Super early 22-man starter projections for the 2022 Vikings
By Adam Patrick
Starting Inside Linebackers
- Jordan Hicks – LILB
It’s going to be odd to not see Anthony Barr out on the field for the Vikings next season, but Jordan Hicks was a solid pickup by the team in free agency earlier this year.
Hicks spent the last three seasons as a member of the Arizona Cardinals starting defense. In each of his three years with the Cardinals, he finished with at least 115 tackles.
Hicks is also a sneaky-good pass rusher. He isn’t asked to chase the quarterback as much since he is an inside linebacker. But when he does get the chance to rush the passer, he typically makes the most of his opportunity.
- Eric Kendricks – RILB
Eric Kendricks will technically have a new position in 2022, but don’t expect much to change in his performance out on the field next season.
Kendricks will still be making plays all over the field, whether it’s chasing down a ball-carrier in the offensive backfield, or it’s breaking up a pass while in coverage.
Kendricks has been one of the most reliable pieces of Minnesota’s defense ever since he arrived in 2015 and this should continue to remain the same next season.