Linebackers populate the second level of the defense, but that position group may warrant first look for Vikings fans who come to Mankato for training camp or observe the action from afar.
This position begins and ends with its leader – Greenway. He’s steady as the day is long, having led the Vikings in tackles the past six seasons and having not missed a game since he came back from a knee injury after the 2006 season. But in the last couple of seasons Greenway has also been splashy, totaling 13.0 tackles for loss, 6.0 sacks, four interceptions and two fumble recoveries since the start of 2012. Those are solid numbers from a linebacker playing in a conservative defense, so with Greenway now healthy after playing injured much of last season and with the Vikings set to employ a more aggressive defense, Greenway is set to be this group’s productive leader once again.
After Greenway, the Vikings have a young group of linebackers ready to battle it out during camp.
Speaking of Barr, the Vikings ninth overall pick looked every bit the part during rookie minicamp and the mandatory minicamp that concluded the offseason program. But those were the only two times he was allowed to be with the team after the draft, so we will all learn a lot more about him once camp begins. It’s safe to assume he will impress early and often given his size/athleticism combination and it’ll be interesting to see how the defensive staff chooses to use him, particularly in sub packages where he could lineup as an end or a linebacker.
Another young, athletic one to watch in this year’s camp and preseason action is
Others who will round out the Vikings linebacker position are three-year veteran
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