The Vikings Anthony Barr might have been the biggest supporter of the teams second-round pick following a conference call immediately after the selection of his UCLA teammate Eric Kendricks. Barr was excited at the opportunity to reunite with Kendricks who was the 2014 Butkus Award and Lott Trophy Award winner. On top of the outstanding accolades Kendricks finished his career as the all-time leading tackler for the Bruins (481) jumping past Jerry Robinson. The highly productive UCLA product posted 150 tackles as just a sophomore ranking him third on the all-time school list for most tackles in a single season. He followed that up with 106 and 149 tackles respectively his junior and senior seasons showing off his consistency as one of the best linebackers in the country.
The Vikings were linked with a linebacker early in the draft throughout the pre draft process as they payed close attention and did their due diligence with a list of the nations top linebackers like TCU’s Paul Dawson, Miami’s Denzel Perryman, and Mississippi State's Bendrick McKinney. Even with the addition of rising star Anthony Barr the Vikings were still thin at the position with Jasper Brinkley leaving via free agency and Chad Greenway nearing the end of his career. Barr noted on his conference call what at tremendous player Kendricks was during his time he played with him giving his stamp of approval of the selection but most importantly noted what an immediate impact he expects him to make on the field early in his career.
Shortly thereafter, we got Kendricks on the phone who took the time to thank the organization first and foremost and then proceed to express his astonishment that he would be playing with his former roommate and teammate Barr as well.
“I couldn't be more proud and happy for me and my family to be part of this organization especially being with one of my best friends and old roommate Anthony Barr which is just another blessing in disguise.”
When asked specifically about the thought of playing with Barr Kendricks said it took him at least a full minute of speechlessness to let everything sink in which he later admitted he hoped didn't come off as rude to the Vikings front office on the other end of the phone with a warm hearted tone.
The two former Bruin linebackers have discussed the idea of being reunited in Minnesota under coach Zimmer and Kendricks’ emotional excitement was obvious even six states away, “This was the talk, Anthony was like hey Erik we could really use you throughout the season and was half joking but half serious, but really he just wanted to play with me and its just so awesome that its actually going to happen.”
Kendricks spoke on the fact Barr also opened up to him on playing with coach Zimmer and what type of scheme and style he can expect in the playbook, and judging from his demeanor Kendricks was more than ready to take on the role that is known for producing highly productive and successful defenses.
“Man, I cant wait to play in his defense, thats what im saying. They feed a lot to the linebackers, you got my boy AB (Anthony Barr) coming off the edge, I don't know too much but i'm excited to learn.”
With the position on their radar the Vikings were busy with numerous linebackers with interviews and pro days but Kendricks was never on that list only meeting with the team during the combine itself.
“I had a meeting with them at the combine and it went really well I met all the coaching staff and everyone in the organization but from there it wasn't to much.”
After the selection many inside the Vikings fan based were high strung about the idea of adding another outside linebacker as some viewed Kendricks (with Barr, Greenway, Gerald Hodges, and Audie Cole already on the roster) as they continue to search for a pure inside linebacker who can effective in both the run and pass. However, when Kendricks met with coach Zimmer and the defensive staff he inquired about where his ideal position would be with the team inside the scheme and he noted the middle linebacker position was the clear consensus vision.
“At the combine I asked the question and they said definitely somewhere on the inside, but I feel like i'm versatile enough to be put wherever they need me and I just want to go help the team.”
Typically it takes rookies a while to get adjusted and acclimated to the NFL game but given Kendricks’ extreme amount of productivity it shouldn't come as a surprise to see him penciled in as the starter right out of the gates.
“I think i'm definitely ready immediately I feel like my college prepared me thus far, everything i've done to this point is prepared me for the NFL and i just want to get my chance to shine.”
Already graduated from college with a political science major posting solid numbers in the classroom as well with 3.2 GPA Kendricks is ahead of the curve off the field playing in the Pac-12 as he will not be playing catchup heading into minicamp and training camp like last years Pac-12 draft picks Barr, Scott Crichton, and David Yankey due to school rules.
Kendricks also dispelled any knee injury rumors and put to bed what many thought may have dropped him down in the draft and possibly off teams’ big boards all together. “Ive never had a knee injury knock on wood. I have had an ankle injury but its feeling great and its better than ever.”
Even with a slight drop on draft day Kendricks was in good spirits and made it clear it did not matter where and when he was selected but more so he was just grateful for an opportunity to go play professional football.
“I wasn't worried about where I went I just wanted to play good organization and just being in the NFL general is just a dream come true and I just can't wait to play as everything will take care of it self on the field.”
All in all the Vikings were able to add a tremendously productive player at a position that was of high importance throughout their pre draft process. What makes this selection unique is the fact the Vikings now have selected two starting caliber UCLA linebackers in back-to-back years that have made it known share a strong friendship that bleeds outside of the football field. Teh instant chemistry is an interesting facet to the game plan that should become a positive asset and tool to allow both players to grow even closer and bring a close knit bond with the rest of the defense.
Speaking with Kendricks it was clear how his positive and enjoyable attitude was something that likely influenced Rick Spielman and the coaching staff into pulling the trigger after their excessive and redundant philosophy around high character players that love the game of football.
The Vikings have now given defensive minded coach Zimmer two new toys with their first-two selections with Kendricks and Michigan State cornerback Trae Waynes, but what may be more impressive is their ability to stay with in their game plan adding smart, intellectual, and positive natured young men into their team.
Keep a close eye on Spielman who just can't help himself in moving down to acquire extra picks later in the draft.
A Prospect a Day - Eric Kendricks (2015 NFL Draft Scouting Report)
Follow Luke Inman on Twitter @Luke_Spinman