5 surprising decisions the Vikings could make before the 2021 season

Roll with only eight offensive linemen

In the last couple of seasons, the Vikings have initially kept 10 and then nine offensive linemen. There’s a chance that number could dip even lower this year and the team keeps only eight.

The biggest reason for this is that Minnesota has been targeting players who can play multiple positions on the offensive line, and that versatility could free up some roster spots at other positions.

At offensive tackle, Christian Darrisaw, Brian O’Neill, and Rashod Hill are all locks to make the roster. Oli Udoh and Blake Brandel would compete to be the fourth tackle, but there’s a chance the Vikings could pass on both.

Ezra Cleveland is looking like a lock to be the team’s starting left guard, and he was as a tackle in college and could be pushed to one of those spots if needed. So the Vikings could technically get by keeping just three designated tackles.

At guard, we already mentioned Cleveland, and Wyatt Davis will also make the team. As much as Vikings’ fans may hate it, Dakota Dozier is more than likely going to make the roster, and he can provide depth at tackle as well. The Vikings also have two versatile centers as Garrett Bradbury, and Mason Cole can both play guard if needed.

With all this versatility amongst the players, the Vikings could definitely have a deep enough offensive line by keeping just eight blockers this year.