Earlier this offseason, the Minnesota Vikings released linebacker Eric Kendricks. That move left a large void in the linebacker room. Brian Asamoah dd show promise as a rookie last season, the linebacker room has a depth issue
The Vikings are not expected to prioritize the linebacker position until late day two at the earliest. This is due to limited draft capital and greater needs at other positions.
Even so, the Vikings still need to perform their due diligence. Let’s analyze potential linebackers the Vikings could target in each round of the NFL draft.
Round 1: Iowa's Jack Campbell
The Vikings aren’t likely to select a linebacker in round one, mainly due to the lack of top-end talent in the class. If they do, the Vikings should consider selecting Campbell. He’s a physical linebacker with solid coverage skills. Campbell also processes the field well and is also a force in the run game. Although he doesn’t possess great speed, he would still be a valuable addition to the Vikings’ defense.
Round 2: Washington State's Daiyan Henley
On film, you can see Henley’s explosive athleticism. He switched from wide receiver to defense and his speed reflects that. Henley consistently positions himself around the ball and made crucial impact plays during college. Although he is a smaller prospect and new to the position, his intriguing traits make up for it.
Round 3: Texas’s Demarvion Overshown
Overshown possesses good speed and physicality, making him a valuable asset. He transitioned from safety to linebacker and you see that with his explosiveness. While his size may pose a weakness in the run game, he compensates for it by performing coverage. Teams seeking to strengthen their linebacker group would be wise to consider him as a solid day-two pick.
Round 4: Sacramento States’ Marte Mapu
Mapu is an athletic player who excels as a jack-of-all-trades linebacker. During his college career, Mapu played as a safety and a linebacker, lining up mainly in the slot. Even though Mapu has a smaller frame, he has the potential to be a hybrid player at the next level due to his physicality. If he can join a team that makes the most of his skills and helps him reach his full potential, he could be a valuable acquisition.
Round 5: Round 5: Cincinnati’s Ivan Pace Jr.
Pace Jr. is a quick and physical linebacker who is exciting to watch. He displays a good understanding of the game but struggles to hold his ground against offensive linemen, particularly in the run game. Despite this, Pace Jr.’s sharp instincts and explosive abilities make him a standout blitzer, including 9.5 sacks during his senior season. Given Brian Flores’ aggressive nature and desire to blitz, Pace Jr. would be a good fit on day three.
Round 6: Tulane’s Dorian Williams
Williams is a hard-hitting linebacker who can play sideline to sideline with his speed. Unfortunately, he frequently encounters struggles against blockers, either in the run game or pass-rushing situations. Williams is a raw prospect who needs to improve his techniques. Teams that draft him at the next level can work to develop him in hopes of helping him reach his potential.
Round 7: Jackson State’s Aubrey Miller
Miller is an athletic linebacker, who has decent speed. A better run defender than a cover linebacker, Miller projects as more of a special teams player. If teams draft Miller, they will be selecting a stable special teams player who can occasionally utilize his speed in blitz-specific packages.
