“What the hell is going on with David Yankey?” It was a question many a Viking fan found themselves asking last season. Repeatedly.
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A fifth round pick out of Stanford, the rookie Yankey was supposed to give Charlie Johnson a run for his money at left guard. Despite Johnson’s continued mediocrity, Yankey never got in there.
Not only did Yankey never crack the starting lineup, he never saw the active game day roster until the final week of the season when injuries finally depleted the Vikings’ offensive line to the point of desperation.
So what DID happen to Yankey last year?
It wasn’t really that complicated, actually. Yankey simply was not physically strong enough to play. Offensive line coach Jeff Davidson indicated as much last December. Yankey knows he needs to work on his strength if he wants to be in the mix for 2015 (via Fox Sports):
"“I think that’s definitely one of the elements, just working on technique, strength, and stuff like that,” Yankey said of getting stronger in the offseason. “It will be good to get back in (organized team activities in the offseason) and get some good work and get the coaches to see me.”"
It was certainly frustrating watching Charlie Johnson stink it up week after week, knowing you had a rookie 5th round pick sitting on the bench. It turns out Yankey wasn’t close to being ready. Even late in the season, the coaches didn’t feel comfortable putting him in there, and resorted to playing people like Vlad Ducasse at left guard after Johnson got injured.
It’s a little disconcerting that even after a full season of work Yankey still could not push out a below-average player like Vlad Ducasse. Let’s hope Yankey is fully committed to doing the work he obviously needs to do this offseason, so when training camp rolls around he’ll be strong enough to push Charlie Johnson to the bench or right out the door.
Cause I don’t know about you but I’ve seen enough Charlie Johnson for one life.
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