Lunchbreak: Vikings Linebackers, Cornerbacks Could Thrive in 2020

Viktor

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Mar 19, 2019
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A few weeks ago, ESPN Vikings reporter Courtney Cronin took a look at the Vikings offense and determined which position groups would be better, worse or the same in 2020 as they were in 2019.


Cronin did the same for Minnesota's defense on Monday, and opined on how the Vikings defensive line, linebackers, cornerback and safeties would fare this season compared to last year.


Cronin picked two of the four units to improve, noting she has high expectations for the Vikings linebackers and cornerbacks.


She wrote that the returning group of Anthony Barr, Eric Kendricks, Ben Gedeon, Eric Wilson and Cameron Smith is among the best in the league, and that rookies such as Troy Dye could also make an impact.


No big losses, two Pro Bowlers and a promising rookie. The Vikings linebackers could very well end up the strength of this team in 2020. Continuity is key at this position.


All-Pro Kendricks is coming off his best season (12 passes defended, 2 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries and 4 tackles for loss) and Barr is still a consistent pass-rushing threat and is one of the league's better off-ball linebackers. Wilson has already surpassed Gedeon as the third linebacker in the base 4-3 formation and has been all over the place from pass coverage to special teams.


The Vikings drafted Dye because they were intrigued by his coverage skills and athleticism to get downhill quickly. He may end up following Barr's trajectory given the similarities with their size and skill sets.



The Vikings endured plenty of roster turnover at cornerback, but Cronin noted that the young group of starters in the mix — Mike Hughes, Holton Hill, Kris Boyd, Jeff Gladney and Cameron Dantzler — have plenty of talent.
 
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