5 early winners from the Minnesota Vikings 2021 offseason

Garrett Bradbury – C

Considering how little production Garrett Bradbury has had around him on the offensive line interior, the center has performed really well since entering the league. The former first-round pick has grown in stature with every passing year and now the Vikings could have additional quality at the guard position following their offseason additions.

This has the scope to benefit Bradbury more than most.

However, it’s vital that the Vikings don’t overthink it and go with young players such as Ezra Cleveland and Wyatt Davis rather than veterans who are clearly not up to the required standard.

Minnesota’s lack of ability to sufficiently protect from the interior caused some problems in key moments last season. They should have a solid bookend presence with Brian O’Neill and first-round pick Christian Darrisaw, but this will be for nothing if Bradbury and his counterparts cannot live up to their end of the bargain.

It’s hard to envisage a situation where the Vikings are worse in this area of the field, especially if Cleveland and Davis hit the ground running. Bradbury also needs to make the necessary strides in a big third campaign for the player and he’s shown enough so far to suggest this is a real possibility.