E.J. Henderson

After making an improbable return from a gruesome femur fracture in 2009, Henderson started all 16 games in 2010 and finished the year with 105 tackles (71 solo), one sack and three interceptions. Durability is a concern with him at this point, but Henderson is one of the league’s standout run stoppers, and he has a lot to play for in a contract year in 2011. He doesn’t have the greatest ceiling, but he’s also a sure bet to make an impact against the run as long as he is playing.

Henderson is coming back from a season-ending broken leg and says he'll be ready for the start of training camp. When healthy, he's a key cog in the defense who can rack up tackles as the starting middle linebacker and add 2 to 5 sacks.

Henderson is the starting middle linebacker who puts up strong tackle totals while contributing a few sacks and interceptions. He missed 12 games last season due to season-ending surgery after dislocating two toes on his left foot, so check his health this summer.

Henderson set career highs in tackles (118) and sacks (4.5) last season after moving from the weak side to middle linebacker. He also chipped in three forced fumbles and has steadily improved throughout his five-year career. Henderson might be at his physical peak this season (he will turn 28 in August). He has totaled 7.5 sacks over the last two seasons, but might not receive as many pass-rushing opportunities this season with the addition of defensive end Jared Allen and the overall strength of Minnesota's defensive line. Henderson should be considered mainly as a tackler, something he does very well.

Had 109 tackles, three sacks and two interceptions on the weak-side. Now moves to middle linebacker. Henderson had a breakout season as the weak-side linebacker after struggling at middle linebacker the previous two years, so the position change is a concern.

Henderson will begin the season as the starter at weak-side linebacker.

Henderson will compete for the weak-side linebacker job and backup Sam Cowart at middle linebacker. The Vikings made it a point this offseason to replace him at linebacker but he has looked good in camp and could get a starting job back.

Henderson should win the starting middle linebacker job with the Vikings this summer after the retirement of Greg Biekert.

Minnesota second-round draft pick who could get significant playing time, but will start the season as a backup.