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 18, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings offensive lineman T.J. Clemmings (68) against the Kansas City Chiefs at TCF Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Chiefs 16-10. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 18, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings offensive lineman T.J. Clemmings (68) against the Kansas City Chiefs at TCF Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Chiefs 16-10. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /

Competition

At left tackle, there doesn’t seem to be much competition, as Matt Kalil will more than likely be given one more year to prove he was worth the fourth overall pick in the 2012 draft. Early indications are the Vikings are moving last year’s starter T.J. Clemmings to the left side to be Matt Kalil’s backup and possible future replacement.

Left guard is another position that is all but locked up by Alex Boone. The Vikings gave him a lot of money to wear the purple and gold, so the hope is he will come in and provide better pass blocking to go along with a nasty demeanor that is necessary in the trenches.

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Center is where things start getting heated. Joe Berger played very well last season, but he is 34 years old and doesn’t seem to fit in the Vikings long-term plans. John Sullivan is returning from injury, and there is no guarantee he is the same player he used to be. If Sully is able to return at full strength, I see him winning the starting job for two reasons: he’s younger (30 years old) and Berger is an extremely valuable backup who can play any of the three interior positions.

Right guard will see incumbent Mike Harris attempting to hold off Brandon Fusco. Harris made the switch from tackle to guard last season and played well. With another year under his belt, he will be looking to further improve and cement his status as a starter. Fusco, meanwhile, will be making a return to the right side after last year’s failed experiment on the left side. Both linemen will be 27 years old once the season starts, and hope to factor into the Vikings’ long-term plans at guard.

Right tackle might be the most important battle along the offensive line. Gone are the days when an offensive line only had to worry about the left tackle being able to pass block. In today’s NFL, defenses are constantly moving guys around and are usually able to pass rush from either side of the line. Both Loadholt and Smith were drafted in the 2009 NFL draft, and both players are good run blockers. The biggest distinguishing factors very well might be which player can protect Teddy the best.

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The Vikings have done a good job of adding talent to the offensive line, now it’s time to see which players respond to the challenge and elevate their games to claim a starting spot. Currently, the Vikings have 16 offensive linemen listed on their website, and by the end of preseason, the coaching staff will have to whittle that number down to eight or nine. With a good mix of veteran and young players, the offensive line is sure to be home to the hottest training camp battles.

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