Branden Bowen – OL (Ohio State)
The Vikings are definitely going to be adding offensive line help in the 2020 NFL Draft. They need more depth and they have to bring in guys who can push the starters for playing time when they are struggling.
It makes sense for Minnesota to look at guys who played for major programs as they face the best competition week in and week out. That is why the Vikings should look at Branden Bowen from Ohio State when they send their scouts to the East-West Shrine Bowl.
There is plenty to like about Bowen. He’s massive at 6-foot-7 and 315 pounds, he moves well for a man so big, and he is plenty strong. Bowen offers position flexibility as he can play guard or tackle and teams will love that versatility.
The biggest knock on him and the greatest concern, is going to be his overall health and durability. Bowen broke his leg in the sixth game of the 2017 season and that injury caused him to miss the entire 2018 season. He did come back to play 12 games this year and he proved he is healthy. Those injuries are always red flags during draft season and it could push this big blocker down a round or two.
That would be just fine for Minnesota. To get a man this big and promising late in the draft could be a steal. These swing type of linemen are always coveted on draft day and Bowen should hear his name called on the Saturday of draft weekend despite the nasty leg injury that haunts his past.