6 free-agent interior offensive linemen the Vikings could sign in 2020
By Chris Schad
Joe Thuney
Brandon Scherff may be the bigger name and have the hometown connection, but if the Vikings want to swing big, their best shot would be to sign Joe Thuney away from the New England Patriots.
Unlike Trent Brown, who was big and more of a stationary type of offensive lineman, Thuney is a little bit smaller. However, he has the athleticism that would make him a dream in Gary Kubiak‘s zone-scheme offense.
Among the players in the 2016 NFL Draft class, Thuney graded out in the 19th percentile in weight (304 pounds). But he flashed athletically by placing in the 87th percentile in the 20-yard shuttle, the 88th percentile in the 3-cone drill, the 91st percentile in the broad jump, and the 98th percentile in the 40-yard dash with a 94th percentile performance in his 10-yard split as well.
Under Patriots offensive line coach Dante Scarnecchia, Thuney made the transition from tackle to guard almost seamlessly and he has evolved into one of the best pass protectors in the league. He has allowed just 16 pressures on 693 passing attempts according to Pro Football Focus.
It’s going to sound like a broken record here, but the issue again will be the money. As the top guard on the market, Minnesota will likely have to clear a bunch of cap room in order to land Thuney.
If they’re able to do it, however, it would be a massive upgrade to clear some room and neutralize opposing pass-rushing attacks.