Day 2 Draft Prospects Vikings – Linebackers
Adam New
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The signing of Jordan Hicks to play next to Eric Kendricks gives the Vikings two solid starting linebackers. After that, it’s more of a question mark.
Blake Lynch had some nice moments last season, including an interception, forced fumble, and fumble recovery on his way to a reasonable 64.6 grade from Pro Football Focus. He started six games in what was a somewhat surprisingly successful second season. Troy Dye enters his third season looking like a capable depth player but not much more. Chazz Surratt was one of several 2021 rookies that didn’t get a look in. I was one of the few who liked the pick and hope for a second-season jump like Blake Lynch had.
With Eric Kendricks 30 years old and Jordan Hicks also turning 30 in June, drafting a linebacker who can compete to play alongside them now, while possibly being a future successor wouldn’t be a bad idea. I always say “Best Player Available,” but I’d be stunned if the Vikings drafted a linebacker at #12.
However, there are some interesting Day 2 draft prospects at linebacker that are definitely worth a look.
Chad Muma
One thing the Vikings defense could use is a “big tackler” at linebacker who can help sure up that run defense. So, that will be a theme in this list that starts with Chad Muma.
His athleticism and lateral mobility tend toward an outside linebacker in a 4-3 defense, but he has the versatility to work for the Vikings, who will ask a lot of their linebackers. He is a great tackler and equally efficient going downhill in the run game and dropping into coverage and making open-field tackles.
He would be a good addition to the Vikings defense, but it would take a second-round pick, which might be too early for the position. The only slight doubt is that playing for Wyoming — the competition wasn’t high quality. However, Muma was one of the most productive defenders in all of college football last year, amassing 68 total defensive stops, three interceptions, and 21 pressures for the Cowboys.
Christian Harris
Christian Harris is an athletic player who has played multiple positions on both sides of the ball during his career. He shows the ability to be a consistent tackler and has a big physical presence. Harris is good enough in coverage to cover running backs and tight ends well enough to be considered an every-down player. Harris totaled 10 sacks in the last two seasons, showcasing plenty of pass-rushing ability.
He is most suited to play as the WILL linebacker, which the Vikings already have options for, and he could go as high as the second round. That might be too early for the Vikings to consider him.
Leo Chenal
A perfect fit as an inside linebacker in an odd-front defense, Leo Chenal is the definition of a big physical hitter. The Wisconsin linebacker led his team in both sacks and tackles for loss in the 2020 and 2021 seasons. He totaled 96 tackles and eight sacks in an impressive final season in Wisconsin. His game could use some development for passing downs in the NFL, but he would have an immediate impact on early downs. Running straight downhill with ferocious power, he will be a problem for offensive linemen.
Brandon Smith
A gifted athlete with great potential but the need for growth to become an every-down player.
Brandon Smith is suited to a heavy nickel defense that the Vikings are expected to run under Ed Donatell. Passing downs is where he can be effective early in his career, where his athleticism in space and ability to attack the ball can be used. One downside is missing too many tackles. He had a missed tackle rate of 17.2% in 2021.
Darrian Beavers
My pick from this list would be Darrian Beavers in the third round — about the right time to take a linebacker. And in Beavers, you get someone who can play as the SAM linebacker, something the Vikings don’t have without Anthony Barr on the roster. He is scheme-versatile and can play middle linebacker or outside linebacker in an odd or even front.
The Vikings have talked about wanting versatile players on defense and Beavers fits the mold perfectly. It’s not just versatility, though. He is big, powerful, and has good length while acting as a powerful tackler who can set the tone for a defense.
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