Xavier Su’a-Filo
Our final target represents another name in the search for depth in former Dallas Cowboys offensive lineman Xavier Su’a-Filo.
The Vikings would be making a mistake to bring him in to completely take over Pat Elflein’s starting spot at guard. But again, this would make perfect sense if Minnesota wanted to bring a veteran in to compete with Elflein for his spot.
Su’a-Filo’s career hasn’t gotten off to the brightest of starts as he ranked 93rd and 122nd in PFF’s overall grades in 2017 and 2018. But 2019 might have shown him turning over a new leaf as he saw progress in his pass-blocking.
Only playing six games, Su’a-Filo posted a pass-blocking grade of 77.7, which ranked 16th among qualifying guards. With some athletic flashes including a 96th percentile time in the 20-yard shuttle drill, he’d fit the bill of a zone-scheme center while also providing depth at both guard positions.
While not flashy, these are the moves the Vikings will have to rely on to compete in 2020. Whether they can clear the cap room to make a bigger name come to Minnesota remains to be seen. But guards like Su’a-Filo may represent a best-case scenario in what could be a rough offseason.