Pat Elflein excited to play guard for Vikings and mentor Garrett Bradbury
By Adam Carlson
The offensive line of the Minnesota Vikings will look a little different during the 2019 NFL season with Pat Elflein and Garrett Bradbury in new spots.
When the Minnesota Vikings drafted center Garrett Bradbury in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft, it was fairly obvious that either he or Pat Elflein would be moving to guard for the upcoming season.
Most assumed Elflein would be making the move, and that appears to be the safe answer. Bradbury got first-team reps at OTAs at center and Elflein has experience at guard on the college level at Ohio State.
Recently, Pat Elflein talked about transitioning to guard on the official website of the Minnesota Vikings, as well as discussing the man who would be taking over center this year:
"“I was excited that we were getting another great lineman for this room. To add tough guys, add depth, we got better as a unit and as a team when we drafted him, so I was excited.”"
Elflein has every right to be excited. After a year of playing next to Tom Compton and Mike Remmers (Pro Football Focus scores of 60.6 and 59.2 respectively), the former All-Rookie Team standout must be looking forward to having above average talent next to him.
"“We welcomed him with open arms,” Elflein said of Bradbury’s arrival. “I always knew I could play either … I’m position-flexible. We like Garrett, and it’s a smooth transition.”"
The Vikings will be employing a new blocking this scheme under the new coaching regime and drafted the player who they thought would help the most in that system. Even though that meant moving the former third-round pick in 2017 to guard to accommodate their draft selection this year.
Meanwhile, Elflein understands the challenges facing a rookie center in the NFL and is ready to help make the transition from college to the pros easier for Bradbury.
"“I’m definitely helping him. A rookie center is not an easy job to come in from college to the highest level and be the guy,” Elflein said. “All the vets are relying on a rookie who is the youngest guy. We’re helping him along.”"
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With a new look, new scheme, and new faces on the offensive line, there has to be hope that the Minnesota Vikings can do a much better job of protecting quarterback Kirk Cousins as well open holes in the run game. Hopefully, this strategy pays off well for the team during the 2019 NFL season.