The Viking Age
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Vikings offensive line: The biggest battle of training camp

By Jordan Wright

Oct 19, 2014; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Minnesota Vikings tackle Matt Kalil (75) watches as Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Marcell Dareus (99) celebrates a sack on Minnesota Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (5) during the second half at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Buffalo beats Minnesota 17 to 16. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 19, 2014; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Minnesota Vikings tackle Matt Kalil (75) watches as Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Marcell Dareus (99) celebrates a sack on Minnesota Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (5) during the second half at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Buffalo beats Minnesota 17 to 16. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Minnesota Vikings did a lot to improve the offensive line for the upcoming 2016 season, but is there enough talent to make see positive results?

Dec 7, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings tackle Mike Harris (79) and guard Joe Berger (61) and center John Sullivan (65) and guard Vladimir Ducasse (62) prepare to block against the New York Jets in the third quarter at TCF Bank Stadium. The Vikings win 30-24. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 7, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings tackle Mike Harris (79) and guard Joe Berger (61) and center John Sullivan (65) and guard Vladimir Ducasse (62) prepare to block against the New York Jets in the third quarter at TCF Bank Stadium. The Vikings win 30-24. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports /

The Minnesota Vikings’ roster is pretty stacked. From the defensive line which has backups that could start on a lot of teams, to the cornerback position that is at least five deep, there are a lot of positions already set on the depth chart.

However, no team is perfect. There are a few positions that will see heated battles throughout training camp and the preseason games, such as the safety spot next to Harrison Smith or at full back. While those are both important positions, the battle I am most intrigued to see is along the offensive line.

This year, unlike years past, the Minnesota Vikings’ offensive line is in total flux and the phrase “nobody’s spot is guaranteed, everyone will be competing” might actually hold some weight.

After five years of being the offensive line coach, Jeff Davidson has been replaced by Tony Sparano. The Vikings also brought in Alex Boone and Andre Smith to compete for starting spots. Not to mention Loadholt and Sullivan will be returning from injury, two veterans who were strengths along the offensive line just a couple of years ago. All this transition will surely lead to massive amounts of competition.

Why have Mike Zimmer and the Minnesota Vikings shifted their focus to the offensive line? On a team with the best running back in the NFL, a top five defense, and a young, emerging quarterback, the offensive line only needs to be average. Unfortunately, whether it’s because of injury, position switches, or just generally bad play, the offensive line was one of the worst in the league.

Next: How was the blocking last year?

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