The Sports Xchange

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. — For the seventh time since he became general manager in 2012, Rick Spielman reunited college teammates on the Minnesota Vikings’ roster when he selected UCLA inside linebacker Eric Kendricks in the second round.

He’s expected to start alongside Anthony Barr, the team’s strong-side backer who had a standout year as the ninth overall draft pick in 2014. The normally reserved Barr was giddy with excitement and took to Twitter, writing, “I feel like I just got drafted again lol”.

Asked if he had any idea that Kendricks would be drafted, Barr said, “No. Not at all. There are 32 NFL teams and what are the odds that he’s our choice in the second round?”

Spielman and coach Mike Zimmer, however, had been targeting Kendricks to fill a hole for them. Spielman was in communication with several teams about trying to trade down. But then Kendricks started to fall right toward them.

“We had a lot of activity,” Spielman said. “I had a lot of texts out. But I said, ‘Yeah, we’re good. We’ll stay here and take that player.'”

Told that Barr said he didn’t know anything about the team’s interest, Spielman smiled, knowing exactly why he didn’t want to share inside information with Barr.

“He tweets too much,” Spielman said. “You know how I am about Twitter. Guys that we like we can just say, alright we’re good, we’re not going to mention his name anymore.”

The Vikings also went out on a limb to pick up offensive line help.

NFLDraftScout.com projected first-rounder T.J. Clemmings grew to near prototypical offensive tackle size at 6-5, 309 pounds. But he almost didn’t grow up to be a football player at all. In fact, he didn’t play football until his junior year in high school.

“I didn’t play because my mom didn’t understand the sport,” said Clemmings, the Vikings’ fourth-round pick from Pittsburgh. “She saw it to be extremely – not extremely – dangerous. That’s how she felt and she never really wanted me to play.”

After all, he was one heck of a basketball player and could have played basketball in college.

“I was still playing basketball and having fun with basketball,” he said. “She changed her mind my junior year when I asked. My dad said, ‘Hey, let him play,’ and they allowed me to.”

Clemmings could end up being the best value pick on the Vikings’ board this year. Several scouts and NFL draft experts had him rated much higher, but he tumbled to the fourth round because of concerns about a foot stress fracture.

“There was a concern with my foot,” he said. “But I have no concerns with my so-called injury.”

Clemmings projects as a backup right tackle who could become a swing tackle and possibly become the heir apparent to right tackle Phil Loadholt.

–A closer look at the Vikings’ picks in the 2015 NFL Draft:

Round 1/11 – Trae Waynes, CB, 6-0, 186, Michigan State

Has the size, arm length, speed (4.31) and cover ability to be the No. 2 corner the Vikings need to compete with the NFC North’s big receivers. Is expected to win a starting job opposite Xavier Rhodes and allow Captain Munnerlyn to move inside as the No. 3 slot corner exclusively.

Round 2/45 – Eric Kendricks, MLB, 6-0, 230, UCLA

He’ll be reunited with former Bruins teammate, roommate and best friend Anthony Barr as two of the Vikings’ starting linemen. He’s expected to start at middle linebacker, replacing Jasper Brinkley in the base and Chad Greenway in the sub packages. Also has the skill set to be Greenway’s heir apparent on the outside, if necessary.

Round 3/88 – Danielle Hunter, DE, 6-5, 232, LSU

Doesn’t fill an immediate need as a pass-rushing prospect whose strengths are more suited to the right side, where the Vikings are set with Everson Griffen. But despite notching just 1 ½ sacks a year ago, Hunter is considered a rare physical specimen who can be taught to rush the passer more efficiently.

Round 4/110 – T.J. Clemmings, OT, 6-5, 309, Pittsburgh

This could be the best value pick on the board for Clemmings. He was rated much higher by many scouts and draft experts, but concerns about a stress fracture in his foot caused him to drop. He projects as a backup right tackle with the potential to be the swing tackle.

Round 5/143 – MyCole Pruitt, TE, 6-2, 251, Southern Illinois

A two-time small-school All-America selection whose strength is more as a blocker. Limited speed and athleticism probably means he won’t be used much in the passing game.

Round 5/146 – Stefon Diggs, WR, 6-0, 195, Maryland

Not exactly the receiver many were hoping for when the draft began, but the Vikings finally started to fill the need with this versatile receiver/returner. He can line up in multiple spots, catch bubble screens and also will push punt returner Marcus Sherels for his roster spot.

Round 6/185 – Tyrus Thompson, OT, 6-5, 324, Oklahoma

Very athletic for his size. Started 29 of 44 college games, including 13 at left tackle last season.

Round 6/193 – B.J. Dubose, DE, 6-4, 284, Louisville

Known as a scrappy overachiever and will need time and work with Mike Zimmer’s defensive staff to identify a specific role.

Round 7/228 – Austin Shepherd, OT, 6-4, 315, Alabama

Big, strong player who will be a project. Two-year starter at right tackle for Alabama. Clearly, the Vikings aren’t satisfied with their depth at tackle.

Round 7/232 – Edmond Robinson, OLB, 6-3, 245, Newberry

A Division II long-term project with a freakishly long frame that can add considerable weight and muscle.