4 potential weak links on the Minnesota Vikings in 2022
By Dean Jones
Center
The Minnesota Vikings look to have a bookend tackle tandem and players more than capable of becoming consistent at the guard positions. However, there are some grave concerns about the center spot that have grown since the start of camp.
Garrett Bradbury got another chance to prove his worth this offseason despite his poor production since joining the team as a first-round pick. The Vikings didn’t pick up his fifth-year option, but it looked plain sailing for the North Carolina State product in terms of winning the starting job in 2022.
Now, things might not be so clear cut.
According to reports, the Vikings have been working veteran Chris Reed at center in the event Bradbury cannot galvanize himself before Week 1. The same problems that blighted his time in the league so far don’t seem to be going away, which is a complication Minnesota doesn’t need in pursuit of the playoffs once again.
The Vikings will be taking a big risk by installing Bradbury as their No.1. But it’s not like Reed’s pass protection has been stellar throughout his career, either.
It’s something to keep an eye on. Everything seems to be in position for Minnesota’s offense to take a gigantic leap forward under Kevin O’Connell, so they can ill-afford Bradbury becoming a non-factor.