If the Vikings are interested in another Anthony Barr, they should select De’Vondre Campbell in next month’s NFL draft.

At least that’s how Campbell sees it.

The former Gophers linebacker is quite confident in his abilities. He believes he has what it takes to be an NFL star, and sees similarities in his game to the one brought to Minnesota by Barr, who has developed into a top outside linebacker since being taken by the Vikings in the first round two years ago. Related Articles The Loop NFL Picks: Week 2

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Barr is 6 feet 5, 255 pounds and only moved to linebacker his final two years at UCLA after being a running back. Campbell is 6-5, 239 pounds and started his career as a defensive end at Hutchinson (Kan.) Junior College before becoming a linebacker at Minnesota.

“I feel that in the right system, in the right scheme, I can really flourish and become an All-Pro, Pro Bowler,” Campbell said. “I know I have the skill set.

“(Barr is) one of my bigger kind of role models. I’ve watched a lot of film on him. We kind of have similar body types. Coming out (of UCLA), he was a little more polished than I was in college, but he’s kind of similar to me — a very athletic, bigger guy, kind of what (Vikings coach Mike) Zimmer looks for.”

The Vikings, indeed, are looking at Campbell. He said he will visit with them at Winter Park on April 6, sandwiching that between trips to Arizona and Kansas City. Campbell also will visit Atlanta the following week. As for private workouts, he said he’s had them at Minnesota with New England, Dallas, Indianapolis and Houston.

“It’d be a great opportunity,” Campbell said of playing with the Vikings. “I’ve really enjoyed what I’ve seen of Zimmer. I didn’t have a chance to meet him personally at our pro day (March 7), but I saw him (working with players), and just from what I saw, I like the way he coaches.

“He’s a hard-nosed guy. I wouldn’t mind playing under a coach like him, who can take me where I want to be. He’s a defensive-minded coach, so that doesn’t hurt.”

The Vikings have eight picks in the seven-round April 28-30 draft, although general manager Rick Spielman has an annual goal of getting 10. If some projections are accurate, Campbell is a rising prospect who could be gone by the end of the second round.

As a fifth-year senior, Campbell had 92 tackles, including a team-high four sacks. He has helped himself since the end of the season, running the third-fastest 40-yard dash (4.58 seconds) and recording the ninth-best vertical jump among linebackers at last month’s NFL scouting combine.

“He’s got the length, he’s got the speed, he’s an athletic linebacker,” ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper said on a recent draft podcast. “I wouldn’t be shocked to see him go in the third round. It wouldn’t surprise me at all. Maybe late-two, early-to-mid three. I think De’Vondre Campbell showed an awful lot to people this year and soared up the draft board.”

Campbell, 22, has heard the praise from Kiper and others, and is thankful. Then again, he’s not surprised.

“I definitely think I’ve improved my spot since the season ended with the combine and the pro day, but honestly I’m not going to sit here and say I’m surprised at all the things I’ve been hearing because I knew I would have the opportunity to showcase my abilities and I was going to go up,’’ he said. “But as far as the second- and third-round predictions, I try not to get too tied up in that. It’s the NFL draft, and anything can happen.’’

Campbell has been working out in the Twin Cities and plans to watch the draft with friends and family members at his apartment in Edina. While Campbell has been getting rave reviews for his athleticism, one rap on him is he must improve his instincts at linebacker.

“Teams are most worried about the instincts, something that needs to speed up for him to see consistent snaps,’’ said draft analyst Dane Brugler.

Campbell said part of that stems from having a late start at the position. However, Campbell said, he is getting better and has a message for NFL teams.

“The thing that makes me a unique prospect in this draft is I’m nowhere near now as good as I possibly can be,’’ Campbell said. “You have a lot of guys in the draft that are about as good as they’re going to get or may get a little better, but I’m not even close to that level yet.’’