Vikings’ Kendricks named one of the NFL’s most improved players of 2016

In his second NFL season, the Minnesota Vikings’ linebacker took huge strides in becoming one of the league’s best at his position.

Despite only being 25-years-old, linebacker Eric Kendricks led the Minnesota Vikings in total tackles during the 2016 season. In just his second year with the Vikings, he has already blossomed into one of the team’s best defensive players.

In fact, if it was not for his 77-yard pick six against the Tennessee Titans in Week 1, Minnesota likely would not have been able to win that game.

His success in 2016 definitely did not go unnoticed. Recently, the football website Pro Football Focus published an article that ranked the 10 most improved players among those who played in their second NFL season last year.

Kendricks ended up finding his name on the list’s number six slot.

"“Kendricks’ strong sophomore season was centered on his much-improved pass-coverage skills, which was his strength as a prospect coming out of UCLA.He allowed an average of 8.9 yards per catch and a passer rating of 85.3, compared to figures of 11.6 yards and a 110.8 rating in his rookie year.He also emerged as a more effective playmaker, increasing his 2015 tally of two pass defenses to six in 2016”– Pro Football Focus"

The duties of the Vikings’ linebacker will only increase next season as the team will likely lose the services of fellow linebacker Chad Greenway to retirement this offseason. But based on his progression from 2015 to 2016, no one should be worried about Kendricks’ play in 2017.

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The linebacker is one of many young players on Minnesota’s defense that will be looking to take the unit to the top of the league next season.