What the Minnesota Vikings can expect from Dru Samia in 2019

By Chris Schad | Apr 28, 2019

NORMAN, OK - OCTOBER 28: Offensive lineman Dru Samia #75 of the Oklahoma Sooners warms up before the game against the Texas Tech Red Raiders at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on October 28, 2017 in Norman, Oklahoma. Oklahoma defeated Texas Tech 49-27. (Photo by Brett Deering/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) Dru Samia /

The Good

Ability to get out in space

One of the key components of the Gary Kubiak zone blocking system is the need for offensive linemen to move laterally to get into space.

For Samia, that’s something he did better than anyone else in the country. He was consistently getting into the second level and springing an Oklahoma rushing attack that ranked seventh in the FBS in rushing yards last season.

Mental Processing

Being on the front line means having to adjust on the fly and Samia has shown a strong ability to pick up late blitzes as well as make late changes prior to snap. Putting him next to Pat Elflein and Bradbury should help get members of the Vikings’ line get to where they need to be even if things don’t go according to plan.

Experience

I touched on this a little bit in the first point, but Samia has plenty of experience in a zone blocking scheme. The fourth-round pick was a four-year starter on the offensive line for the Sooners and he also spent his freshman season at right tackle, which could provide versatility in an emergency situation for Minnesota.

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