Grades are based on a 1-to-5 scale, with '5' marking excellence, '4' for above-average, '3' for average, '2' for below-average and '1' for failure to perform. Players that did not accrue a season (weren't on the active roster for at least six weeks) or played in five games or fewer are not graded. Below are individual grades, based on game and practice observations, weekly film reviews and interviews with coaches for six linebackers who finished the season on the Vikings' active roster, injured reserve or practice squad. Unofficial NFL stats, such as QB pressures, missed tackles and targeted passes, are compiled by ProFootballFocus.com.
LB Eric Kendricks (4.5) — As modern NFL offenses stress defenses with motion and misdirection, Kendrick solved many of those problems by seemingly being everywhere at once. Illustrated best when he cut off Alvin Kamara's jet motion on third-and-1 in the NFC wild-card playoff win in New Orleans, leading to a tackle for a loss by Jaleel Johnson. Put his name among the NFL's best in his first All-Pro season with a career-high in run stops (35), pass deflections (12) and forced fumbles (2). Made first Pro Bowl as an alternate. Eight of Kendricks' 12 deflected passes came on third or fourth downs, including a game-winning, diving deflection of an out-breaking throw to Ezekiel Elliott on fourth down in Dallas. Matches speed with proper angles to cover escaping running backs from Aaron Jones to Austin Ekeler, including tricky wheel routes. Showed impeccable feel to track the ball in the air and time contact for pass breakup, including a deep ball to Ekeler in the Week 15 win at the Chargers. Miles Sanders got him for a 32-yard touchdown in the Vikings' Week 6 win over the Eagles. Predicted success in training camp when calling his situation a "linebacker's dream," referring to playing behind Linval Joseph and Shamar Stephen as block-eating defensive tackles. Nearly half of Kendricks' 35 run stops (sixth among NFL linebackers) came in September, including 15 against the Packers, Raiders and Bears.
Played 962 snaps [86.7%]. One of eight Vikings to eclipse 1,000 snaps, including 65 on special teams. Not penalized. Had some trouble with Rashaad Penny in Week 13 loss in Seattle; outrun on a 10-yard sweep, among others, during the Seahawks' 218-yard rushing night. Ironically, one of his best games, the Week 15 win in Los Angeles, was the last before he was snubbed from the initial Pro Bowl roster. Recovered two fumbles in the Week 16 loss to Green Bay. Suffered a right quad injury during second recovery; missed second half of that loss. Jimmy Garoppolo tried to throw over him twice in NFC Divisional playoff loss, resulting in an interception and near interception broken up by George Kittle. Led the team in tackles for a fifth straight season, but also tied for team-worst 12 missed tackles, including two on 49ers running backs.
LB Anthony Barr (3.5) — Reneged verbal agreement to sign with the New York Jets last spring and left money on the table to re-sign with the Vikings on a five-year, $67.5 million extension. Roles expanded in sixth NFL season. Paired with Danielle Hunter as bookends of the Vikings' "diamond" package, which is a throwback to Mike Zimmer's 3-4 roots in Dallas deploying Hunter and Barr as stand-up outside linebackers, of sorts. Cohesion on display when Barr slyly dropped from stack (4-3) linebacker onto the edge before sacking Matt Ryan in the season's first defensive snap. Forceful run defender who tackled as well as ever while Vikings surrendered just eight rushing touchdowns — second fewest in the NFL. Career-high 30 run stops came as Barr had a career-low four missed tackles during the regular season. Fell apart in the playoffs with five missed tackles in two games. Highlights were fewer. Fell from 2018's most effective blitzing linebacker to 32nd, despite Vikings again ranking top 5 in sacks. Splashed in Week 5 win at Giants with diving interception off Daniel Jones, Barr's first in four years, and his first safety while knifing between right guard Kevin Zeitler and center Jon Halapio.
Played 944 snaps [85.1%]. One of eight Vikings to eclipse 1,000 snaps, including 64 on special teams. Sidelined during Week 3 win vs. Oakland due to groin injury. Penalized four times. Flagged for roughing Matthew Stafford in the Week 7 win at Detroit. Fined $21,056 by the NFL for that hit. At his best as a downhill wrecking ball. Barr delivered the fined hit as a spy, a key role maintained in critical situations allowing him to stay on the attack — like when he delivered a second-down hit to Russell Wilson in the red zone. Limited as a coverage linebacker, where he allowed touchdowns to running backs Jamaal Williams and Tarik Cohen in division losses at Green Bay and Chicago. Four pass deflections. Made excellent read to blow up an Alvin Kamara screen attempt with 11 seconds left in regulation of the NFC wild-card playoff win in New Orleans.
