Troy

Dye

According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Vikings hoped to bring Dye back for next season, but the long-time special teams ace has opted to join the Chargers in hopes of more playing time on defense. Through 60 career games, Dye, a former fourth-round pick, has totaled just 80 tackles, one TFL, and one sack. We’ll see what kind of role he’s able to carve out under new head coach Jim Harbaugh.

The No. 132 overall pick of the draft, Dye picked up Anthony Barr’s Week 2 slack but immediately suffered an injury of his own. He will be sidelined at least the next three weeks, but NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reports Dye will return when first eligible. The Vikings signed veteran Todd Davis Thursday.

Dye (6’3/231) was a four-year starting weakside linebacker at Oregon who earned three-straight second-team All-Pac 12 honors. He made at least 84 tackles and 8.0 tackles for loss in every season, allowing just 6.8 yards per target in coverage. His role for the Ducks often put him on tight ends. Some believe he could also see reps at safety with the Vikings, or elsewhere later in his career. He has the speed and instincts to play on passing downs as long as he’s healthy following his postseason knee surgery. Dye should at least be a quality special teamer in the NFL, but he could carve out a linebacker/safety role in subpackages for Minnesota short-term.

Dye (6’3/231) was a four-year starting weakside linebacker at Oregon who earned three-straight second-team All-Pac 12 honors. He made at least 84 tackles and 8.0 tackles for loss in every season, allowing just 6.8 yards per target in coverage. His role for the Ducks often put him on tight ends. Some believe he could also see reps at safety with the Vikings, or elsewhere later in his career. He has the speed and instincts to play on passing downs as long as he’s healthy following his postseason knee surgery. Dye should at least be a quality special teamer in the NFL, but he could carve out a linebacker/safety role in subpackages for Minnesota short-term.

Dye (6'3/231) initially tore his meniscus against Arizona on Nov. 16 and didn’t miss a beat. Just how much of a trooper is the Oregon standout? Ducks C Jake Hanson told The Oregonian that even he was not aware that Dye was dealing with a legitimate injury. Dye underwent arthroscopic knee surgery in January and is not participating in drills at the NFL Scouting Combine this weekend.

Dye (6'3/231) is a tough linebacker who played through injuries (including a torn meniscus) last season, leading the Ducks with 84 total tackles (9.5 for loss) to go along with 2.5 sacks, two interceptions, two forced fumbles and four pass breakups. But he isn’t the biggest middle linebacker, which could be an issue at the next level. “His skill set and recognition are best suited along the inside, but due to his size, he might need to ply his trade as an outside ‘backer in a 4-3 defense,” Zierlein wrote in his analysis of Dye, who is projected to be a Day 2 draft pick. According to multiple reports he has already met with the Bengals while at the NFL Scouting Combine.

According to Amaranthus, Dye (6'4/226) did not have a wrap on his knee during Saturday’s practice session. The senior linebacker has been playing with a cast on his right hand since breaking his thumb during the Ducks’ win at Washington in mid-October. Dye is a key member of the Oregon defense, as he enters Wednesday’s Rose Bowl Game matchup with Wisconsin with 75 total tackles, 2.5 sacks and two interceptions.

Dye (6'4/226) had an eventful Saturday afternoon in Seattle, as in addition to the thumb injury he also suffered a cut on his right pinky finger. And the first cast team trainers gave the senior linebacker during the game broke, forcing Dye to finish with another. While the amount of contact he takes in practice will be limited, it’s expected that the standout linebacker will be able to play on Saturday against Washington State.

Dye (6'4/218) suffered multiple injuries on Saturday, as in addition to the broken thumb he also suffered a cut on his right pinky finger. During his postgame interview with ESPN’s Holly Rowe the senior linebacker said that he broke the cast during the game, with team trainers repairing it so he could return. Dye, one of Oregon’s defensive leaders, finished the game with five total tackles and a pass breakup.

Dye (6'4/218) was injured in a collision with S Jevon Holland, as the linebacker’s helmet apparently hit into the back of Holland’s leg in a bit of friendly fire. After the game head coach Mario Cristobal said that injuries to Dye and Holland are “minor”. The Ducks will be back in action next Saturday at Washington.