Minnesota Vikings: 10 best second round draft picks of all time

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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – AUGUST 15: Eric Kendricks #54 of the Minnesota Vikings runs a play against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the preseason game on August 15, 2015 at TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings defeated the Buccaneers 26-16. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

7. Eric Kendricks, linebacker

It’s always nice to see active players on a list like this. That means the team found a player to stick around on the team and contribute while having a bright future with the team. And when that individual is only 27 years old, that means he can keep contributing and earn a spot even higher on the list.

Eric Kendricks fell to the Minnesota Vikings in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft due to concerns over his size at middle linebacker. However, that hasn’t been a problem for the former UCLA standout who has also been solid in coverage.

Playing in 59 games for the Vikings and starting 55 of those through his first four seasons with the team, Kendricks has accumulated 422 total tackles with 272 of those being solo as well as 30 tackles for a loss and 8.5 sacks, proving his value in stopping ball carriers.

In pass defense, Kendricks has stood tall. He has defended 23 passes so far in his NFL career, intercepting four of those and getting two pick-sixes. The pairing of him with fellow UCLA linebacker Anthony Barr has been a successful strategy, and one the Vikings will hopefully be able to cash in on for many years to come.

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