The Viking Age
FanSided

5 most independent players on the 2020 Minnesota Vikings roster

By Nik Edlund

CARSON, CA - DECEMBER 15: Middle linebacker Eric Kendricks #54 of the Minnesota Vikings forces a fumble by running back Austin Ekeler #30 of the Los Angeles Chargers allowing defensive end Ifeadi Odenigbo #95 of the Minnesota Vikings to grab the ball and run for a touchdown in the second quarter of the game at Dignity Health Sports Park on December 15, 2019 in Carson, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
CARSON, CA - DECEMBER 15: Middle linebacker Eric Kendricks #54 of the Minnesota Vikings forces a fumble by running back Austin Ekeler #30 of the Los Angeles Chargers allowing defensive end Ifeadi Odenigbo #95 of the Minnesota Vikings to grab the ball and run for a touchdown in the second quarter of the game at Dignity Health Sports Park on December 15, 2019 in Carson, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) Brian O’Neill – Minnesota Vikings
(Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) Brian O’Neill – Minnesota Vikings /

RT Brian O’Neil

The Vikings’ offensive line has been a sore spot for the team in the last few seasons. The interior has especially been a mess with Pat Elflein being the biggest sore. One consistent over the last two years has been the play of right tackle Brian O’Neil.

O’Neil was drafted by the Vikings back in 2018. He started 11 games as a rookie and it didn’t take him long to show he was the best blocker on the team. O’Neil is a huge man standing 6’7 and nearly 300 pounds. Despite his sasquatch-esque size, he moves exceptionally well. He’s quick out of his stance and immediately gets his mitts on his defender.  O’Neil has a quick backpedal and uses those long arms to keep a nice social distance from his man. He also rarely gets a penalty and has allowed just half a sack his entire career.

O’Neil has been this good without having a great player next to him. During his rookie season, he was lined up next to Mike Remmers, who was a major liability. Last season he did have Josh Kline for quite a few games but also had to play next to Dakota Dozier, who was definitely below average.

Unfortunately for O’Neil, he’ll likely once again have a below-average player next to him in 2020. It’s a good thing for the Vikings he’s shown the ability to be a brick wall no matter who is playing beside him.

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