Vikings Might Not Make Big Splash for Offensive Line
Adam New
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Controversial opinion here.
The offensive line might already be set for the season and comprised of players already on the roster. I know people will not like that, but the Vikings might not make a big splash on the offensive line in free agency. Don’t be surprised if the offensive line in Week 1 looks as follows:
Darrisaw – Cleveland – Bradbury – Davis – O’Neill.
Center
As I previously wrote, Kevin O’Connell has said he likes Garrett Bradbury, and he is still suited to the wide zone offense we will continue to employ under O’Connell. Bradbury’s weakness is clear to see. He can’t pass block against big nose tackles who overpower him on his own. So, don’t ask him to. O’Connell alluded to the answer when asked about Bradbury at the combine press conference, where he spoke about how he followed Bradbury during the draft process. He also said it’s about “finding the right fit for him” and “the right system.”
LA Rams center Brian Allen is a touch smaller than Bradbury but had a fantastic breakthrough season in 2021. I believe this coaching staff will try and get the best out of Bradbury and scheme to cover his weakness. After seeing him flattened so many times, I understand the desire to get a big powerful center who can straight up pass block. The way the Vikings offense will continue to play will cause new problems if the center isn’t athletic enough to get out wide or up the field.
Guard
A solid right guard would help out both Bradbury and Cousins while improving the Vikings offense line dramatically.
I still have hope that Wyatt Davis can be that guy. Whether it was injury problems, general fitness, or just being in Mike Zimmer’s dog house, a rookie season that offered great potential was a washout. There’s a lot to fix on this team, and there’s only so much you can do in one offseason — especially when you’re starting with no cap space and having to create room as you go.
Some areas of the team will have to be prioritized. While in other areas, a leap of faith, in a young player already on the roster will have to be taken. The two players I’d personally show that faith in are Wyatt Davis and Camryn Bynum.
Davis should come to training camp much better prepared than last year, where it’s no secret that he gained too much weight while recovering from his knee injury. He is training with offensive line guru Duke Manyweather in preparation for his second season with the Vikings. I am quietly confident he will come back a different animal in Year 2 and stake his claim for the starting position.
With Mason Cole signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers, there’s not a lot of depth in the offensive line room. Oil Udoh, Blake Brandel, Timmon Parris, and Kyle Hinton are the other linemen currently under contract. So while the Vikings might not make a big splash on the offensive line, there does need to be a couple of signings. Perhaps a veteran guard to compete with Davis for the right guard spot and then sign or draft another center.
It might not be the solution everyone is looking for, but the offensive line could make improvements without spending lots of money on high-profile free agents. Good coaching and scheming can go a long way to improving a football team.
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