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Analyzing the opponent: Ranking NFC North Linebacker Groups

By Parker Hurley

Sep 19, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears inside linebacker Jerrell Freeman (50) reacts after making a tackle against the Philadelphia Eagles during the second quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 19, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears inside linebacker Jerrell Freeman (50) reacts after making a tackle against the Philadelphia Eagles during the second quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 6, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Anthony Barr (55) against the Detroit Lions at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Lions defeated the Vikings 22-16. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 6, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Anthony Barr (55) against the Detroit Lions at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Lions defeated the Vikings 22-16. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /

1.Vikings:

Anthony Barr, Eric Kendricks, Emmanuel Lamur, Kentrell Brothers, Ben Gedeon, Elijah Lee
The Vikings are far and away the top linebacker group. Barr is the body of an outside linebacker playing inside linebacker. He has the range to roam sideline to sideline and size to be a force in the trenches. Kendricks is a great fit next to Barr as a player who can move around in coverage. The two can do well in nickel situations and give size, youth, and consistency.

Next: Edge Rusher Groups

Lamur followed Mike Zimmer from Cincinnati and has been a solid depth and special teams option. With Chad Greenway now out of Minnesota Lamur is likely to see the field more. Then there is the second year linebacker Brothers and the two rookies Gedeon and Lee. All four have plus athleticism and can serve as special teams bets and depth options who could step up for Lamur. With the top end talent to go with the depth and youth the Vikings overall unit is one of the better bets in the league, let alone the division.

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