5 moves that got the Minnesota Vikings to 8-3 at the bye

Drafting Garrett Bradbury

The Vikings knew they had to upgrade their offensive line in the 2019 NFL Draft and they didn’t hesitate to grab North Carolina State center Garrett Bradbury with the 18th overall pick.

Bradbury has not disappointed for Minnesota through the team’s first 11 games. He has been exactly what the Vikings thought they were getting when they took the big man in the first round.

Bradbury has started all 11 games for Minnesota this season. His addition to the team allowed the Vikings to move Pat Elflein to left guard and essentially upgrade two spots at once. Now, Elflein hasn’t been great this year, but having him remain at center would’ve been even more detrimental to the team’s offense.

Bradbury has had his ups and downs throughout his rookie season so far. Some games he’s great and other times he struggles against some of the big, powerful opposing nose guards he is lined up against.

One area Bradbury has been consistent in this year is his run blocking. This guy has an uncanny knack for getting to the second level and making blocks that add five to 10 extra yards per run.

He has continued to grow every single week and by all accounts, he appears to be on track to be the Vikings’ center for the next decade. Minnesota’s run game is much improved this season and the drafting of Bradbury is a big reason why.