Signs point to the Vikings drafting an offensive lineman early this year
By Adam Patrick
Of all the 2019 prospects the Minnesota Vikings have met with this offseason, the majority of them have been offensive linemen.
When examining what the top five priorities for the Minnesota Vikings should be this offseason, the top four should be related in some way or another to improving their offensive line.
The Vikings have added a few new additions this year in Josh Kline and Dakota Dozier and they’ve also seen the departures of underwhelming blockers Mike Remmers and Tom Compton. During the 2019 NFL Draft next week, Minnesota will be looking to improve the talent level of their offensive line even more.
It’s been awhile since the Vikings actually used their first draft selection to add another blocker to their roster (2012 to be exact). But it’s starting to seem more and more likely that Minnesota will select an offensive lineman with their first-round pick next week.
According to data compiled by WalterFootball.com, the Vikings have met with a total of 18 different offensive line prospects this offseason. This amount is tied for the most of any team in the NFL this year with the Carolina Panthers and New York Giants.
The position group Minnesota has shown the second-most interest in this offseason has been edge rushers, as they have met with seven of these prospects over the past few months. In addition to these two groups, the Vikings have also met with five tight ends, four wide receivers, and three cornerbacks from the 2019 draft pool.
Based on the amount of offensive line prospects Minnesota has talked to this offseason, one would assume that they will be taking a young blocker with one of their first two selections at this year’s NFL Draft. Fixing the line actually seems like a priority for the Vikings this year and hopefully their efforts are not too little, too late.