Latest news with #EricKendricks
USA Today
a day ago
- Sport
- USA Today
One Minnesota Vikings draft pick seen as one of the best in the 21st century
The Minnesota Vikings have selected some gems in the NFL draft in recent memory. Key players such as Eric Kendricks, Danielle Hunter, and Stefon Diggs were all taken after the first round of the 2015 draft. Kyle Rudolph was a second-round selection in 2011. And Everson Griffen was a fourth-round pick in 2010. However, according to Bleacher Report, no Vikings pick has been as good as Justin Jefferson, who was selected 22nd overall in the 2020 draft. Four receivers went off the board before Jefferson, who was Offensive Player of the Year in 2022 and has arguably emerged as the best wideout in the NFL at the age of 26. Other possible choices for the Vikings could have been Harrison Smith (29th overall in 2012), Adrian Peterson (7th overall in 2007), or Kevin Williams (9th overall in 2003). But recency bias prevails, and Jefferson plays the sexiest position of the three. We still haven't seen Jefferson play with J.J. McCarthy yet, which could lead to a quarterback-receiver combo similar to Joe Burrow and Ja'Marr Chase. That could lead to even higher accolades for Jefferson, making his star shine even brighter and pushing him further up lists like this.
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Cowboys Urged to Make Puzzling Signing
FRISCO — When Mike Zimmer took over the Dallas Cowboys defense last offseason, the team lacked a significant presence in the middle of the formation. Both in stopping the run and the pass, Dallas lacked an enforcer. Despite some bumps early on, the Cowboys saw a renaissance in that area of the defense. The emergence of DeMarvion Overshown and Marist Liufau certainly helped, but the veteran Eric Kendricks fueled the change. Advertisement Kendricks led the team in total tackles with 138 and actually finished tied for first on the team in interceptions with two. Proving a steady presence and a playmaker, he was a key cog for Zimmer in 2024. But Zimmer has since left the team and Matt Eberflus takes over. With the new regime stepping in, the Cowboys got to work to enhance the depth at the position with signings of Jack Sanborn and Kenneth Murray Jr. Those signings not only help Dallas with their depth, but are almost a necessity. Overshown turned into the focal star for this group though his 2025 campaign is uncertain given a series of serious knee injuries suffered in the back half of last season. Advertisement So could the Cowboys go shopping for more insurance at the position? Bleacher Report's Gary Davenport believes so and considers Kendricks the best available linebacker. "Stop me if you have heard this before—Eric Kendricks (by NFL standards) is old at 33. But the former Pro Bowler was effective in his first season with the Cowboys in 2024, pacing the team with 138 total tackles. "Kendricks might be a short-term fix. But in terms of all-around impact, he's the best linebacker available." Related: Cowboys 'Blockbuster Trade Pitch' for Christian McCaffrey? Given what he showed for the Dallas defense last year, it is clear Kendricks can still contribute in a big way at this level. However, the timing may not work in his favor if he desires a return to The Star. Advertisement We have reported that at least one staffer has gone straight to Jerry Jones to recommend Kendricks… But that was before the Cowboys made an assortment of other moves in the linebackers's room. Sanborn specifically comes to Dallas as the fit in the middle having worked with Eberflus back in Chicago. Barring an injury or any other change, the Cowboys may already be content with what they have. If the need was more daunting, a reunion could certainly be in order. But for now, it does not appear that option will be explored. … which at this moment makes this a puzzling suggestion. Related: Does Cowboys 'Second-Chance' Policy Need NFL Draft Warning?
