Ranking the Vikings’ 2019 draft needs after the first wave of free agency

Offensive Line

The first few days of free agency have passed without the Vikings making a single move to upgrade their biggest area of need. Now, it can be argued that cutting Mike Remmers was addition through subtraction, but Minnesota hasn’t added anyone to help improve the overall depth and talent of this unit.

It’s really no surprise with the Vikings’ cap space being what it currently is and maybe it’s for the best after seeing some of the contracts teams around the NFL are dishing out for mediocre blockers (looking at you Cincinnati Bengals).

Minnesota has reportedly made an offer to re-sign Nick Easton. He would be a great signing under the assumption that he can return to his 2017 form.

Easton played very well that year and he gives the Vikings versatility as he can also play center if Pat Elflein goes down or struggles. Whether or not Easton comes back for next season, the offensive line will still be the team’s biggest need as they approach the 2019 draft.

Minnesota Vikings

The chances are extremely high that Minnesota will use their first-round pick this year on a starting guard.

That could be a hybrid player like Oklahoma’s Cody Ford who can play guard or tackle. The Vikings could also look at North Carolina State’s Garrett Bradbury. He had a great Combine performance this year and he can play center or guard. Minnesota also needs to improve their depth at offensive tackle as they have Rashod Hill as their primary backup and not much else.

The way things are currently set up, it’s clear that the Vikings’ primary focus in this year’s draft will be to improve this offensive line.

It wouldn’t be shocking to see Minnesota use almost half their 2019 picks to bring in big beefy blockers. In fact, their first couple of draft choices could be offensive linemen this year, and ones they view as immediate starters.

(For more NFL Draft and Vikings-related content from Nik Edlund, head on over to SkolHole.com and check out his work.)