The Vikings’ attack prospered in 2020, but the team still had weaknesses in that unit revealed.
For example, the team often struggled to protect the defender. The interior of the Minnesota offensive line often gave way to pressure, which forced Kirk Cousins to make mistakes.
At least the Vikings tried to update the offensive line a little in the off-season. The team recently switched to the Cardinal center, Mason Cole. Minnesota only had to give up a choice in the sixth round to get it too.
It is difficult to say where each offensive Vikings striker will fit in 2021. But it does not hurt to make an early prediction. Here is an initial lineup that I think the team could choose from next season:
The Vikings’ offensive faces Ezra Cleveland. Photo: Benny Sieu / USA TODAY Sports
In this scenario, the Vikings move Cleveland to the left attack. He started on the right guard last season, but he may be ready to play abroad. Cleveland played tackle in college and without Riley Reiff, it makes sense to put him here.
Former cardinals Mason Cole. Photo: Distribution: Phoenix
Cole receives the initial wave in the left guard. I think, from now on, he is one of the best strikers on the team. It fits what Minnesota tries to do with its offensive line scheme. He could be more easily on guard with the Vikings than as a center with the cardinals.
Garrett Bradbury from downtown Minnesota Vikings. Photo: Syndication: Wichita
Nothing too surprising here. I think Minnesota stays with Bradbury, a player who was inconsistent in 2020, but has also improved from the previous season. He’s still under contract, so I think this is an easy choice.
The Minnesota Vikings guard Kyle Hinton. Photo: AP Photo
I don’t see Dru Samia getting the nod to the right guard after 2020, but maybe he’ll take big steps. If I had to choose someone from the list of Vikings today to fill that void, I’d say it’s Hinton.
That said, the most likely scenario is that the team will get a full guard in the NFL draft. I think this position will stay in the air for a long time, unless the team uses a choice of guard at the beginning of the round and that player fits well into the league.
Minnesota Vikings offensive defense Brian O’Neill Photo: AP Photo / David Berding
Similar to Bradbury’s central point, this is also a very easy choice. O’Neill is arguably the Vikings’ best offensive striker. I think the team should keep him on the right in 2021. Moving him to the left risks not being so good. O’Neill being the left striker also increases his value at the free agency.