In a year where the Minnesota Vikings' bumper crop of rookies helped them surge to a NFC North title, the man in the middle of their defense was named the best rookie in the division.
ESPN's team of NFC North writers voted Vikings linebacker Eric Kendricks as the division's rookie of the year, giving him the award just ahead of Green Bay Packers cornerback Damarious Randall. Vikings receiver Stefon Diggs tied for third with Chicago Bears running back Jeremy Langford, and Bears defensive tackle Eddie Goldman came in fifth.