May 29, 2013; Eden Prairie, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings head coach Leslie Frazier (middle) talks with defensive end Everson Griffen (97) and defensive end Lawrence Jackson (94) during organized team activities at Winter Park. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
When the Vikings drafted Travis Bond in the seventh round of the NFL Draft this year, he was immediately labeled as a Guard. The Vikings seem to have other plans in mind for the massive prospect. Although the team would be comfortable keeping him at Guard, they want to try him in more of a “swing” role.
A “swing” player is a backup who is familiar with several spots and can be plugged in when needed. When at the University of North Carolina, Travis Bond had the nickname “Tree Top” because of his height and size. The official Vikings website has Bond listed as being 6’6″ tall and weighing in at 329 pounds.
In a recent interview with 1500 ESPN, Bond spoke about the team’s idea for him.
“It’s cool. I’m used to it, because at Carolina, I was like a swing guy. If somebody goes down, I fill in. I think I can do it. Haven’t played a lot of left, but just got to refresh my memory. It’s a big transition, moving from right to left. It might not seem like it, but it’s like muscle memory. You’ve just got to get back in the hang of it.”
He also spoke about his goals during training camp.
“Just out here trying to learn every play I get. Just got to learn more concepts, think how the older guys think. Getting a lot of feedback from Phil and Fusco. It’s pretty fun out there.”
Last season, the “swing” role was filled by Geoff Schwartz. Schwartz has since moved on after last season and is currently a member of the Kansas City Chiefs. After his exit, the Vikings were left with a lack of depth at Offensive Tackle and hope to find a way to fill that hole. Travis Bond could be the ideal candidate for that. He even wears the #76 jersey that Schwartz used to wear.