NFL: C.J. Mosley, Top Five Rising Stars
By Evan Massey
4. Anthony Barr, LB, Minnesota Vikings
One of the rookies on this list is Minnesota Vikings’ linebacker Anthony Barr, who has come through with a big season so far. He was expected to take some time to figure the NFL game out, but that obviously hasn’t been the case. Barr has been the Vikings’ best defensive player through the majority of the season, and even won the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with a forced fumble, fumble recovery, and a fumble return for a touchdown.
Barr has a great nose for the football, and he has an excellent athletic ability as well. Minnesota has been looking for more defensive playmakers over the past couple of years, and they seem to have found their guy to lead the middle of their defense. So far this season, Barr has recorded 58 tackles to go along with 4.0 sacks, one forced fumble, three fumble recoveries, and three defensed passes.
At just 22 years of age, the future is looking incredibly bright for Barr in Minnesota. He definitely has star potential, and he will be given every opportunity to succeed with the Vikings and will have a lot on his shoulders as well.
Next: 3. Tashaun Gipson, FS, Cleveland Browns