Few NFL teams can turn to their third-string center and survive a game against Myles Garrett, Maliek Collins, and arguably the most formidable pass rush in football.
In Week 5, the Minnesota Vikings pulled it off — with one of their reserve guards playing center for the first time in his career.
Blake Brandel, due to his positional versatility, was never a cut candidate during Vikings training camp this summer, but he was pushed down the depth chart with the addition of rookie left guard Donovan Jackson.
Brandel has been a valuable contributor to Minnesota’s offensive line since joining the team as a sixth-round draft pick in 2021. He spent time at right guard and left tackle for the Vikings before serving as their starting left guard in 2024.
His 65 snaps at center against the Browns were something else, though.
Brandel wasn’t perfect against Cleveland, but no one expected him to be. Per Pro Football Focus, he allowed two QB pressures and one sack in 16 true pass blocking sets.
For a fifth-year pro who never even played the position in college, it was heroic stuff for the Vikings, who rallied for a huge, 21-17 win to get to 3-2 entering the bye week.
The Vikings are preparing to return to action Sunday against the reigning Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles at U.S. Bank Stadium, and Brandel has suddenly carved out another role — as Minnesota’s starting center.
Blake Brandel could be the solution to an ongoing problem at center for the Minnesota Vikings
Head coach Kevin O’Connell confirmed to reporters Friday that Brandel will start his second straight game at center on Sunday, with quarterback Carson Wentz taking the snaps.
That constitutes as depth chart movement, as the Vikings have not ruled out backup center Michael Jurgens; in fact, Jurgens is listed as questionable for the Eagles game despite logging three full practices this week on his injured hamstring.
Brandel drew praise from offensive coordinator Wes Phillips earlier this week, and with starter Ryan Kelly on injured reserve and facing an uncertain future due to repeat concussions, the Vikings could be looking at a more permanent change at center than originally expected.
“Blake, being a guy who’s played tackle, guard, and now center, in NFL football games is pretty rare, pretty unique. … He’s at least been trained over the years to be ready for this opportunity, when it came, and he really stepped up. The communication was what I think everyone was really impressed with throughout the week, and obviously, the play in the game.
The way Blake handled this game, I think we might be looking at a situation where this could be his best position of all five across the line.”
Multiple Vikings linemen deserve their flowers for the win over the Browns. Justin Skule played both tackle spots in the same game. Walter Rouse came off the bench and was on the field for the Vikings' game-winning drive in the fourth quarter.
Brandel’s the one who could be looking at an extended encore, especially if he can hold up well against Jordan Davis, Jalen Carter, and Philadelphia’s massive front.
With a potential out in Kelly’s contract for just a $3.3 million dead salary-cap hit next year, per Spotrac, Brandel’s audition at center could hint at something much bigger down the road for a team that continues to search for answers at that position.