Can Pat Elflein resurrect his career with the Vikings in 2020?

Can Elflein resurrect his career with the Vikings?

One would expect the chances of Pat Elflein bouncing back from two disappointing seasons would be slim. Offensive linemen rarely get more than a second chance of proving their mettle and the Vikings have no margin for error in 2020.

This is disappointing for both the player and the organization. Much was expected from Elflein when he entered the NFL. Sadly he has not lived up to expectations and has appeared to be a deer in the headlights for the majority of his time in the pros.

There is the chance he can make the necessary adjustments and improve. But the Vikings will undoubtedly be looking for a more reliable option that would send Elflein to the sidelines for an extended period.

Believe it or not, this might be a good thing for the player’s long-term prospects. Taking Elflein out of the firing line and letting him work on his game as a reserve might be enough to reinvigorate his game.

This is still a long shot and there is even the chance Elflein might not be part of the franchise by the time competitive action gets underway. He is further proof that a standout college career doesn’t necessarily transition to a successful NFL career.

Garrett Bradbury is expected to improve off of his rookie campaign. But the two guard spots need to be strengthened as a matter of urgency to give the Vikings the best possible chance of making another postseason run.

Elflein can no longer be relied upon to produce the goods and he only has himself to blame.