Eric Kendricks Cracks NFL Network's 'Top 100' at No. 83

[Viktor]

Heading into his sixth season, Kendricks has led the Vikings in tackles in each of his years in the NFL. He can tie a franchise record set by Scott Studwell (1980-85) and tied by Chad Greenway (2008-13) if he tops Minnesota in tackles in 2020.


Teammates will continue to spread the word about his talents. When Kendricks was assigned an overall 89 in "Madden 21" ratings released last week, quarterback Kirk Cousins said it was too low.


"I'm not just saying this – I think Eric's the best middle linebacker in football. I saw his Madden rating the other day, and it really ticked me off," Cousins said. "I'm tired of him flying under the radar, and it was just a reminder again that even Madden doesn't get it. His rating belongs up in the mid-to-high 90s, and people don't get it.


"I'm going to go on a crusade this fall to spread the word about Eric as a middle linebacker," Cousins continued. "All you've gotta do is watch the tape – not just read the hype or go by where guys are drafted but watch the tape. As far as middle linebackers go, I don't know how you beat Eric Kendricks."


Kendricks is one of five Vikings — and first announced — that cracked the Top 100 Players of 2020.


The series, which was created in 2011, continues on NFL Network Monday night at 7 p.m. (CT) with players 70-61, 60-51 and 50-41 revealed over the course of three, one-hour episodes.


The listing of the players in the 90-81 grouping were as follows:


90. Kyler Murray, QB, Arizona


89. Cooper Kupp, WR, Los Angeles Rams


88. Jaylon Smith, LB, Dallas


87. Josh Allen, QB, Buffalo


86. Marlon Humphrey, CB, Baltimore


85. Zach Ertz, TE, Philadelphia


84. Cameron Heyward, DT, Pittsburgh


83. Kendricks


82. Ryan Ramczyk, T, New Orleans


81. D.K. Metcalf, WR, Seattle