While some teams use linebackers as edge rushers quite often, the Vikings like to utilize linebackers who can drop back in coverage and make plays in the run game.
And one of the best linebackers in Minnesota’s system is Eric Kendricks. He had a 83.9 passer rating allowed when in coverage, which is about 20 points lower than the league average against linebackers, according to Pro Football Focus.
Not only that, but PFF also ranked Kendricks as the highest-graded linebacker in the league.
Sean Wagner-McGough of CBS Sports ranked Kendricks as the second-best linebacker in the NFL.
Kendricks’ skill level, on top of a five-year, $50 million contract, has Bleacher Report thinking the Vikings are getting a bargain. The outlet listed Kendricks as the best-value contract on Minnesota.
Here’s what it said about the pick:
“The ’19 first-team All-Pro’s $10 million salary-cap hit for the ’20 season ranks 10th among off-ball linebackers. Kendricks won’t even be the highest-paid linebacker on the Vikings roster this fall; Anthony Barr will be.”
If Barr can progress and Kendricks can keep playing like he has been, the sky is the limit for Minnesota’s linebacking corps.