Vikings Suddenly Have a Roster Mystery
From left to right, the Minnesota Vikings will showcase an offensive line consisting of Christian Darrisaw, Blake Brandel, Ryan Kelly, Will Fries, and Brian O’Neill in 2025.
Vikings Suddenly Have a Roster Mystery
But according to head coach Kevin O’Connell this week, that might be the fivesome on paper only. One spot is more mysterious — the left guard spot currently held down on an April depth chart by Blake Brandel.
Per O’Connell, Brandel did not sound like a lock to start this September, creating a bit of a mystery with the NFL draft just three weeks away.
Kevin O’Connell Acknowledges LG Uncertainty
Speaking about the left guard position on his roster, O’Connell told reporters this week at league meetings, “There are still some options and opportunities with our four draft picks.”
The Athletic‘s Alec Lewis added context, “There’s no question about four of the Vikings’ five offensive line spots, but left guard remains uncertain. O’Connell said Tuesday that Blake Brandel would likely start at the position if the season began tomorrow.”
“The season won’t start, though, until September — or well after the NFL Draft later this month. Finding a young interior offensive lineman to pair with Brandel and seventh-rounder Michael Jurgens is a priority.”
League meetings could’ve been a forum, when asked the question, that O’Connell replied affirmatively about Brandel as the starter. But he didn’t do that. He created a roster mystery.
Blake Brandel’s Gig in 2024
The Vikings extended Brandel’s contract last offseason, handing the previously reserve guard a deal worth just over $3 million per season. Brandel later started for the 2024 Vikings, producing hot and cold outings — mostly cold when Darrisaw, the man next to him on Sundays, fell injured in October.
When the 2024 campaign wrapped up, Brandel tallied a 55.2 Pro Football Focus grade, which is not ideal and explains why O’Connell isn’t totally sold on him as a bonafide starter in 2025.
A 55.2 mark in PFF-speak actually stinks. There’s no sugarcoating it.
Lewis further opined on Brandel: “Minnesota’s offensive staff values Brandel and thinks there is a considerable difference in his performances with left tackles Christian Darrisaw and Cam Robinson. Having him under contract and Jurgens developing alongside him keeps the Vikings from having to force the issue in the draft.”
The Michael Jurgens Route
Perhaps the largest surprise of the little conversation, Jurgens’ name wiggled into the left guard conversation.
General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah drafted Jurgens last year in Round 7, a spot that often produces zilch in the way of NFL impact. That Jurgens is in the mix at all to be considered a starting option at left guard should raise eyebrows — in a good way.
The Vikings hardly ever hit on late-round offensive linemen, and Jurgens turning into a contributor would reflect a sweet and welcome change of pace.
No matter what, Jurgens’ name will be thrown into the LG hopper this summer unless O’Connell misspoke, which seems unlikely.
How about Grey Zabel?
To the meaty stuff, Minnesota might use its first pick of the draft this go-round on a — you guessed it — left guard. North Dakota State’s Grey Zabel would probably be coined the frontrunner in this situation, a promising draft talent who offers peculiar position flexibility. Zabel can play almost anywhere on the offensive line.
Interestingly, the Vikings could stand pat at No. 24 and choose Zabel — or trade down a few spots and still get their man.
NFL Draft Buzz describes Zabel’s scouting report: “Zabel’s calling card jumps off the screen — he’s a technician who brings controlled violence to every snap. The footwork, hip drive, and natural leverage he displays in North Dakota State’s diverse run scheme will translate immediately to the NFL’s interior.”
“When I watch him combo block and climb to the second level, I see shades of Zack Martin’s early Notre Dame tape – not as explosive, but the same understanding of angles and timing.”
That sure sounds like an upgrade over Brandel or Jurgens. And the draft is all about upgrading, right?
Tyler Booker, Too
If it’s not Zabel, and Minnesota still covets an interior offensive lineman at No. 24, Tyler Booker of Alabama could be on the board, as well.
His Relative Athletic Score utterly underwhelms, but perhaps onlookers put too much stock in the measurement metric.
Booker lives at No. 27 on the current Consensus Big Board, which would marry Minnesota’s 24th pick quite nicely.
Like Zabel, Booker, in theory, could be a Day One starter, and folks would just hope the RAS score was an outlier.
Free Agents after the Draft
But wait, there’s more.
Assume the Vikings strike out in the draft on left guards or invest in a mid-rounder like Tate Ratledge. He probably won’t factor into immediate 2025 plans, while Brandel and Jurgens would still be suspect as starters on an otherwise fantastic offensive line.
Minnesota would turn to free agency when the club could sign players without screwing up the 2026 compensatory draft pick formula.
Believe it or not, a few startable offensive guards are for sale. Brandon Scherff has no NFL employer yet, and he worked with O’Connell in Washington six years ago. There’s a built-in connection with O’Connell and defensive tackle newcomer Jonathan Allen.
Shaq Mason, who won a couple of Super Bowls in New England, is on the open market. And Will Hernandez from the Arizona Cardinals needs a new team.
The left guard position should be considered fluid. If not, O’Connell would’ve put his foot down and said, “Brandel is our guy. What are you talking about?”
He didn’t do that. It’s a roster mystery at a vital spot.
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