T.J. Clemmings Is Getting a Look at Guard for Vikings

Rookie fourth round draft pick T.J. Clemmings will inevitably be talked about by fans as a potential replacement for Matt Kalil at left tackle.

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Fans are so eager to see Kalil go they’ll convince themselves Clemmings can step in at the toughest and most pressure-packed of all offensive line positions and produce right away. Even though all indications are that Clemmings is far from being ready to start in the NFL.

Maybe Clemmings will one day be in the mix to start at left tackle, but for the time being the Vikings are prepping Clemmings to be a swing player who can fill in at multiple positions.

After playing tackle in college, Clemmings is now being asked to do something he’s never done before: play guard.

Clemmings talked about the Vikings’ plans for him from rookie minicamp on Friday (via 1500ESPN.com):

"“I’m pretty sure I’ll be moved around,” said Clemmings, who has never played at guard in a game before. “I’ve been playing guard today – guard and tackle. Just to get reps and get the feel at both positions is my plan, just to be ready to play at guard or tackle, wherever they want me to play or need me to play.”"

Clemmings’ best chance to start in his rookie season will be at left guard, where Joe Berger is currently penciled in as the starter with second year man David Yankey and journeyman Mike Harris behind him.

If Clemmings is anywhere near as talented as he was said to be by media folks who initially rated him as a first round prospect, he should have no trouble usurping the veteran Berger for the starting guard spot.

But either way, the Vikings are under no pressure to push Clemmings into the lineup. They have multiple options at guard and can afford to let Clemmings develop naturally.

That development process may take awhile, given Clemmings’ lack of experience. The former Pitt Panther has only been playing football since his junior year of high school and only moved to the offensive line a couple of years ago.

Expecting a big contribution out of Clemmings right away might be a tad unrealistic. But that won’t stop fans from pushing the Vikings to give Clemmings a look at left tackle in place of the much-criticized Kalil.

Next: Is Trae Waynes Overrated Garbage?

T.J. Clemmings Is Getting a Look at Guard for Vikings

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