Minnesota Vikings LB Eric Kendricks 2016 role undefined
By Adam Carlson
Eric Kendricks earned a starting job at middle linebacker during his rookie season with the Minnesota Vikings, but could see time at other spots.
One of the best surprises of the 2015 NFL Draft class for the Minnesota Vikings was second round pick Eric Kendricks. The UCLA linebacker worked his way up the depth chart and became the team’s starting middle linebacker for 11 games and the squad’s Wild Card playoff game.
Now, looking ahead to 2016, it’s interesting to note that the team still sees Eric Kendricks as a bit of a swiss army knife. His ability to play any spot in the linebacker group provides the Vikings with a unique opportunity this offseason to look for either an outside or inside linebacker in the draft or free agency.
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According to an article on the 1500ESPN website, head coach Mike Zimmer loves the versatility that Kendricks can bring to the team and thinks the former UCLA linebacker could succeed to moved to a different spot on the defense.
"“That’s what’s good about having a guy like Kendricks. OK, let’s say we want to draft a linebacker. Well, this Mike [middle] linebacker is on the board and we really like him. All right. Well if we take him, we move Kendricks to Will [weak-side]. What if there’s a Will we really like? Well, let’s leave him there and let’s [draft] the Will.”"
There is always some concern when asking a player to change positions in professional football. Sometimes, productivity drops off or their skills don’t translate as well to their new spot. However, Zimmer believes that moving Kendricks around wouldn’t likely have a big impact on his effectiveness.
"“That’s still a tough question,” Zimmer said. “I do think he’d be a good player at [outside linebacker]. I always have a little bit of a concern about moving a guy that played pretty well to another position. Just because it may not turn out the way you want.”"
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One thing for certain is that the Minnesota Vikings have found a valuable player in Kendricks. Whatever the team decides to do with him for the 2016, they should feel comfortable with having their athletic and intelligent player available for wherever they need him.