The Viking Age
FanSided

Minnesota Vikings draft 2017: Post free agency mock draft

By Jordan Reid

Aug 12, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; A detailed view of the Minnesota Vikings logo on a helmet in a preseason NFL football game at Paul Brown Stadium. The Vikings won 17-16. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 12, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; A detailed view of the Minnesota Vikings logo on a helmet in a preseason NFL football game at Paul Brown Stadium. The Vikings won 17-16. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 9
Next
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 /

In what is considered a lock, the Vikings are going to take a heavy amount of offensive lineman in the 2017 draft. General manager Rick Spielman has shown to wait until the later rounds to address his offensive line issues, but he has voiced his opinion and owned up to his previous mistakes while using this strategy.

The Vikings have only drafted two offensive lineman (Matt Kalil and Phil Loadholt) in the first two rounds of the draft since 2009. A fascinating stat, but the fan base is reluctant that Spielman has recognized his flaws as the Vikings’ offensive front was among one of the league’s worst last season.

As a result of that, Spielman wastes no time in addressing the teams biggest weakness. Former Ohio State center Pat Elflein is considered one of the safest picks among offensive lineman. The heart and soul of the Buckeye offensive front during his time Columbus, he has the makeup of a 10-year starter at center.

Knowledge and experience are not the only traits that make Elflein’s playing style likable. He plays with an edge, which is what you want to see in an offensive line prospect. Being that he was the heart and soul of the Buckeye offensive front, he occasionally showed the most emotion.

Where Elflein struggles is in the running game. He rarely gets beat cleanly a lot, but he doesn’t get a lot of movement on defenders. While engaged with defenders, many are able to come off blocks and make tackles because he doesn’t clear big running lanes.

This may be due to a lack of strength and consistent footwork. A lot of times, Elflein stops his feet, allowing defenders to get off his initial block.

Combine Results:

  • Height:  6-foot-3
  • Weight: 303 pounds
  • Arm Length: 33 1/4 inches
  • Hand Size: 9 3/4 inches
  • Best 40 Yard Dash: 5.32 seconds
  • Bench Press: 22 reps
  • Vertical Jump: 23 1/2 inches
  • Broad Jump: 99 inches
  • Three Cone Drill: 7.94 seconds
  • 20 Yard Shuttle: 4.71 seconds

NFL Comparison: Weston Richburg

Home/Minnesota Vikings News