Vikings projected to have one of the worst offensive lines in 2018

Pro Football Focus recently ranked every NFL offensive line heading into 2018 and they placed the Minnesota Vikings near the bottom.

Compared to the first three seasons of Mike Zimmer’s tenure with the Minnesota Vikings, the team’s offensive line in 2017 was easily the best group of blockers the Vikings have had with Zimmer as their head coach.

With that being said, Minnesota’s offensive line still has a bunch of improving to do before they are recognized among the NFL’s elite. However, some who cover the league believe the Vikings’ blockers still have a very long way to go before they are even considered an average unit.

Pro Football Focus’ Michael Renner recently came out with his rankings of every NFL offensive line heading into the 2018 season and he slotted Minnesota’s group at 28.

"“28. Minnesota VikingsWhile the Vikings line certainly made strides in 2017, Case Keenum was still the third-most frequently pressured quarterback in the NFL. After investing heavily in it last offseason, their starting five may very well remain status quo heading into 2018. The only likely change is if second-round pick Brian O’Neill can win the starting right tackle job. Based on his 1-on-1 performances at the Senior Bowl though, where he won only 27 percent of his reps, he may not be NFL ready anytime soon.”"

Now, the Vikings’ offensive line is obviously not the most talented group in the NFL. But the fifth-worst in the league? Absolutely not.

Minnesota Vikings

Last season, Football Outsiders ranked Minnesota’s blockers as the league’s sixth-best in pass protection and 19th-best in run blocking. Easily a big improvement from 2016 when the Vikings’ offensive line was the NFL’s 17-best in pass protection and third-worst in run blocking according to Football Outsiders.

Not only was Minnesota’s group able to make big strides last season, but they did it with a rookie starting at center and two brand new starting offensive tackles. Four of the Vikings’ five starting offensive lineman from last year are expected back for 2018 and all of them are still under 30-years-old.

So basically, Pro Football Focus believes that Minnesota’s blockers hit their peak last year and there is no chance of the group continuing their progression together in 2018. This seems like a little bit of reach at best.

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Will the Vikings have the best offensive line during the upcoming NFL season? Probably not, but Minnesota having one of the league’s five-worst units seems even less likely.