Who will be the Minnesota Vikings’ best defensive player in 2017?

Oct 23, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Minnesota Vikings middle linebacker Eric Kendricks (54) runs onto the field for action against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. The Philadelphia Eagles won 21-10. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 23, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Minnesota Vikings middle linebacker Eric Kendricks (54) runs onto the field for action against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. The Philadelphia Eagles won 21-10. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
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Sep 18, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Anthony Barr (55) against the Green Bay Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Packers 17-14. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 18, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Anthony Barr (55) against the Green Bay Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Packers 17-14. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

Anthony Barr, LB

Despite being voted to the Pro Bowl for the second straight year, one could easily say that Barr had a down season in 2016.

His tackle and sack numbers were similar to his first two years in the league. However, the linebacker did not seem to cause as much havoc in 2016 as he had in his previous two seasons. So much so that even his own head coach called him out for his play out on the field last year.

Even with his performance in 2016, there is absolutely no reason to think that Barr cannot come back with a vengeance this season. He proved in his first two years with the Vikings that he has the potential for greatness and his play in 2017 could bring those thoughts back into the light.

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