Vikings offseason primer: the linebackers

For the second straight year, the Vikings in 2015 used a high draft pick on a linebacker from UCLA. This time it was Eric Kendricks, former roommate and college teammate of Anthony Barr. Those two have injected youth, speed and athleticism into the position for coach Mike Zimmer.

Kendricks was a part-time player at the start of the season but became an every-down player when the Vikings surprisingly traded starting middle linebacker Gerald Hodges to the 49ers in early October. His play was up and down, but Kendricks led the team in tackles and showed promise.

Barr, meanwhile, made the Pro Bowl as an alternate in his second season.

With those two in the mix, veteran Chad Greenway was supposed…