The Vikings know Chad Greenway is the answer at strong linebacker, but many questions must be answered at middle linebacker and weak side linebacker. Will they resign Erin Henderson? Will they resign Jasper Brinkley? Both guys are unrestricted free agents and both could be on new teams in 2013.
How great is Chad Greenway? Chad has started all 16 games again for the 4th straight season and has been very productive. Last season he had 148 total tackles with 3 sacks, 4 passes defended, 1 interception and 2 fumble recoveries. He is a huge piece to our defense and is all over the field, he can pass rush, cover and tackle. Look for Chad Greenway to stay productive and healthy in 2013 and continue to be a big part of the community.
Should we resign Erin Henderson? Erin hasn't been able to solidify himself as a true NFL starting linebacker in this league. He does some good things, but at times is lost out there and can't stay healthy. I don't see the Vikings bringing Henderson back for another season unless they get a discount on him. He isn't the type of player that Spielman will lock up for a long-term contract, if he stays in purple he will probably only get a 1 or 2 year deal. Look for the Vikings to explore their options in free agency or possibly with a early round pick. This team needs a playmaker at this position and I think will find someone in free agency.
What about Jasper Brinkley? Jasper hasn't lived up to the hype after we drafted him in 2009, he stepped up to fill in for an injured EJ Henderson that year and has had his own health issues. He had 99 total tackles in 2012 with zero sacks and it might just be time to find a replacement at middle linebacker. We need a middle linebacker that can bust inside and get pressure, provide key run stopping ability and also cover. Look for the Vikings to either grab a free agent or solidify through the draft. Will they take a chance on Notre Dame star middle linebacker Manti Te'o with the number 23rd pick? Manti could be a huge asset and be a franchise type middle linebacker, he is so good getting pressure and being a big time run stopper. We will see what Rick Spielman has in mind with that #23 pick.
Other guys to see if they can provide support at linebacker are Marvin Mitchell who didn't do much in his 6th NFL season. Preseason sensation Audie Cole who didn't get a chance during regular season to show what he can do. Larry Dean the backup to Chad Greenway and backup Tyron McKenzie.
The free agent market at linebacker isn't anything to be excited about, but Spielman could find some pieces. Look for the Vikings to look at individuals like Baltimore Ravens Dannell Ellerbe, Daryl Smith from Jacksonville, Rey Maualuga from Cincinnati, Packers Brad Jones, five time Pro Bowler James Harrison, Jets Bart Scott, Bills Nick Barnett and possibly Bears Brian Urlacher.
The draft looks like where the Vikings will add key linebackers like Manti Te'o, Jarvis Jones, Kevin Minter, Arthur Brown, Kevin Reddick, Nico Johnson, William Compton. Of course I would love to get a guy in the early of the first round like Alec Ogletree or Dion Jordan, but the Vikings aren't going to want to trade up I don't feel to get one of these guys.
Overall the Minnesota Vikings must add both in free agency and in the draft to fill in some major gaps and holes at this position. Spielman hopefully can find us some support and we must improve our linebacker play in 2013. It is a top priority and it should be very interesting how management will purse good talent.
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