This is the sixth in an eight-part series reviewing the 2016 Vikings and looking ahead by position. Previously:OL / RB, TE / WR / QB/ DL
Anthony Barr, the former ninth-overall pick, played more than ever in his third NFL season, butdidn’t make the same splash plays Vikings followers became accustom to seeing from the linebacker.
Instead, second-year linebacker Eric Kendricks stood out as the group’s playmaker.Moving forward, the Vikings should want more from their linebackers as expectations increase for Barr and Kendricks whilepursuing a third option to replace Chad Greenway.
Linebackers
Under contract in 2017:Anthony Barr, Eric Kendricks, Emmanuel Lamur, Edmond Robinson, Kentrell Brothers
Pending free agents:Chad Greenway, Audie Cole
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Grades are based on a 1-5 scale, with ’5′ marking an excellent season, ’4′ for above-average, ’3′ for average, ’2′ for below-average and ’1′ for failure to perform.