The Minnesota Vikings took outside linebacker Anthony Barr with the 9th overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft. Anthony Barr went to UCLA and was a consensus All-American in 2013. Barr totaled 65 tackles, 20 tackles for loss, and 10 sacks in his final season at UCLA.
The Vikings were originally at number 8, but swapped picks with the Cleveland Browns at number nine. The Vikings also received the Browns fifth round pick (#145) in the deal.
Barr will help to replace departed defensive end Jared Allen who left the Chicago Bears. Barr has been clocked with a 40 yard dash time 4.66 seconds and can use that speed to harass opposing quarterbacks.
Taking Anthony Barr at number nine will help shore up the 31st ranked defense in total yards per game in the 2013 season. The Vikings were ranked last in the NFL in points given up per game at 30. Barr should make an immediate impact on the field for the Vikings in 2014.