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The Minnesota Vikings couldn’t have asked for a better outcome with their second-round pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, as they ran up to the podium to select UCLA linebacker Eric Kendricks.
Believe me when I say that Kendricks will be a Pro Bowler (and potentially All-Pro) in the not-so-distant future. The former Bruin is a smart, instinctive player with the athleticism and physicality to strike fear in opposing offenses, and the overall talent to excel in a Mike Zimmer-run defense.
Put simply, Kendricks is everything the Vikings needed in a middle linebacker. On top of being an intimidating hitter, he excels at finding the football and putting himself in position to make big plays. Putting on the film, it doesn’t take long for Kendricks to stand out against both the run and pass. Using his athleticism and football IQ, he quickly finds the ball and makes the runner pay when he gets there.
Since the departure of E.J. Henderson, the Vikings have been looking far and wide for a true difference maker at middle linebacker – Kendricks is exactly what they needed.
It’s also worth noting that Kendricks was a college teammate of outside linebacker Anthony Barr, the Vikings’ 2014 first-round pick. The two were star players during their time together with the Bruins, and should enjoy a reunion that gives Minnesota an exciting young linebacker duo their defense can build upon.
Be prepared for Kendricks to display his elite talent quickly, and emerge as a leader for the Vikings in the very near future.
