Keep reading that the O-line is training and being coached differently....

Any fingerprint from Frank Smith on this as well? I have to imagine that to be true.

Wait?

I thought K. Carter was universally disliked and dis-respected?

Or am I recalling that incorrectly this am?

purplefaithful wrote:

Wait?
I thought K. Carter was universally disliked and dis-respected?
Or am I recalling that incorrectly this am?

There were unspecified issues between Carter & Breece Hall when Carter was on the NYJ staff.

I'm telling ya, something is going to be different this year with the O-line:

Setting the standard. Setting the tone. pic.twitter.com/c2vURMXdmO

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) June 10, 2026

That little smirk from Wes Phillips tells me he's pretty excited about the OL and the coaching going on there... I think Wes likey. :-)

The IOL will be the heaviest group to play in the history of the Viking franchise. The biggest/heaviest IOL I recall was the 2009 squad, this group is Bigger and heavier.

O'Neil will now be the lightest Olineman at 310lbs.

How can anyone definitively know what's coming when the players size/traits are unlike anything fans have seen>? Has there ever been a 6'7 325lb+ center in the history of the league?

I can see how this whole thing is gonna be better than expected. Add Jennings , Bredeson and company and its not hard to see what's coming. I freaking dig it!

FWIW heard an interesting factoid that accurately depicts how out of sorts the 2025 Oline was. The 2025 starting 5 Oline played a total of 7% of the snaps together, all season.

I recall the 200 OL was massive as well. AI claims it was heavier than the 2026:

2000

• Todd Steussie (LT): 310 lbs

• Corbin Lacina (LG): 314 lbs

• Matt Birk (C): 310 lbs

• David Dixon (RG): 350+ lbs

• Korey Stringer (RT): 346 lbs

That right side of the line had their way on running downs.

2026

• Christian Darrisaw (LT) – 315 lbs

• Donovan Jackson (LG) – 324 lbs

• Blake Brandel (C) – 315 lbs

• Will Fries (RG) – 325 lbs

• Brian O'Neill (RT) – 310 lbs

I love the potential of this line, especially with the new OL coach and Assistant Head Coach. If they stay relatively healthy, we are in for a treat.

Mattyman wrote:

I can see how this whole thing is gonna be better than expected. Add Jennings , Bredeson and company and its not hard to see what's coming. I freaking dig it!
FWIW heard an interesting factoid that accurately depicts how out of sorts the 2025 Oline was. The 2025 starting 5 Oline played a total of 7% of the snaps together, all season.

A great run blocking WR3 and a 252 lb. FB/TE with these big boys being healthy.....hmmmmm? 🤔

Fries ready and fully healthy....good listen here on how he's both mentally and physically ready for this season. LOVES Frank Smith. This is the year to judge Fries. There is a potential out scenario in his contract after this season if he doesn't pan out and would be zero dead cap hit to cut him next offseason. Hopefully that's not the case.

Brief catch-up after today's #Vikings minicamp practice with starting right guard Will Fries: pic.twitter.com/nT3MMZYtri

— Darren Wolfson (@DWolfsonKSTP) June 11, 2026

StickierBuns wrote:

Fries ready and fully healthy....good listen here on how he's both mentally and physically ready for this season. LOVES Frank Smith. This is the year to judge Fries.
https://x.com/DWolfsonKSTP/status/2064866172529410509

Best thing about Fries is that we know his baseline is solid. He might not ever live up to that paycheck, but he's not going to suck either. Maybe a year removed from the injury helps him physically and mentally, but the best thing for him will be Brandel and O'Neill staying healthy. The line had zero continuity last year and it showed, even among those who didn't miss a game. Maybe Frank Smith brings out a saltier Fries.

MaroonBells wrote:

Best thing about Fries is that we know his baseline is solid. He might not ever live up to that paycheck, but he's not going to suck either. Maybe a year removed from the injury helps him physically and mentally, but the best thing for him will be Brandel and O'Neill staying healthy. The line had zero continuity last year and it showed, even among those who didn't miss a game. Maybe Frank Smith brings out a saltier Fries.

There is a potential out scenario in his contract after this season if he doesn't pan out and would be zero dead cap hit to cut him next offseason. Hopefully that's not the case.

Our G depth is criminal. Now, the plan might be to move Brandel if there’s an issue, but I’ve always hated that. You have now basically weakened two spots due to one injury.

JustInTime wrote:

Our G depth is criminal. Now, the plan might be to move Brandel if there’s an issue, but I’ve always hated that. You have now basically weakened two spots due to one injury.

Could be better, but Joe Huber showed something last year. And Tiernan could easily move to guard if we need him to.

JustInTime wrote:

Our G depth is criminal. Now, the plan might be to move Brandel if there’s an issue, but I’ve always hated that. You have now basically weakened two spots due to one injury.

Could be better, but Joe Huber showed something last year. And Tiernan could easily move to guard if we need him to.