We are continuing a Summer series here on Vikings Wire, ranking the position groups across the division.
The major pit stops of the offseason have come and gone, which means rosters are set for the most part. Now, could someone pull off a major trade or sign a veteran free agent down the line? Of course, and they likely will based on our luck to throw things off. Regardless, we wanted to do this exercise just to give you, the reader, a state of the division.
At the end of each article, we will also provide a recap of the scorecards so that we can keep a running tally for you to keep track of and see who has the best roster in the division.
Next up are the linebacker groups in the NFC North.
Note: Each group will have varying numbers of players as each team doesn’t run the same defense.
4) Chicago Bears
Starting Group: T.J. Edwards and Tremaine Edwards
The Bears extended Tremaine Edwards after signing him from Buffalo a few seasons ago. While the unit as a whole continues to need work, the Edwards duo are more than serviceable for the Bears. While they may not be more than fourth best in the NFC North, it has more to do with the work being done by the teams ahead of them.
3) Green Bay Packers
Starting Group: Quay Walker and Edgerrin Cooper
Quay Walker and Edgerrin Cooper are a fun, youthful one-two punch for the Packers’ linebacker group. Walker, a former first-round pick, and Cooper, a former second-round pick, are both big investments by the team at a position that doesn’t get it very often. The Packers have gotten a decent return on investment here, and while they may be third on the list here, the free agency additions of the teams ahead of them are what sets them apart.
2) Detroit Lions
Starting Group: Jack Campbell, Alex Anzalone, and Derrick Barnes
Jack Campbell is one of the best young linebackers in the NFL, but somehow no one ever seems to bring up when discussing the best at the position. Campbell just finds the ball carrier and is a tackling machine for the Lions, as they have proven to have one of the better run defenses in the league. Alongside him is Alex Anzalone, who is one of the defensive leaders of the Lions and also improves the entire defense when he is on the field.
1) Minnesota Vikings
Starting Group: Andrew Van Ginkel, Jonathan Greenard, Blake Cashman, and Ivan Pace Jr.
The pass-rushing duo of Greenard and Van Ginkel has the Vikings among the best in the NFL in that department, so it helps them in our rankings. In the middle, you have Cashman, who was a high-profile free agent signing, and Pace Jr., who was an undrafted free agent, filling the middle. Every one of these players is complete in that they can play the run just as well as they can rush the passer, which is why they are earning the top spot.
This article originally appeared on Vikings Wire: Where does the Vikings LB group rank in the NFC North in 2025?