Minnesota Vikings: The Outside Linebackers

Here’s a look at the Minnesota Vikings outside linebackers. 

Outside Linebackers

Jonathan Greenard

Andrew Van Ginkel

Dallas Turner

Gabriel Murphy

Bo Richter

Tyler Batty

Chaz Chambliss

With due respect to an improved defensive line group, the strength of the Vikings defense is the outside linebackers. Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel made the Pro Bowl and received All-Pro consideration in their first season together in Minnesota. The duo played so well that first-round pick Dallas Turner didn’t get much playing time. When he was on the field, his talents were clear. Greenard and Van Ginkel will again lead this group but I see Turner being on the field enough to make a difference. Defensive coordinator and outside linebackers coach Thad Bogardus may even find ways to get all three on the field. The remaining outside linebackers are undrafted free agents. Gabriel Murphy and Bo Richter were added last year. Tyler Batty and Chaz Chambliss were added this year. Murphy was an early star in training camp last year. He flashed so much that many were imagining a role for him as a rookie. An injury derailed those plans. He returned during the season but it was too late to regain the form he had in the summer. Still, his rookie season was enough to show intriguing potential. Bo Richter played his way into a strong special teams role. Having a full rookie season might actually give him an edge over Murphy heading into their second training camp. Tyler Batty was a priority signing for the Vikings. At 6’5” and 270lbs, he’s the biggest of the Vikings outside linebackers. That size probably gives him defensive line-outside linebacker versatility. Chaz Chambliss came out of Georgia. All Georgia pass rushers bring potential.

The top three outside linebackers are clear. The competitions for #4 and #5 will be some of the most interesting and fun competitions of training camp.