TODAY'S POSITION: LINEBACKERS
Importance (1-to-10 scale): 8
On the roster
The most unsettled -- weakest? -- position for the Minnesota is linebacker. There are only two certainties as the Vikings head into the draft. Free agency didn't provide any answers, and perhaps only muddled the situation further.
Minnesota addressed the position early in the draft last year by snagging Anthony Barr with the No. 9 overall pick. Many wondered about the fit in the Vikings' 4-3 scheme with Barr, who was mostly known for his pass rushing and considered a 3-4 outside linebacker heading into the draft. Minnesota head coach Mike Zimmer had plans for Barr, though, and the tall, speedy linebacker had 70 tackles and four sacks in 12 games before a knee injury ended his season.
Chad Greenway returns for what will likely be his final season in a standout career for the Vikings. Injuries also held back Greenway, who missed out on leading the team in tackles after doing so for six consecutive seasons. But Greenway is the veteran of the group, is trusted by Zimmer and should be better if he can stay healthy.
Then the questions begin. Jasper Brinkley, the starting middle linebacker last year, signed with the Dallas Cowboys. There are no ready-made fill-ins. Audie Cole could get a shot after showing well in his limited chances the past two years. Michael Mauti was drafted as an inside linebacker but was moved to the outside for Zimmer last year.
The Vikings signed Casey Matthews in free agency, and he could possibly get a look in the middle. But Matthews has been known more for his special teams work in four NFL seasons. Perhaps Zimmer takes another look at Greenway in the middle?
Gerald Hodges played well when given a chance last year and perhaps can develop into a starter on the outside. Brandon Watts' rookie season was mostly a washout and Zimmer didn't sound pleased with the rookie at times last year.
Last five defensive linemen drafted
2014: Brandon Watts, Georgia Tech: seventh round (223rd overall) -- still with the Vikings
2014: Anthony Barr, UCLA: first round (9th overall) -- still with the Vikings
2013: Michael Mauti, Penn State: seventh round (213th overall) -- still with the Vikings
2013: Gerald Hodges, Penn State: fourth round (120th overall) -- still with the Vikings
2012: Audie Cole, North Carolina State: seventh round (210th overall) -- still with the Vikings
Philosophy at the position
Minnesota has used resources to address the position, but Barr has been the only aggressive maneuver in recent drafts. Expect the Vikings to again take a strong look at linebacker in the draft. The first-round choices, at least as middle linebackers, don't seem too plentiful. Most of the top inside or middle linebackers are considered as Day 2 options. One or two could sneak into the back half of the first round, but none will likely be considered where Minnesota sits at No. 11.
Aside from Barr, the only player currently on Minnesota's roster that seems like a long-term starter is possibly Hodges. So, the Vikings could look to the draft for more alternatives on the inside and maybe even add another potential outside linebacker to eventually replace Greenway.
Day 1 name to remember (Round 1)
Randy Gregory, redshirt junior, Nebraska (6-foot-5, 235 pounds): Gregory's size likely will have him as an outside linebacker in the NFL, especially if he's in a 4-3 system. But like Barr, can Gregory handle all of the responsibilities as a linebacker such as dropping in coverage.
His pass-rushing skills are not in doubt. Gregory had 17.5 sacks and 29 tackles for loss the past two seasons for Nebraska. He's best when he can use his speed to attack and get around offensive tackles. At just 235 pounds, NFL teams might ask Gregory to add weight and he might struggle to stand tall against the run. If so, Gregory might be limited to a situational pass-rushing role.
Seemingly an odd fit for Minnesota's 4-3 system, but the Vikings have shown interest in Gregory, having a private visit with him. Employing Gregory and Barr together would be an interesting mix, but one which could give offensive coordinators fits trying to stop.
Day 2 name to remember (Rounds 2-3)
Paul Dawson, senior, Texas Christian (6-0, 235): There are plenty of questions among the inside linebackers. Dawson seems to have as much talent as any at the position, but he's considered to have some character issues. Analysts have wondered about his commitment and work ethic.
Dawson was productive, with 127 tackles, seven tackles for loss and five sacks last year. He might have to add weight if he's going to play inside in the NFL. He has the instincts and talent to play inside, but might be better suited on the outside because of his size.
Mississippi State's Benardrick McKinney is considered by many as the top inside linebacker in the draft. There isn't much separation between McKinney, Dawson and others, and the decision could come down to individual teams. Clemson's Stephone Anthony, UCLA's Eric Kendricks, and Miami's Denzel Perryman are all considerations. McKinney will likely be gone before the Vikings draft in the second round. Maybe general manager Rick Spielman does some more draft-day maneuvering.
Day 3 name to remember (Rounds 4-7)
Taiwan Jones, senior, Michigan State (6-3, 245): A true inside or middle linebacker who can stand up physically in the middle of the field. Jones was a two-year starter for the Spartans and had 127 tackles, 19.5 tackles for loss and four sacks combined the past two seasons. Spielman has had an affinity for Big Ten linebackers in the past.
Jones is strong, a sure tackler and will stand up against the run. Dropping in coverage isn't his strength and he isn't quick. He might be a two-down type linebacker and Minnesota really needs to find someone who can stay on in passing downs. But on the third day, the options for a complete player who can be a starter are limited.
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