OL & OC Improvement

I was pretty disappointed in the fact that Udoh really struggled and Wyatt Davis couldn't get on the field. We have 3 really good young lineman in Darrisaw, Cleveland, and ONeill. Bradberry is just limited in his ability to anchor and I don't think that's ever going to change. So yes on top of all the defensive personnel we need, the interior offensive line will still need to be addressed at some point as well. 

@"supafreak84" said: I was pretty disappointed in the fact that Udoh really struggled and Wyatt Davis couldn't get on the field. We have 3 really good young lineman in Darrisaw, Cleveland, and ONeill. Bradberry is just limited in his ability to anchor and I don't think that's ever going to change. So yes on top of all the defensive personnel we need, the interior offensive line will still need to be addressed at some point as well. 

@"Hawkvike25" said:

@"supafreak84" said: I was pretty disappointed in the fact that Udoh really struggled and Wyatt Davis couldn't get on the field. We have 3 really good young lineman in Darrisaw, Cleveland, and ONeill. Bradberry is just limited in his ability to anchor and I don't think that's ever going to change. So yes on top of all the defensive personnel we need, the interior offensive line will still need to be addressed at some point as well. 

Honestly, I dont know if Cleveland is that good. He had a lot of ups and downs this year. Is that because of poor consistency at center? Could be. Zimmer hated Wyatt so hopefully he gets a look this year with SkolConnell

@"supafreak84" said:

@"Hawkvike25" said:

@"supafreak84" said: I was pretty disappointed in the fact that Udoh really struggled and Wyatt Davis couldn't get on the field. We have 3 really good young lineman in Darrisaw, Cleveland, and ONeill. Bradberry is just limited in his ability to anchor and I don't think that's ever going to change. So yes on top of all the defensive personnel we need, the interior offensive line will still need to be addressed at some point as well. 

Honestly, I dont know if Cleveland is that good. He had a lot of ups and downs this year. Is that because of poor consistency at center? Could be. Zimmer hated Wyatt so hopefully he gets a look this year with SkolConnell

I think for a guy playing his first year at a new position he was better then average and will continue to improve and settle in. Udoh and the penalties were a huge problem as well as Bradberry and his usual anchoring problems 

I wouldn't draft an OL at all. It's damn young enough. We need some experience. Hopefully someone with experience in KOC's offense. So I'd trade for or sign a veteran. Nothing bank-breaking, just a Cole-like signing would help.

I'm good with Udoh as a backup swing tackle, Brandel as a utility reserve, and Hinton as a guy to keep developing, but he obviously is fringe. Be nice if Davis could step into one of the open IOL spots.

FWIW, I think Cleveland will be the best offensive lineman on the team in a couple years. 

The Vikings seemed to use the practice of converting tackles into guards.  Tackles are usually taller, longer legged and more athletic.  Guards are a little shorter, bigger bodied with shorter legs.  Guards built like this, are able to anchor better, get under the pads of their opponents and neutralize line penetration.  Also, true guards are a lot familiar and experienced at this position in contrast to a converted tackle learning a new position.
Tackles are built to handle the corners of the line and neutralize rushing ends.  They need to be more athletic where a guard relies on more brut force within the offensive line.
Just my theory.

@"MaroonBells" said: I wouldn't draft an OL at all. It's damn young enough. We need some experience. Hopefully someone with experience in KOC's offense. So I'd trade for or sign a veteran. Nothing bank-breaking, just a Cole-like signing would help.

I'm good with Udoh as a backup swing tackle, Brandel as a utility reserve, and Hinton as a guy to keep developing, but he obviously is fringe. Be nice if Davis could step into one of the open IOL spots.

FWIW, I think Cleveland will be the best offensive lineman on the team in a couple years. 

This team (and KC) would be best served with a veteran IOL. Someone who's gritty and proven. 

@"ArizonaViking" said: The Vikings seemed to use the practice of converting tackles into guards.  Tackles are usually taller, longer legged and more athletic.  Guards are a little shorter, bigger bodied with shorter legs.  Guards built like this, are able to anchor better, get under the pads of their opponents and neutralize line penetration.  Also, true guards are a lot familiar and experienced at this position in contrast to a converted tackle learning a new position. Tackles are built to handle the corners of the line and neutralize rushing ends.  They need to be more athletic where a guard relies on more brut force within the offensive line. Just my theory.

Vikings love to pull Ezra Cleveland and plays like this G counter show exactly why. Whew: pic.twitter.com/pLfjMDMAbg

— Nick Olson (@NickOlsonNFL) December 11, 2021

According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler the Vikings have shown high interest in 49ers free agent guard Laken Tomlinson and are expected to make a run at him when free agency hits..

I think there’s a strong likelihood that we haven’t been
getting the most out of the players we’ve had on the OLine.  I don’t think it’s a given that the new coaching
staff is going to automatically get the most out of those guys, given both O’Connell,
Phillips, and Kuper are lower on the experience level and will probably have a
bunch of things going on at the same time, but I like that O’Connell mentioned
that the scheme will be less stressful for the OLine players.  I definitely would lean towards bringing in a
solid vet to just stabilize the whole situation.

I agree with MB and Medaille.  I don't see the Vikes using any day 1 or 2 picks on oline.   I like Davis (who is currently working out with an Oline coach) to take the right guard position -- I think he has a huge chip on his shoulder right now.  I am also with MB watching Hinton -- I could see him being starting center down the line.  I wouldn't want to spend 7 mill plus on a veteran Oline guard.  Olines improve the more they play together and there has been no continuity the past few years.   I think they may let it ride besides drafting a center/guard in the later rounds.

Not to beat a dead horse, but Zimm f'd this team by not giving the youngsters enough in-game reps.  Would really help the evaluation now.

Go for a FA C and G.  Cost, tier, who cares, as long as they can upgrade the positional play to NFL average that would be great.  Give me a solid vet to play inside with the bookends and Cleveland.   This line would be very good with stable anchor play in the middle.

Draft D (DE+CB+LB) and back up RB/TE

I think the Line can improve a lot simply from having a new play caller. How often did opposing defenses know we were in running or passing situations? We were what, last in the league in stuffed runs? With a more balanced offense, hopefully one that keeps opposing defenses honest and guessing, will lead to less pressure on the linemen when they don't have to go against a defense that knows what you're running half the time.

The right coach can fix Udoh.  His issue with penalties is mental, focus.  Players are not machines, they are human.  The "culture of fear" can bring out the worst in people.  Not the best.

@"supafreak84" said: According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler the Vikings have shown high interest in 49ers free agent guard Laken Tomlinson and are expected to make a run at him when free agency hits..

@"Montana Tom" said: The right coach can fix Udoh.  His issue with penalties is mental, focus.  Players are not machines, they are human.  The "culture of fear" can bring out the worst in people.  Not the best.

@"supafreak84" said: According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler the Vikings have shown high interest in 49ers free agent guard Laken Tomlinson and are expected to make a run at him when free agency hits..

Playing in the 49ers wide zone he'd be a good fit for the Vikings, and add much needed experience to that line. 

@"purplefaithful" said:

@"MaroonBells" said: I wouldn't draft an OL at all. It's damn young enough. We need some experience. Hopefully someone with experience in KOC's offense. So I'd trade for or sign a veteran. Nothing bank-breaking, just a Cole-like signing would help.

I'm good with Udoh as a backup swing tackle, Brandel as a utility reserve, and Hinton as a guy to keep developing, but he obviously is fringe. Be nice if Davis could step into one of the open IOL spots.

FWIW, I think Cleveland will be the best offensive lineman on the team in a couple years. 

@ the bold 100%

This team (and KC) would be best served with a veteran IOL. Someone who's gritty and proven.