Defensive wizard Mike Zimmer has a new pass rusher for his Minnesota Vikings squad.
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After trading down one spot with the Cleveland Browns, the Vikings selected UCLA linebacker/defensive end Anthony Barr with the No. 9 overall pick.
The Vikes "love" Barr's athleticism, says NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport. The former running back is still learning the fundamentals as a pass rusher, which is where Zimmer's tutelage comes in. If there's an obvious weakness, it's that Barr still gets lost in coverage.
Blessed with exceptional acceleration and closing speed, Barr has a high ceiling as an edge rusher. Our guess is that he will be ticketed as the strong-side linebacker on early downs while switching to defensive end in blitz and sub packages.
Barr is the first top-10 pick from UCLA since the Ravens selected Hall of Fame offensive tackle Jonathan Ogden at No. 4 overall in 1996. He has even bigger shoes to fill now that he's taking Jared Allen's place as the Vikings' disruptive sack master.
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