Minnesota Vikings: 5 best rookie seasons of the Mike Zimmer era

No. 4 – Anthony Barr (LB, 2014)

Anthony Barr was selected in the 2014 NFL draft with the ninth overall selection of the first round. Hailing from UCLA, he was the very first pick of the Mike Zimmer era.

Barr started immediately as an every-down linebacker effectively replacing the production of 2013 provided by Erin Henderson and Marvin Mitchell. In his first season, Barr recorded 70 total tackles, four sacks, six tackles for loss, seven quarterback hits, two forced fumbles, and three passes-defended. This versatility was indicative of what he would bring to the Vikings defense in the proceeding several years.

Oh, and he won a game for the Vikings in walk-off fashion on the road in Tampa Bay. For this, Barr won NFC Defensive Player of the Week.

Since his first season, Barr re-upped with the Vikings after a dramatic contract extension saga. He’s also appeared in four Pro Bowls.