The Minnesota Vikings offensive line struggled last season. Despite those struggles, fans should be optimistic for this upcoming season.
In 2016, the Minnesota Vikings offensive line was the weakest position collectively as a group throughout the season. They could not protect the quarterback or run the ball effectively. This created an inconsistent offense with no identity that gave up 38 sacks and 104 hits on QB Sam Bradford.
The Vikings had two important players injured during the regular season. The first was left tackle Matt Kalil and the second was right tackle Andre Smith. Kalil played two games that both resulted in wins. Smith played in four games in which the Vikings were 4-0. Therefore I truly believe that if those two would have stayed healthy the Vikings would of easily made the playoffs.
The interesting thing is that both of them will be unrestricted free agents on March 9th. In my opinion the Vikings should attempt to sign them both.
If they are unable to come to reasonable terms with them, there are comparable players that will be available at either position that the team can pursue. The only way the Vikings will get worse during free agency is if they do not sign anyone.
But what about right guard?
After addressing the left and right tackle position the Vikings will have to solidify right guard. They can use free agency for this position as well. I really like TJ Lang as a free agent signing for right guard. It may be hard to picture him in purple right now but that won’t matter in the grand scheme of things.
If Lang wants too much money the Vikings can pursue other veteran guards to come in and compete. In addition to Lang, current left tackle TJ Clemmings is a much better guard than tackle and will be a candidate for this position.
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Another reason to be optimistic for the offensive line is because of the fact that you never know what is going to come out of the draft. If the Vikings can put themselves in a good position during free agency and get lucky during the draft this will be a unit to watch out for.
Here is an early draft of the offensive line next season
- LT – Matt Kalil/Comparable Free Agent
- LG – Alex Boone*
- C – Joe Berger*
- RG – TJ Clemmings*/Willie Beavers*/Free Agent/Draft Pick
- RT – Andre Smith/Comparable Free Agent
*under contract
Next: Is the criticism of Vikings offensive tackle T.J. Clemmings fair?
There are obviously some question marks at this point, but looking at the potential of the pieces in place there are more reasons to be excited than worried in my opinion. The moves made by the Minnesota Vikings front office over the next couple months will answer a lot of questions about who will make up this unit.