7 New Year’s resolutions for the Minnesota Vikings in 2019
By Chris Schad
Rick Spielman’s 2019 Resolution:
Upgrade the offensive line
For years the debate has raged on whether or not Vikings general manager Rick Spielman has done enough to upgrade the offensive line during his tenure. In 2018, his attempts to solve Minnesota’s weakest link came up well short of what they needed to be.
On the positive side, Spielman did draft offensive tackle Brian O’Neill, who appears to be the Vikings’ left tackle of the future. However, O’Neill was drafted after they passed on mauler guard Will Hernandez for a more long-term prospect in cornerback Mike Hughes.
The Vikings also passed on fellow lineman Tyrell Crosby, who has been solid with the Detroit Lions in fill-in duty in order to draft Daniel Carlson who was (wrongfully) cut after Week 2. Spielman made an effort by drafting Colby Gossett in the sixth round, but he never got his footing and the interior of the offensive line was a major issue throughout 2018.
This offseason, Spielman must find a way to improve the personnel in the trenches. Otherwise, it could be another long season for everyone that has to play behind it.