Minnesota Vikings: Preliminary 53-man roster analysis

Aug 15, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Eric Kendricks (54) looks on during the second quarter in a preseason NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

Linebacker: Chad Greenway, Anthony Barr, Eric Kendricks, Audie Cole, Gerald Hodges Jr., Edmond Robinson

Another strong group for the Minnesota Vikings, I’m high on a number of these players.

I’ve never given up on Chad Greenway and think he’ll be excellent again as he heads into his tenth(!) NFL season. There’s room for improvement, but he’s a professional player with the ability to get back to form in 2015.

Anthony Barr will be excellent in his second season. He showed a need for growth during his rookie campaign, but so far it seems he’s taking a step forward. The first-rounder is a playmaker and should be able to capitalize in a defense that looks ready to cause problems for everyone. Returning from injury can be tough, but Barr is young and can rebound better than many other players.

Eric Kendricks, Audie Cole, and Gerald Hodges Jr. have all been impressive through the preseason. I was particularly impressed by Hodges this preseason and am confident that the unit will be in excellent hands with any one of those three stepping into roles as needed. Edmond Robinson almost seems like an afterthought, but the Vikings cleared room for him to stay on the team.

Next: Cornerback is poised for the future