-back drafts, they have manned down the front seven in Minnesota. Barr has been a force on the defense ever since he stepped foot on an NFL field. His rookie season was phenomenal as he finished with 70 tackles, four sacks, and three fumble recoveries. And that was just the start. Barr has been a Pro Bowler in each of the last four seasons. He has 13.5 sacks and 30 tackles for a loss over his career. Barr has also forced seven fumbles and recovered four. He knows how to get to the quarterback, with 31 quarterback hits. His return to Minnesota after seemingly striking a deal with the Jets is great news for the Vikings.<\/p>\n

Kendricks has led the team in tackles in each of his four seasons in the NFL. He racked up at least 100 total tackles in each of the last three seasons. But he is much more important than that. During his four years, Kendricks has four interceptions and has returned two of them for touchdowns. He also has 8.5 sacks and 30 tackles behind the line of scrimmage. Kendricks has shown his ability to defend the pass with his 23 career pass deflections. There is no denying that Kendricks is an under-appreciated leader of one of the best defenses in the entire league.<\/p>\n

The third linebacker spot is up for grabs, but the Vikings do not utilize a third very often. While they lack depth at the position, they do not necessarily need a ton of bodies. Instead, the focus on the rest of the roster and play extra defensive backs on passing downs. Today\u2019s NFL offenses are heavily focused on the passing game, and defenses are adjusting. The Vikings have built their defense to have depth in the secondary and haven\u2019t put much emphasis on their linebackers.<\/p>\n

A Closer Look<\/h2>\n

As referenced in our look at the secondary<\/a>, Jayron Kearse<\/a><\/strong> may be moved to linebacker in training camp. Kearse is a versatile piece on the Minnesota defense. He has a ton of length and speed that enable him to cover the field well. Kearse can play in sub-packages as a nickel backer.<\/p>\n

Anthony Barr<\/h3>\n

Barr made an immediate impact with the Vikings. We have seen his versatility at linebacker. Here are a few plays that show his skill set. First up, a trip down memory lane. In his rookie season, Barr forced a fumble and recovered it himself, then took it to the house for a game-winning score. After being beat in coverage, Barr did not give up on the play. Instead, he ran the ball-carrier down, stripped the ball, and saved the day.<\/p>\n

\n

As excited as I am for the #Vikings<\/a> to extend Diggs soon, I am just as excited for the Vikings to lock up Anthony Barr long-term as well.<\/p>\n

Throwback to when Barr forced, recovered and returned a fumble for a walk-off touchdown a few years back: pic.twitter.com\/9EHC1NBLOT<\/a><\/p>\n

— Nick Olson (@NickOlsonNFL) July 19, 2018<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n