Vikes’ Tomlin to fans: “Our linebackers are good”

By Krupka  |   Monday, June 26, 2006  |  Comments( 2 )

Minnesota Vikings
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The talk of the offseason among the Minnesota Vikings' faithful has often centered around the alleged weakness of the team's linebacking corps.

For those that doubt the linebackers or think they aren't good enough, defensive coordinator Mike Tomlin has this to say:

"To be quite honest, the public is a lot more worried about the linebacker situation than we are. We're going to have some linebackers who can play and play at a high level. ... I hope that everybody continues to have sleepless nights in regards to the linebackers, but [the coaches] are going to sleep like babies."

Fans look to the departure of solid, yet unspectacular veterans Sam Cowart and Keith Newman from what some already pegged as a weakness last season. Many have also come down hard on a former 2002 first-round pick of the Oakland Raiders, Napoleon Harris, acquired in the infamous Randy Moss trade. While nobody will deny that the man nicknamed "Hollywood" Harris had a forgettable first season as a member of the Vikings, he also possesses the potential to be a rousing success.

The organization did address the position this offseason via free agency and the draft. Linebacker Ben Leber was lured away from the San Diego Chargers, agreeing to a five-year deal. In April's NFL Draft, the team invested its first-round pick on the highly-touted former University of Iowa linebacker Chad Greenway.

So, heading into training camp, the team boasts a bevy of linebackers that all have the magic "P" word--potential. More than that, though, they have talent. The top five 'backers all boast another thing in common. Each were selected in the first day of their respective drafts. Napoleon Harris (first round, 2002), E.J. Henderson (second round, '02), Ben Leber (third round, '02), Dontarrious Thomas (second round, 2003), and Chad Greenway (first round, 2006). So if nothing else, the Vikings have an abundance of untapped capability that Tomlin feels will play at a high level in '06 and beyond.

Let's take a closer look at the five players vying for playing time:

1.) Ben Leber - The organization and coaching staff feel that he is a perfect fit for the "Tampa 2" defense being installed by Tomlin. He is tall (6-3, 244), strong and extremely quick. Speed is a necessity in the scheme and he certainly has it. Leber has the ability to play multiple linebacker positions. His ability to play in coverage is a great asset and is a big part of what makes him a good fit for the Vikings' new scheme. His speed, versatility, work-ethic, and attention to detail, along with his new contract make Leber a near lock to be a starter opening day.

2.) Napoleon Harris - The former 23rd overall pick spent the better part of his three seasons as a starter for the Silver and Black. That includes a spectacular sophomore campaign in which he racked up 107 tackles. He has good speed, technique, and can be a difference maker. At 6-2, 255 pounds, Harris has a good build, and could also be a great fit in the "Tampa 2." In the meantime, he has been getting a majority of the reps at middle linebacker thus far.

3.) E.J. Henderson - He had a tremendous senior season at Maryland, but an injury dropped him out of the first round. The Vikings were ecstatic to spend a second-round pick on Henderson. In his second season, he amassed 93 tackles and looked ready to become a star in '05. Although he only had 75 tackles this past season, Henderson still played extremely well at times. He has a similar build to Leber and Harris (6-1, 245), and has elite speed. He plays fast and is great in pursuit, making him an excellent fit in the "Tampa 2."

4.) Chad Greenway - This past April's 17th overall selection has all the qualities to become a dominant player for years to come. Like the rest of the Vikings' linebackers, he possesses terrific speed. He is very intelligent, and plays feisty with a non-stop motor. He is a great tackler, and uses his speed to get to ball-carriers. Like the rest of the linebackers, he's similar in stature (6-4, 244). He has exceptional coverage skills, and plays quite well sideline to sideline, which, like the others, makes him a great fit in the "Tampa 2." The coaching staff would love to pencil him in as a starter, so barring any unforeseen injury, expect to see No. 52 scampering all over the field this fall making plays.

5.) Dontarrious Thomas - He is the forgotten man among the big five. Another former second-round pick, Thomas, like all the others, thrives on speed. In his young career with the Vikings, he has been a starter and reserve player, and has playoff experience. The third-year pro has set himself up to be right in the mix, and is in heavy consideration for the starting position. He is battling Henderson and Harris for playing time. At 6-2, 242 pounds, he is once again eerily similar to the other four Viking linebackers. However, Thomas hasn't proven to be as good in coverage as either Leber or Greenway.

With training camp just over a month away, Tomlin likes what he sees from his linebackers and defensive unit as a whole. With such capable personnel at linebacker, it's hard to contradict his assessment.

Tomlin also is "very pleased" with his unit's grasp and progress made in learning the newly-installed scheme. Don't get too excited Viking fans, as he did also say they had, "miles to go in terms of being football-ready."

But that's what the summer months are for. If all goes according to plan, the Minnesota faithful will soon be able to rest as easy as the coaching staff is when pondering the fate of their linebacking unit.

Eric Krupka can be reached at ekrupka@realfootball365.com

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