.









Already owning one of the strongest defensive lines in the league Authentic Justus Annunen Jersey , the Minnesota Vikings have made another addition to their front four this summer.

He even was a former first-round draft pick.

Anthony Barr has established his place as the strong side linebacker, an integral part of coach Mike Zimmer's pressure-driven scheme. This switch is not by any means complete or permanent, considering the value Barr has given the Vikings while rarely missing a snap in the middle of the defense with former college teammate Eric Kendricks. With Brian Robison capably spelling Everson Griffen and Danielle Hunter at the defensive end spots, there's not a glaring need for one.

Sliding Barr and his athleticism and speed to the front, though, provides yet another way Zimmer and the Vikings can attack an offense.

"Definitely, it could be a change-up for us," Barr said. "Hopefully I can get a couple more opportunities to do that, and we'll see where it goes. It's something I'm going to continue to work on and get better at. I'm excited for it."

The Vikings have used passing-situation packages this offseason that include cornerback Terence Newman at safety while making Harrison Smith a hybrid linebacker. Put Barr at defensive end, and Everson Griffen can move inside. Or Barr could simply line up as a fifth down lineman. Either way Jamal Adams Jersey Youth , that's the potential for quite the fierce pass rush.

"We are just trying to utilize our guys the best way we can," Zimmer said. "If a guy has a skill set of being possibly a pass rusher, then we're going to look at him and see if he can be a pass rusher. If a guy's a great inside cover guy, then we're going to try and look at him there."

Barr has taken plenty of turns with the defensive linemen during individual drills in training camp so far, evidence that this is more than just a token experiment.

"It's a conscious effort in getting him into rush situations where he knows what to do," Zimmer said. "I really don't have any concerns when he's rushing on a back, but sometimes when he gets on a bigger stronger guy and gets in certa