Instant Analysis: Danny Isidora Adds to Offensive Line Rebuild

image courtesy of Vikings.com

Danny Isidora

OG, Miami

Height: 6’3″

Weight: 307 lbs.

Arm Length: 33″

Hand Size: 9 7/8″

Analysis

The Minnesota Vikings offensive line was essentially in shambles by the end of the 2016 season. Injuries and poor play derailed the unit and vaulted it to the top of the priority list during this offseason.

General manager Rick Spielman added to his rebuild of the offensive line with athletic guard prospect Danny Isidora out of Miami in the fifth round.

Isidora boasts solid lateral movement, often being used as an effective pull blocker at the college ranks. His fluid footwork and agility are evident in pass protection. He is also adept at grabbing defensive linemen inside their frame and holding blocks.

Maybe Isidora’s most valuable trait is his ability to adjust to twists and stunts. He consistently looks for the second block when defensive lines try to get creative against him.

The main weakness that held Isidora back at Miami is a lack of strength, relative to the position of course. Bull rushes usually worked on Isidora, and he would adjust by widening his base too far which only decreased his balance.

Scheme Fit

Minnesota has lacked an effective pull blocker for some time and Isidora can be that guy. It doesn’t appear as if he will compete for a starting job right away, but he will be in line to compete for a role when Joe Berger calls it quits.

Pat Shurmur’s West Coast offense is largely a passing offense. But the Vikings are also making an effort to bring the rushing attack back that was absent last season, and getting creative with pull blocks is one way to get that done.

Overview

Nothing fancy here from Spielman. He addressed a need with a high-upside player that has the athletic measures to be a starter in the NFL for a long time.

If Isidora can become stronger and more reliable against bull rushes, he can absolutely earn a starting job in the NFL — and maybe that starting job is in Minnesota.

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