Loading ...Third-year veteran Jasper Brinkley entered training camp last year in a legitimate battle with mentor EJ Henderson to be the team's starting middle linebacker. Before the battle could really get interesting, though, Brinkley suffered a devastating hip injury and spent the entire 2011 season watching from the sidelines. In his absence, Henderson was no better than average and was not re-signed for the 2012 season.
LB Jasper Brinkley - 4th year, South Carolina
NFL Ranking: 37
Many expected the team to bring in a big name veteran or high draft choice to fill the void, but GM Rick Spielman and head coach Leslie Frazier decided to gamble on the health and potential of Brinkley. They did bring in CFL star Soloman Elimimian who, by all accounts, has looked like a solid play in OTAs. Should Brinkley and Elimimian fail to impress in camp, Frazier may also decide to move 2011 starting weakside linebacker Erin Henderson into the middle – a position he's played in the past.
It's really tough to predict what kind of success Brinkley will have in 2012. Entering his fourth season with the Vikings, he only has four starts under his belt and hasn't played in a meaningful game for a year and a half. He was a first-team All-SEC selection as a senior at South Carolina in 2008. In his three seasons as a starter there, he tallied 27.5 sacks and 10 interceptions, earning a reputation as a playmaker. As a pro, however, Brinkley has yet to register a single sack or interception.
It may sound harsh, but Frazier may very well be in the same position with his starting middle linebacker as he was with his secondary last season, namely Cedric Griffin. If he had anyone else to play there, he surely would. But the rebuilding process in Minnesota is at least a two-year undertaking. Spielman and Frazier appear to have deemed the middle linebacker position one that doesn't need a big time player. Then again, Brinkley could turn out to be a superstar. I wouldn't hold my breath though.
In a league filled with quality middle linebackers, it's tough to make a name for yourself. It's even tougher when several teams have two players at the position better than the one you've got roaming the middle in yours. In the case of the Vikings, there aresix teams with a better duo than their projected starter (Jets, Panthers, 49ers, Saints, Steelers, Packers). Yikes.
- Ray Lewis, Ravens
- Pat Willis, 49ers
- James Laurinaitis, Rams
- Derrick Johnson, Chiefs
- Jon Beason, Panthers
- Brian Cushing, Texans
- Paul Posluszny, Jaguars
- D'Qwell Jackson, Browns
- David Harris, Jets
- Stephen Tulloch, Lions
- NaVorro Bowman, 49ers
- London Fletcher, Redskins
- Brian Urlacher, Bears
- Nick Barnett, Bills
- Karlos Dansby, Dolphins
- Jerod Mayo, Patriots
- Demeco Ryans, Eagles
- Lawrence Timmons, Steelers
- Sean Lee, Cowboys
- Curtis Lofton, Saints
- Luke Kuechly, Panthers
- David Hawthorne, Saints
- Rey Maualuga, Bengals
- Rolando McClain, Raiders
- AJ Hawk, Packers
- Desmond Bishop, Packers
- James Farrior, Steelers
- Pat Angerer, Colts
- Bart Scott, Jets
- Takeo Spikes, Chargers
- Chase Blackburn, Giants
- Colin McCarthy, Titans
- Daryl Washington, Cardinals
- Barrett Ruud, Seahawks
- Akeem Dent, Falcons
- Mason Foster, Bucs
- Jasper Brinkley, Vikings
- Nate Irving, Broncos
Tags: EJ Henderson, Erin Henderson, Football, Jasper Brinkley, Minnesota, Minnesota Vikings, NFL, Soloman Elimimian
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