Who will be the Minnesota Vikings’ best defensive player in 2017?
By Adam Patrick
![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](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/63006ff36733c89187ede8851668a47bc6c9cd10d30c34981a632d99c911236c.jpg)
Eric Kendricks, LB
The young linebacker took full advantage of his opportunity to be a starter last year as his 109 total tackles were tops on Minnesota’s defense. Kendricks performance in 2016 quietly established himself as one of the best young players in the NFL today.
With only two seasons under his belt and still only 25-years-old, plenty of room remains for the linebacker to grow as a player. And that should be scary for the rest of the league.
Another impressive showing on the field from Kendricks this year and he could be joining some of his Vikings teammates at the Pro Bowl in 2017.