Eric Kendricks Will Start at the Mike, Could Shift to Will

Much like his old UCLA running mate Anthony Barr, Eric Kendricks brings a varied skill set to the table and is not a player who will necessarily be limited to playing one role.

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Since the moment Kendricks was drafted by the Vikings, folks have been wondering where the linebacker fits in Mike Zimmer’s scheme to start off.

Though Kendricks was initially tabbed by most as a Mike linebacker, his skill set suggests that he might ultimately be best utilized at the Will.

Mike Zimmer cleared some of this up today during his first press conference of rookie minicamp. The head coach said Kendricks is starting out at the Mike, but that the Will position could be where he ends up down the road.

Playing Kendricks at the Mike initially makes sense for a couple reasons. One: You don’t necessarily have a true Mike on the roster after letting Jasper Brinkley walk in free agency (sorry Audie Cole fans), and Kendricks fits there as well as anyone. Two: You just re-negotiated Chad Greenway’s contract to keep him in town for one more season, and he is limited to playing the Will.

Greenway’s contract was reduced but he is still making firm starter money, so the plan is obviously to begin the season with him at the Will. This is less about Greenway’s physical skills, which are eroding quickly, and more about his veteran leadership.

That Zimmer said Kendricks could ultimately shift to the Will is a reflection that Greenway’s time is short and everyone knows it. Though Kendricks is set as a Mike linebacker now, it could be that in 2016 he shifts to the Will to replace Greenway while the Vikings pick up someone else to man the middle.

It’s nice that Kendricks gives you that flexibility at any rate. That’s why Mike Zimmer likes drafting versatile players.

Next: Is Trae Waynes Overrated Garbage?

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