Vikings 2019: Way too early 53-man roster projection

Offensive Line (9)

• Starters (from left to right): Riley Reiff, Pat Elflein, Garrett Bradbury, Josh Kline, Brian O’Neill
• Backups: Dru Samia – G, Brett Jones – C/G, Aviante Collins – OT, Rashod Hill – OT

The most-watched process of the offseason involved the Vikings completely retooling their offensive line. As it stands now, the Vikings will have two new starters in the trenches and another starter moving to a new position. All of this makes the offensive line (and what combination they decide to throw out) one of the most intriguing aspects to watch in the next four months.

Riley Reiff and Brian O’Neill will remain in their positions from 2018 up front and first-round pick Garrett Bradbury will likely settle in at center after some possible tinkering during OTAs. That’s where things get interesting as Pat Elflein will move over to guard and free-agent signing Josh Kline will start at right guard.

It’s likely that all five of those linemen will be safe, but guard Dru Samia could make things interesting with a strong camp. If Kline falters and Samia impresses, the Vikings could eat half of Kline’s contract and roll with the rookie from Oklahoma. The same thing could happen on the left side if Elflein does not acclimate himself well at guard, but odds are, he will remain on the roster regardless.

The battle should occur for the final three to four roster spots. Brett Jones can be a nice backup plan at either guard or center and the team was high on Aviante Collins before he went down with an injury last August. Rashod Hill could be on thin ice, but outside of keeping sixth-rounder Oli Udoh, the Vikings don’t have many feasible alternatives for depth.