6 mid-round prospects in play for the Vikings at the 2020 NFL Draft
By Dean Jones
Solomon Kindley – OG (Georgia)
The Vikings’ much-maligned offensive line showed signs of life at times during the 2019 season. But their limitations were once again evident when it mattered most during their heavy divisional-round playoff defeat against the San Francisco 49ers.
Although there are some serious concerns about Solomon Kindley’s weight (listed at 335 pounds), there is no doubt that from his 2019 production he could easily emerge as an NFL starter in no time at all.
He is an imposing presence on the line of scrimmage and he displays exceptional momentum for someone his size.
Kindley possesses the sort of ruthless aggression that Minnesota head coach Mike Zimmer absolutely loves and he could be a lively contender to replace Pat Elflein at left guard providing he makes a successful transition to the NFL level.
Kindley was one of the standout performers during Georgia’s rise to the National Championship game in 2017 as a freshman. He is adept at opening holes for his running backs and he could already be considered an upgrade in pass protection from the guard position, which is something that hampered the Vikings at critical moments during the 2019 campaign.
Having the ability to run block and pass block well has been sorely missing of late for Minnesota at the guard position and the addition of Kindley, providing he can keep his weight under control, has the potential to give the position some stability.
The Vikings’ front office might decide to address this position higher up in the draft. But if they wait until the middle rounds, then Kindley is definitely one to keep an eye on.