NFL's highest paid OLs

[MaroonBells]

Not sure the Panthers are quite getting their money's worth. 

[supafreak84]

Same with the Giants. Just another example of how bad offensive line play is league wide and teams overpaying mid type talents or older veterans on the back 9 to try and fix the issue. It's why I have zero problem if the Vikings decided to go offensive line with our first round pick despite already adding Fries and Kelly. Booker, Zabel, Donovan Jackson...bring it.

[StickierBuns]

If the Vikings draft an OG, I'll really hand it to them because they'll have overhauled a unit into one of the league's best in one offseason. A new starting interior who were 100% of the problem. Every skill player on that offense will benefit, including our shiny new redshirt freshman. And it'll tell me they've learned something from watching successful NFL teams IN THE PLAYOFFS that win games. Would be huge IMO.

[supafreak84]

If the Vikings draft an OG, I'll really hand it to them because they'll have overhauled a unit into one of the league's best in one offseason. A new starting interior who were 100% of the problem. Every skill player on that offense will benefit, including our shiny new redshirt freshman. And it'll tell me they've learned something from watching successful NFL teams IN THE PLAYOFFS that win games. Would be huge IMO.

Great points. I think one top prospect along either line could really push that unit into elite status, and the best way to get far in the playoffs is being elite along the lines. That's going to get this team a lot farther than drafting a backup safety. Just saying. It's time to get physical in the trenches.

[StickierBuns]

Great points. I think one top prospect along either line could really push that unit into elite status, and the best way to get far in the playoffs is being elite along the lines. That's going to get this team a lot farther than drafting a backup safety. Just saying. It's time to get physical in the trenches.

Yep, I mentioned the same thing a couple days ago about the D-line as you mention: draft a DT in round 1 and you basically can say the same exact thing I said about the offensive line. Transformational upgrades. Not sure how they might accomplish it, might take a trade down partner that would make the comp this year and not 2026, but to take both an OG and DT in the top 3 rounds would be a grand slam. A dream of an offseason without debate. And then the added comp Draft picks for 2026 Minnesota will be getting? Potentially epic.

Imagine Booker/Jackson at #24 and a guy like DT Jordan Phillips, Pegues or Deone Walker in round 3? Some of these DTs in a very strong field are going to hit big time outside of round 1 and 2, its unbelievably deep. Could go in several directions at DT. Only 10 days until the Draft.

[MaroonBells]

Great points. I think one top prospect along either line could really push that unit into elite status, and the best way to get far in the playoffs is being elite along the lines. That's going to get this team a lot farther than drafting a backup safety. Just saying. It's time to get physical in the trenches.

Curious why you say backup.

[pattersaur]

Vikes have shown they're willing to spend both picks and money along the OL. It seems to finally be paying off.

It'd be "boring" for some fans but yeah I'd be thrilled if we drafted a guard-- provided he can contribute early. With so few picks this year, I'm not sure we have the luxury of drafting a developmental talent with our first pick.

[medaille]

Vikings ran 3 safeties as their normal package last year. We currently have Smith and Mettelus pretty solidly entrenched at S, with Theo Jackson getting recently paid a midtier amount to be the 3rd guy. There’d be a little bit of duplication there for year one, but you’d be hoping Starks or whoever would take the 3rd spot year one, and then it’d be pretty settled for when Smith retires.

Drafting a DT would be a pure rotational piece, but they’re more subject to rotation, and both our guys are getting older and might be fighting through injuries.

I don’t think either would be a wrong pick. You’re probably hoping to pick up an impact S and DT in the next 2 drafts regardless.

[MaroonBells]

Vikings ran 3 safeties as their normal package last year.  We currently have Smith and Mettelus pretty solidly entrenched at S, with Theo Jackson getting recently paid a midtier amount to be the 3rd guy.  There’d be a little bit of duplication there for year one, but you’d be hoping Starks or whoever would take the 3rd spot year one, and then it’d be pretty settled for when Smith retires.

Drafting a DT would be a pure rotational piece, but they’re more subject to rotation, and both our guys are getting older and might be fighting through injuries.

I don’t think either would be a wrong pick.  You’re probably hoping to pick up an impact S and DT in the next 2 drafts regardless.

I love Harry as much as the next guy, but my goodness, the guy's 36 years old. To me, there was a noticeable drop off from his All Pro days two or three years ago. To his credit, he seemed to plateau there and not decline any more. But the cliff can't be far. I think if we take a safety in the top 100, that guy would likely push Harry to a more situational role.

[supafreak84]

Curious why you say backup.

I was referencing for this upcoming season. I think it would be difficult for a rookie safety to make much of an impact outside of special teams and I think it's imperative we get an immediate return on investment, not only for the team but also a GM who doesn't have a contract extension and has gotten basically zero impact from 3 of the 4 first round picks he's made. Why draft a safety who will be firmly buried behind two high performing vets (Smith/Mattelus), a young guy who was just extended in Theo Jackson (who the head coach is excited about), and maybe even Jay Ward who has been in and learned a complex system for a couple years already. Why, when we could realistically draft a starting lineman or an impact weapon to help out the young quarterback? If we are talking for next season, yes you could draft and stash a rookie safety looking for them to start in 2026, but in my opinion you'd get a minimal return on investment for this season and I don't think we are in a position to do that.