Who are some of the offensive linemen available in this year’s NFL Draft pool that could be selected by the Minnesota Vikings?
After years of their offensive line struggling, the Minnesota Vikings finally invested a bunch of money into improving the important position group in 2017.
In addition to signing two free-agent tackles in Riley Reiff and Mike Remmers, the Vikings also spent two of their 2017 draft picks on Ohio State center Pat Elflein and Miami guard Danny Isidora. Minnesota’s extra investment into the unit last offseason led to their offensive line performing the best it ever has since Mike Zimmer became the team’s head coach in 2014.
In 2018, the Vikings’ offensive line will likely have at least one new starter due to the recent retirement of right guard Joe Berger. Minnesota did sign a new blocker in Tom Compton this offseason, but he was likely brought in more to improve the team’s depth on the line rather than to be a starter next year.
Signs seem to be pointing to the Vikings selecting an offensive lineman at some point during the 2018 NFL Draft. Who are some of the possible prospects available this year that Minnesota could add to their roster?
Billy Price, Ohio State (OG/C)
Measurements:
- 6-foot-4
- 305 pounds
Draft Projection: Rounds 1-2
Prior to this year’s NFL scouting combine, some believed that Price was a lock to be selected in the first round of the 2018 draft. However, the former Ohio State offensive lineman suffered an unfortunate, partially torn pectoral muscle during the combine and it will likely have an effect on where he gets drafted this year.
Despite the injury, it wouldn’t be too shocking if the Vikings decided to use their first-round selection on Price. Not only is he a talented blocker, but he is very familiar with current Minnesota center Pat Elflein since the two were once teammates at Ohio State.
Price is better as a pass protector than he is at run blocking right now. But in one-on-one situations at Ohio State, the young blocker rarely let his defender get behind him.
Price played both guard and center during his time at Ohio State. If the Vikings decide to draft him this year, they would likely have him play mostly as a guard since Elflein performed so well as their center last season.
Will Hernandez, UTEP (OG)
Measurements:
- 6-foot-2
- 327 pounds
Draft Projection: Rounds 1-2
Older Vikings fans will likely understand this reference more than others, but watching Hernandez brings back memories of former Minnesota guard David Dixon. Hernandez is shorter than Dixon, but Hernandez uses his massive frame to his advantage like Dixon once did for the Vikings.
Along with his big-time size, Hernandez uses his impressive strength to easily open holes in the run game. He’s not as quick as some of the other offensive line prospects in this year’s draft pool, but Hernandez definitely showed he is capable of blocking downfield during his time at UTEP.
He does have a bit of nastiness to his game and has been known to get under the skin of his opponents from time to time. A characteristic that Mike Zimmer would probably enjoy if the young offensive lineman were to get drafted by Minnesota.
If the Vikings were to indeed select Hernandez at the draft this year, he could easily come in and challenge for a spot on the team’s offensive line right away.
Isaiah Wynn, Georgia (OG/OT)
Measurements:
- 6-foot-3
- 313 pounds
Draft Projection: Rounds 1-2
If the Vikings are looking for a very good run blocker in this year’s draft, Wynn could be their guy. Whether he was playing guard or tackle at Georgia, getting out of his way was always extremely difficult for defenders on run plays.
Wynn’s versatility at multiple positions also adds to his intrigue. Especially since this seems to be a characteristic of the types of lineman Minnesota has been adding to their line recently.
In pass protection, he can be a little slow at times when lined up as a tackle. This could could cause Wynn to run into some problems in the NFL when trying to defend some of the league’s fastest pass rushers.
If the Vikings are looking to draft someone they can groom into their future starting left tackle though, Wynn would be a very good choice.
Frank Ragnow, Arkansas (C/OG)
Measurements:
- 6-foot-5
- 312 pounds
Draft Projection: Rounds 2-4
If the Vikings decide not to select an offensive lineman in the first round this year, Ragnow could be a guy they consider with their third-round pick.
The Victoria, Minnesota native likely would not be a candidate to start for the Vikings as a rookie, but he would definitely improve the team’s depth on the line in 2018.
Despite his large size, Ragnow is not as strong as some of the other top offensive lineman available this year. But improving his strength is certainly something that can be done once he gets into the league.
At Arkansas, he really was just a solid part of their offensive line. There isn’t a whole lot of flash or power to his game, but he gets the job done.
Next: 4 defensive tackles the Vikings could draft in 2018
Drafting and developing Ragnow for a year or two is a definitely a scenario that could be in Minnesota’s future.