NFL Network started their annual “NFL Top 100” on Sunday night and one Viking was announced through the first 30 players. Linebacker Eric Kendricks came in at 83 on the list, even after earning All-Pro honors in 2019.
Although it shows that Kendricks is finally starting to get some recognition from players across the NFL, it still seems as if he could have been higher than the 83rd best player in the NFL. PFF has Kendricks ranked as the best linebacker from 2019, a season where he set the record for most pass breakups by a linebacker.
It’s a step in the right direction for Kendricks, who was a first-team All-Pro without even being voted into the Pro Bowl last season before he was invited to Orlando as an alternate. Kendricks has quietly been one of the best defensive players on the Vikings roster since he arrived in 2015.
He has consistently led the Vikings in tackles and is now showing how good he is in passing situations as well. Although he has now gotten some recognition from his peers, Kendricks feels it’s “pretty dumb” that he hasn’t made it on this in years past.
It’s good news that he’s finally getting some much earned respect, but Kendricks had an elite season in 2019 and his 83 on the top 100 doesn’t fully show how good he was.
For the full list of the NFL Top 100, go to @nflnetwork on Twitter.