Ryan Harris Has Physical with Vikings

Offensive tackle Ryan Harris was back in the Twin Cities today with a physical for the Vikings. This visit is of significance considering Harris worked out for the Vikings two weeks ago, however there was no signing at the time and guessing this time the team means business.

Beyond the fact that Harris is a Minnesota native who went to Cretin-Derham Hall High School, he’d certainly be welcomed in purple to help the team’s offensive line woes. Harris last played right tackle with the Philadelphia Eagles (note the right side is Michael Vick’s blindside being left-handed) until he had microdecompression surgery on his back. Until then Harris was light-footed blocker who’s played a number of different positions on the line. Only weighing around 300 pounds, Harris has done best playing tackle covering speed rushers on the outside. He occasionally can be overpowered by opposing defensive ends, but is a heady player that coaches seem to like.

In the event Harris is signed this would give the Vikings more versatility along the line. It’s looking like right guard Anthony Herrera will miss time with a torn PCL in his left knee. Maybe Harris plays left tackle kicking Charlie Johnson to the inside or the Vikings go with Brandon Fusco at right guard with Harris as a backup.

And perhaps there’s a coincidence here. The Vikings rookie quarterback Christian Ponder had an illustrious career with the Florida State Seminoles eventually being drafted in the first round. In a small twist of fate Harris’s high school quarterback had an offer from the Seminoles but turned it down for good reasons. Who might that be? Some guy named Joe Mauer.

Jon Merckle may be followed on Twitter @thevikingpig