Vikings 2017 draft prospect spotlight: Ohio State C Pat Elflein

Nov 26, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes offensive lineman Pat Elflein (65) blocks during the second quarter against the Michigan Wolverines at Ohio Stadium. Ohio State won 30-27. Mandatory Credit: Joe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes offensive lineman Pat Elflein (65) blocks during the second quarter against the Michigan Wolverines at Ohio Stadium. Ohio State won 30-27. Mandatory Credit: Joe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 29, 2016; Scottsdale, AZ, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes offensive lineman Pat Elflein during Fiesta Bowl media day at the Camelback Inn. Mandatory Credit: Mark Henle/The Arizona Republic via USA TODAY Sports
Dec 29, 2016; Scottsdale, AZ, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes offensive lineman Pat Elflein during Fiesta Bowl media day at the Camelback Inn. Mandatory Credit: Mark Henle/The Arizona Republic via USA TODAY Sports /

Fit on the Minnesota Vikings:

What makes Elflein intriguing for the Vikings is his versatility to play any interior position along the offensive line.  Playing his entire sophomore and junior seasons at guard, the former Buckeye team captain transitioned to center for his final season.

With Joe Berger turning 35-years old prior to next season, and Nick Easton showing that he can be a developmental center, adding Elflein to the mix would give them a potential long-term option at center or guard as he has experience at both.

Next: Draft spotlight: Indiana OG Dan Feeney

With Elflein’s skill set, he is best suited as an NFL center, but with the Vikings depth and overall talent issues up-front, they can not have too many options. The former Remington Award winner (nation’s best center) gives them the option to continue to rotate Berger from center and guard while he’s on the final-year of his contract.

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Projected Draft Range: Second to third round