Re-grading the Minnesota Vikings 2018 draft class

Second Round

Brian O’Neill – OT

Stats:

• 46 games (42 starts)

Grade:

• 4.5/4

Brian O’Neill is hands down the best pick made by the Vikings during the 2018 draft. He came in a bit raw and there was some talk he’d need at least half of a season to acclimate to the NFL game. But O’Neill progressed faster than anyone expected and he became a starter about five games into his rookie campaign.

He has gone on to start 42 games and the only matchup he’s missed since becoming a starter was in Week 17 of the 2019 season when Minnesota rested their starters prior to their first-round playoff game against the New Orleans Saints.

O’Neill has been a rock on the right side of the Vikings offensive line. He is quick, athletic, and fundamentally sound. He rarely allows a sack as he has given up just four in his career. He also doesn’t draw many penalties. He has become the team’s best offensive lineman and a lone bright spot on a unit that has had its struggles.

O’Neill’s play has been a big reason why Minnesota has been so effective running the football recently. He can seal off the edge and allow Dalvin Cook or AlexanderMattison to get to the outside where they can do major damage to a defense.

The Vikings were hoping that O’Neill would progress into a solid starter for them. But they didn’t expect him to become the best player on their offensive line and one of the better right tackles in the NFL today so quickly.