Linebackers Eric Kendricks and Anthony Barr will likely be starting for the Vikings in 2020, barring any trades, injuries or anything unexpected happening.
But the other linebacker spot alongside them? That’s a little more up in the air.
Eric Wilson, Ben Gedeon and other players have been starters at that position in the past. There hasn’t been consistent play at that linebacker position in seasons past, so adding a player who can at least give depth at that position makes sense.
Well, the Vikings drafted a player who can compete for that spot. Minnesota took Oregon’s Troy Dye at No. 132 overall.
Dye proved to be all over the field for the Ducks in his collegiate career. He is the only player in program history to lead his team in tackles for four consecutive seasons. He also earned Pac-12 All-Conference first-team accolades from the AP.
In 2019, Dye tallied 84 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks and two interceptions.