Minnesota Vikings MLB Eric Kendricks looks to build on rookie season

MANKATO, Minn. -- Middle linebacker Eric Kendricks, who led the team in tackles as a rookie a year ago, looks infinitely more comfortable and relaxed this summer compared to a year ago.

Last training camp, he still was fighting his way from being a backup to Gerald Hodges, who ended up being traded early in the season when it was obvious that Kendricks was ready to start.

Last summer, Kendricks looked hyper and unsure. As coach Mike Zimmer put it, he looked like he was amped up on too much coffee.

This year, Kendricks simply looks fast and instinctive, which compensates for his lack of ideal NFL size.

One of the best defensive plays of training camp came when Kendricks used those skills to jump a Teddy Bridgewater pass that was intended for the giant target that is tight end Kyle Rudolph. Kendricks dived for the ball and landed on the ground.

But before any offensive player had a chance to react, Kendricks jumped up and outran Bridgewater for what would have been a pick-six.

--Running back Adrian Peterson suffered what is believed to be a minor hamstring pull shortly before training camp started. He has missed the first four days of practice while the team makes sure not to rush him back.

--Receiver/returner Cordarrelle Patterson made a great leaping catch of a deep ball in tight coverage on the Friday, the first day of practice. But he fell hard on his left shoulder, was helped off the field while holding his left arm gingerly and has not returned to practice. Coach Mike Zimmer said it doesn't appear to be anything serious.

--Cornerback Terence Newman, who turns 38 in September, shows no signs of being seriously challenged by 2015 first-round draft pick Trae Waynes. Waynes looks good and is receiving extra tutoring from Zimmer, the noted defensive backs guru, but Newman refuses to act his age in his 14th season.

--Receiver Laquon Treadwell was drafted in the first round in part for his size and physical style of play. He showed the physical side during the second day in pads. When cornerback Jabari Price gave him an extra shot he didn't like, Treadwell returned fire. The two exchanged punches until Treadwell slammed Price to the ground, where the two continued to wrestle until teammates stepped in. Naturally, Zimmer liked the rough stuff, but warned the players not to have it carry over to the games.

--Cornerback Keith Baxter, a long-shot to make the team, was hospitalized with an undisclosed non-football injury and was released.