Heading into the 2015 NFL Draft, Eric Kendricks was viewed by many as the top and most complete inside linebacker throughout the whole draft. Depending on which mock drafts you read, some analysts even had Kendricks graded as a first-round talent.

Kendricks fell to the second round of the draft where the Minnesota Vikings selected him 45^th overall. It was a great selection for the Vikings, as they got one of the better overall players in the draft who also filled a glaring need for the team.

The Vikings needed to upgrade their middle linebacker position and they did so by drafting the best available player at that position in this years’ draft. Kendricks will come in and be an immediate starter for this much improved defense under head coach Mike Zimmer. Kendricks will be paired with former college teammate and 2014 first-round draft pick Anthony Barr to form one of most intriguing linebacker duos in the league. Add in veteran Chad Greenway and the Vikings could have one of the best linebacker groups in the NFL.

Kendricks was the most complete linebacker heading into the draft. He has a knack for always being around the ball and racked up tackle after tackle throughout his college career. He is great against the run and is able to diagnose plays quickly, which will come in handy playing in a division that has two premier offenses with the Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions. He is a very intelligent player and is a great leader who should have no problem stepping into a similar type role for the Vikings.

Kendricks was also rated as one of the best cover linebackers in this year’s draft, a trait that is becoming more and more important for linebackers with the passing attack becoming more fluent in the league. The fact that he can cover running backs and tight ends man-to-man makes it harder for opposing offenses to target him.

The Vikings defense improved last season under their new head coach Mike Zimmer. On paper, the defense looks to have improved even more after this offseason by adding their top two draft picks Trae Waynes and Kendricks. By adding Kendricks, the Vikings improved one of their few weak areas on the defense. They immediately get a player who will step in and be a leader on that defense that will contribute at a high level in both the passing and rushing defense. A lot of teams have middle linebackers who are best suited for stopping the running game or the passing game. Kendricks is suited for stopping both and is a three-down player who the Vikings won’t have to worry about taking off the field for certain defensive packages.

Pairing Kendricks with Barr and playing under Zimmer’s scheme, the Vikings look to be in great shape with their linebackers group for many seasons to come. Kendricks is a solid addition for the Vikings who will make them a legitimate playoff contender this season.