Like the defensive line, the Vikings linebacker corps is in need of a major overhaul. Unlike the line, however, the Vikings second level has almost no proven commodities on the roster right now, since a former Pro Bowler turned in the worst season of his career in 2013. Can Mike Zimmer show that was just a product of circumstance, and develop all the young talent at this positon?
That's one of the questions I'll take a look at, in the positional breakdown of the Vikings linebackers:
The Vikings did not have a solid plan at linebacker coming into the 2013 season, and it showed on the field. The front office and coaching staff were pretty up front about wanting to draft a linebacker in the early round of the draft, but the Cordarrelle Patterson trade eliminated the Vikings ability to pick up an instant impact player. Instead, the team tried to make due with what they had, which resulted in them putting some players out of position. The shuffling at the second level seemed to never really create a cohesive unit, as there were frequent breakdowns in positioning and coverage, which resulted in big gains for opposing offenses.
While the Vikings have some young developmental talent they hope will step up in 2014, they should also make sure they have a solid backup plan in place this time, as adjusting on the fly last year didn't seem to get them anywhere.
On the Roster: Chad Greenway, Audie Cole, Michael Mauti, Gerald Hodges, Simoni Lawrence
Chad Greenway is one the the core franchise players for the Vikings, but with a new head coach he'll no longer have any guarantees about his future. Greenway had easily the worst season of his career in 2013, and was rated as the 2nd to last 4-3 outside linebacker in the NFL by Pro Football Focus. Greenway was out of position against the run and pass all the time, and his normally sure tackling technique wasn't as evident. Could a bad scheme and bad surrounding talent, as well as a fractured wrist, been to blame for all of that? Or is Greenway just in decline and are his days with the team numbered? We'll find out in 2014.
Audie Cole provided a small spark during the latter parts of the 2013 season, as he stepped into the middle linebacker spot and performed pretty well. Cole, a seventh round pick in 2012, showed good instincts in coverage, though he still needs work reading his keys in the running game. Now, while Cole certainly improved the defense when he was on the field last season, can the Vikings trust him to be a 16 game starter? Cole should provide at least solid depth, and if he can become a more well rounded player he will compete again for a starting spot.
Michael Mauti was an interesting story for the Vikings last year, as he was rehabbing his third ACL tear before the 2013 draft and sent a letter to all 32 NFL teams expressing his desire to play football. The Vikings were clearly at least somewhat impressed, because they selected him in the seventh round. Mauti has fantastic instincts and tackling ability, and is already a key special teams contributor for the Vikings. He definitely has the potential to compete with Cole for a starting spot at middle linebacker, but that may be asking too much of the young man. As a core special teamer, Mauti is already a success as a seventh round pick. Asking more of him may risk future injury or just be flat out unrealistic.
Hodges was a fourth round pick out of Penn State in 2013, and was a former teammate of Mauti's in college. Like Mauti, Hodges is already a key member of the Vikings special teams, and that role should only increase in his second year. Hodges was not relied on heavily on defense last year, but the front office likely has hopes he can be a starter next year. As a rookie, Hodges seemed a little lost at time, especially against the run. It was as if the increased speed of the NFL game was too much for him. Will a year in the league make him more comfortable? Maybe Hodge's second training camp will help him be the player the Vikings envisioned when they drafted him, a starting weakside linebacker with great ability in coverage.
Simoni Lawrence is a former University of Minnesota linebacker who has not played a down in the NFL. The Vikings have nothing to lose by letting him try out, but there should be absolutely zero expectations coming into the offseason.
Free Agents: Erin Henderson, Marvin Mitchell, Larry Dean, Desmond Bishop
Erin Henderson was the Vikings weakside linebacker for the 2012 season, and then shifted over to the middle in 2013. It was not a natural fit for Henderson, who struggled to plug his gaps and was abused in coverage. That, and five charges for drunk driving and drug possession, lead the Vikings to release him after the 2013 season. While it's not Henderson's fault he was moved from his more natural position, he certainly is not a difference making linebacker and the team owes it to itself to check out its younger talent.
Marvin Mitchell was the Vikings starting weakside linebacker at the beginning of the season, and if the team was judging him on that basis he would be graded poorly. But Mitchell was not on the team last year for his defensive ability. He was a part of the team as a key special teams contributor, and that's all he should be seen as. With Hodges and Mauti making an impact on that front, the Vikings may choose between Mitchell and the next player when it comes to resigning a special teams contributor.
Like Mitchell, Larry Dean brings almost no defensive value to the table, but he has been one of the Vikings best special teams players during his time with the team. It's unlikely the team resigns both him and Mitchell, and Mitchell might get the edge due to his better defensive abilities.
Desmond Bishop was a late signing by the Vikings, who were trying to plug holes at linebacker after not drafting early at the position in the 2013 NFL Draft. Like Henderson, Bishop was somewhat miscast on defense, as he was put on the weakside even though the middle seemed to be a more natural fit. Bishop's season was ended before the Vikings could discover his real value too, as a torn ACL ended his season in Week 5 against the Panthers. Coming off an ACL tear and about to turn 30, Bishop seems unlikely to be in the NFL again next season.
What should Rick do? (WSRD?)
It's hard to gauge exactly what the Vikings should do at this position, simply because a lot of players on their roster are unproven. Hodges and Cole could develop into starters, but then again they may prove to just be solid depth. The Vikings should focus on adding competition here, whether it be draft picks or veteran players who are willing to learn Zimmer's system. Drafting Chad Greenway's replacement seems like a likely option, since Greenway does appear to be losing a step at age 31.
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