Access Vikings mailbag: Which linebackers start in the nickel?

@MasterStrib Who are my LBs in the nickel defense? What is single statistical category we’ll see greatest Def improvement? Thank you sir…

— Ivan Carter (@IvanCarter9) July 7, 2015

Anthony Barr was limited during OTAs and minicamp, but he’s a lock to be on the field in the nickel package. We saw him at defensive end a few times on third downs, and I’m sure Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer will line him up along the defensive line in certain situations again this year, but he’ll be on the field.

Right now, I’d lean towards using Chad Greenway over Eric Kendricks as the second linebacker. As the season progresses, I can see that changing as Kendricks gets more comfortable. Right now though, you lean on the veteran. Greenway isn’t in his prime, but he can still get the job done. As impressive as Kendricks has looked so far this offseason, he still has a lot to learn as a rookie. I do think, however, that we’ll see Barr, Greenway and Kendricks as the starting linebackers in the base 4-3 defense.

@MasterStrib With AP back, how do you see Jerick McKinnon’s role developing?

— Doug Burger (@dougburgs) July 7, 2015

Adrian Peterson will get the majority of the carries in this offense. We all know that. I think McKinnon’s role will be as an occasional third down back. We saw the Vikings use Peterson and McKinnon together in split formations in the backfield, so there’s a possibility we’ll see that again in training camp. We’ll likely see Matt Asiata again in short yardage situations, but McKinnon made a good impression before his back injury last season to carve out a niche role.

@MasterStrib who starts opposite Rhodes? Newman? #vikings

— dm (@may_derek) July 7, 2015

I think the safe money is on Terence Newman right now. I must admit, I didn’t expect much from the 36-year-old once the Vikings initially signed him in the offseason in the same manner I didn’t expect much from safety Taylor Mays. Zimmer has been pleased with Newman, however, during OTAs and minicamp. He’s been working alongside Xavier Rhodes so far and unless Trae Waynes makes a strong impression during training camp, I don’t see another cornerback on the roster beating Newman for the starting job this summer.

@MasterStrib who sees more snaps, Crichton or Hunter

— Eric Thorson (@Eric_Thorson) July 7, 2015

This is a good one. I’ll go with Crichton though. The coaching staff has been pleased with his progress so far, but we’ll see how he performs in pads during training camp. Crichton has more experience than Hunter in this system, plus there’s a chance we’ll see Crichton sliding in as a three-technique defensive tackle at times. I’ve been warned not to sleep on Hunter’s impact this year, though. He’s physically gifted and appeared to be on the right track so far this offseason, according to the coaching staff. I’m very interested to see Hunter in pads to see how he performs.