Minnesota Vikings 2017 positional needs evaluation: Offensive tackle

Who do the Minnesota Vikings have at offensive tackle heading into the 2017 NFL season and will they need to make any more moves before preseason starts?

To be blunt, the offensive tackle situation for the Minnesota Vikings was a mess during the 2016 season. Injuries ravaged the team, which looked prepared for just about anything during the offseason.

The Vikings aren’t about to let that happen again. After losing several of the offensive tackles from last season’s roster, the team made some big moves to ensure they have capable starters for 2017. However, depth can be just as important at these essential positions.

Here is a list of the offensive tackles listed on the official roster of the Minnesota Vikings on the team website:

• Riley Reiff (signed through 2021)
• Mike Remmers (signed through 2021)
• T.J. Clemmings  (signed through 2018)
• Marquis Lucas (signed through 2018)
• Reid Fragel (signed through 2018)
• Austin Shepherd (signed through 2018)
• Willie Beavers (signed through 2017)
• Jeremiah Sirles (signed through 2017)
• Rashod Hill (currently unsigned – ERFA)

The big signings for the Vikings this offseason were Reiff and Remmers. Minnesota gave them a lot of money to be the team’s new starters at right and left tackle now that Matt Kalil has moved on to the Carolina Panthers.

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Reiff should be holding down the left side for Sam Bradford while Remmers takes care of the right, but depth past them is where situations get a little sticky when looking at what Minnesota has remaining on the roster.

Rashod Hill is still unsigned as an exclusive right free agent, but the faith is that he will get a deal done. He seemed to hold his own at left tackle after entering the lineup near the end of the season, giving hope he could be a quality backup.

Sirles showed flashes of capability, but couldn’t maintain a high level of play throughout a game. Still, the ream relied on him last season when injuries took down offensive linemen, and he put forth a valiant effort.

On the other hand, T.J. Clemmings didn’t fare very well last season at left tackle, but a shift back to the right side could do him wonders. If he can hone his craft there, he could act as the backup right tackle as well as an emergency left tackle plug-in (but only if absolutely necessary).

Marquis Lucas, Reid Fragel, Austin Shepherd, and Willie Beavers are likely all hoping to make their mark in training camp and the preseason. So far, Beavers has been disappointing while the others have bounced around practice squads looking to find a role to latch on to.

Next: Vikings free agency tracker

Minnesota will likely carry 4 offensive tackles on the 53 man roster. With Reiff, Remmers, and Clemmings as likely locks, that fourth spot should go Rashod Hill when signed. However, based on whether or not the team can get that deal done, they may be looking to the draft or free agency if needed or to add more depth and competition.

**UPDATED on 4/07/17 to include Jeremiah Sirles