The Minnesota Vikings wove a familiar narrative in the 2021 season; their offensive line was abysmal. PFF ranked the Vikings offensive line as 23rd in the league. They also drew a lot of penalties this year. Their biggest liability was once again pass blocking. But despite these flaws, there’s hope for the Minnesota Vikings offensive line. For the first time in a while, the offensive line feels like it’s just a couple pieces away from being good. What can the Vikings do to get there? Let’s take a position by position look at how the Vikings can improve their offensive line.

Left Tackle

Chrisitan Darrisaw had a solid rookie season. Darrisaw earned an overall PFF grade of 71.9. He provided a stabilizing factor, in an offensive line that struggled without him. Darrisaw started the season injured and the Vikings proved that they were planning on Darrisaw starting the season. The offensive line noticeably improved when Darrisaw was healthy. Moving forward, the Minnesota Vikings should focus on coaching Darrisaw up and keeping him healthy. Christian Darrisaw has the potential to be a good left tackle for the Vikings for the next decade.

Left Guard

Ezra Cleveland had an okay season as the left guard. He earned a 68.5 grade on PFF and only allowed 1 sack in the season. Cleveland has earned his spot on the offensive line, but there’s still room for improvement at this position. There are some good guards hitting free agency in 2022, including Brandon Scheriff and Andrew Norwell. Signing a top offensive guardsmen who’s pushing 30 seems unlikely for the Vikings, but the Minnesota Vikings should consider bringing in competition for Ezra Cleveland. Ethan Pocic could be the perfect competition for Cleveland, at age 26. While Pocic’s PFF grade is similar to Cleveland’s, Cleveland could still improve through competition. Depth on the offensive line is also always a good idea. Ethan Pocic could provide competition at the left guard position, while also providing depth for the offensive line.

Center

Garrett Bradbury has left much to be desired at the center position. His PFF grade is currently sitting at 60.1. He needs to be replaced, as he has been a liability at center since being drafted in 2019. The Vikings should avoid the free agent centers in 2022, as most of the top names are on the wrong side of 30. Instead, the perfect answer lies in the 2022 draft. Tyler Linderbaum is a projected first round talent. The Vikings are in the perfect spot to take him, at pick 12 overall.

Tyler Linderbaum isn’t a versatile or flexible player, so he’d most likely be stuck at center. But his skill at center has the potential to set him up as a starting center for years to come. His hand technique is elite, always hitting his target when he needs to. His balance and toughness also ensure that he’s rarely beat. There’s a lot of risk with drafting another first round center here. That move has hurt the Vikings in the past. However, the only way to land an elite center in the draft is to keep taking that chance. Garrett Bradbury isn’t working for the Vikings, so they need to move on.

Right Guard

Oli Udoh should have never gotten the start at right guard. His pff grade, currently at 54.7, proves that. Udoh was also the most penalized Viking, drawing 13 flags throughout the season. The Vikings need to replace Oli Udoh immediately. Luckily, they have a few options to do that. As I said before, there are big name guardsmen who will be free agents in 2022. If the Vikings are hesitant to draft an aging player, there are also some options in this years draft. Kenyon Green could be the perfect pick to replace Oli Udoh.

Kenyon Green is extremely versatile, as he has played every offensive line position except for center. His quickness and mobility makes him a great interior pass protector. Green anchors well, which allows him to strike quickly. His mobility also allows for a benefit while run blocking. Green’s mobility would allow him to provide depth all over the offensive line, while also replacing the Minnesota Vikings biggest liability in the 2021 season.

Right Tackle

Brian O’Neill is the staple of the Vikings offensive line. His 73.7 pff grade proves how valuable he is. It’s also the reason he was recently names to the Pro Bowl. O’Neill signed an extension in 2021. The right tackle position will be fine with Brian O’Neill for years to come.

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