The Minnesota Vikings used their second pick of the day to select Ohio State offensive lineman Pat Elflein.
The Minnesota Vikings’ emphasis on improving their rushing attack continued on Friday as the team selected former Ohio State offensive lineman Pat Elflein with the 70th overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. Minnesota made their second trade of the day to move up and nab Elflein, this time making a deal with the New York Jets.
Welcome to the squad, @elflein65! pic.twitter.com/L1LTmJeF7U
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) April 29, 2017
#Vikings dealt a fifth-round pick (160th) to the Jets to move up nine spots for Elflein.
— Andrew Krammer (@Andrew_Krammer) April 29, 2017
Elflein is a solid selection for the Vikings and could possibly start immediately for them in 2017. With there being doubt as to who will be the team’s starting right guard next season, Minnesota could decide to go with the rookie as their guy.
With the selection of Dalvin Cook and now Elflein, the Vikings are doing their best to make sure their rushing attack will not be ranked among the NFL’s worst in 2017. It certainly was not an area that Minnesota could afford to ignore heading into the upcoming season.
Elflein also has the versatility to play multiple positions that the Vikings love in their offensive lineman. With center Joe Berger not getting any younger, Minnesota could already have his replacement in Elflein when Berger decides to hang it up in another year or two.
Next: Vikings draft RB Dalvin Cook in second round
The Vikings had one of the worst offensive lines in the league last year and the team is hoping the addition of Elflein will help eventually transition the unit into one of the NFL’s best.