Vikings Training Camp 2019: Previewing the offensive line
By Chris Schad
Left Tackle: Riley Reiff
One of the returning starters from last year’s debacle is left tackle Riley Reiff. The Vikings 2017 free-agent signee has been solid during his time in Minnesota, but his 2018 season was not one of his finest moments. Battling a foot injury throughout most of the season, Reiff didn’t rank among the top-50 tackles in Pro Football Focus’ pass-blocking grades and ranked eighth with 42 pressures allowed.
Those numbers are a bit skewed thanks to Reiff’s Week 3 performance against Buffalo where he allowed 12 pressures to Jerry Hughes. While it’s possible that Reiff still has visions of Hughes in his nightmares from that game, he remains the best option the Vikings have at left tackle even with his counterpart Brian O’Neill looking like a possible heir apparent.
For now, Reiff comes into this season remaining at left tackle after a rumored switch to guard. With the 30-year old remaining at his natural position, he comes into 2019 healthy and looks to turn in a much better performance protecting the blind side of Kirk Cousins.