Kendricks had one tackle and played just ten snaps on defense in Monday's loss at San Francisco. Despite starting middle linebacker Gerald Hodges not playing well, head coach Mike Zimmer wasn't happy with Kendrick's performance either, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports. "He didn't play that good either," Zimmer said. "It was equal opportunity last night."

EDGE Analysis

Kendricks, as Minnesota's second-round draft pick in 2015, should take over the starting role eventually and will get time in nickel packages. However, it looks like he'll have a limited snap count early in the season.

Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer said Kendricks will start as a middle linebacker but may eventually be moved to the weak side, the Minneapolis Star Tribune's Matt Vensel reports. The 45th overall selection in the 2015 NFL Draft, Kendricks projects as a day-one starter between Anthony Barr and Chad Greenway. While Gerald Hodges should also be in the mix for snaps, Kendricks found a nice landing spot with a team lacking depth at linebacker. He may be undersized for his position, but if he can secure a three-down role, Kendricks should be an immediate IDP option. The snap count will be far more important than whether he's playing MLB or WLB on early downs.