3 Vikings position groups that have improved heading into the 2021 season

Offensive Guard

The Vikings had surprisingly good play from the tackle positions last season. Offensive tackles Riley Reiff and Brian O’Neill only allowed four sacks between them last year and both were very impressive in run blocking.

The main issue with Minnesota’s offensive line (and pretty much the whole team) was the guard play. The Vikings’ offensive line could not cope with the push down the middle giving quarterback Kirk Cousins almost no time.

2020 rookie guard Ezra Cleveland ended the 2020 season very well ranking 17th among all guards in the NFL. He appears to have taken further strides this summer as he played well during camp and in his preseason appearances.

The other guard spot looks to be in good hands with third-year blocker Oli Udoh and rookie Wyatt Davis battling for the starting spot.

At center, Garrett Bradbury has been underwhelming, to say the least. Bradbury’s pressure rate allowed of 5.1 percent ranked 34th out of 36 qualifying players in the position in 2020. He is approaching the end of his contract, and if he doesn’t begin to pull his weight, he could find himself looking for a new team.

The Vikings also traded for guard/center Mason Cole to give Bradbury competition and he too has been impressive this summer.