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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Oct 19, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; San Francisco 49ers guard Alex Boone (75) during the game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 19, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; San Francisco 49ers guard Alex Boone (75) during the game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports /

Additions

Alex Boone was brought in to compete at left guard, and he brings with him a lot of hope. Pro Football Focus ranked Boone as the 14th best pass blocking guard last season, and his pass blocking grade of 82.1 would’ve been the highest on the Vikings. Getting better at pass protection might come at a cost, however, as Boone’s run blocking grade of 44.9 would have only been better than T.J. Clemmings’ abysmal 33.2 and Andre Smith’s 41.0.

Andre Smith was the other player the Vikings brought in to compete along the offensive line, presumably at right tackle. Smith had a horrible year in Cincinnati last season and they chose to not bring back the former first round pick. Smith’s PFF grade of 36.9 is only slightly better than T.J. Clemmings’ 36.8, and he was equally bad in pass protection (40.9) as he was in run blocking (41.0).

Phil Loadholt will be competing with Smith and Clemmings in an attempt to regain his former spot at right tackle. Last preseason Loadholt tore his Achilles, forcing him to miss the entire 2015 season. In 2014, Loadholt was also put on injured reserve and missed the final five games. Will Loadholt be able to come back and be the same player he was before his injuries? In 2013, PFF listed Loadholt as first team All-Pro. While it’s difficult to see him coming back at the same level, anything is possible.

John Sullivan is in the same boat as Loadholt, coming back from a season ending injury. Unlike Loadholt, Sullivan’s replacement Joe Berger played extremely well last season. In 2015, PFF ranked Berger as the second best center in football with a player grade of 89.1 (which was easily the highest grade along the offensive line). Sullivan is no slouch himself though, being named first team All-Pro in 2012 by both Pro Football Focus and Pro Football Writers Association.

Next: Who will be fighting for which spots?

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