Forum The Longship Interior Lineman Draft Prospects at 30

Interior Lineman Draft Prospects at 30

TBro
Joined May 2013
96 posts
Rep: 7

In my opinion, we need two day 1 starters at OG and DT out of this draft unless we find those replacements in FA. I know there are always surprises every year, but who do you think will be some of the realistic Interior Lineman options available for Rick to select at 30 that you really like? I don't see guys like Da'Ron Payne, Taven Bryan, Quenton Nelson, Maurice Hurst(Too small to play interior in my opinion) available that late in the 1st. 

Here are a few I like that I hope will still be there. No particular order. I'm looking at all of these as Day 1 starters.

Will Hernandez 6'3" 305 lbs OG UTEP  Just an absolute beast. Very nasty player. 

Harrison Phillips 6'3" 303 lbs DT Standford  I hate to use the cliche, but he has a relentless motor. Tenacious defender.

Billy Price 6'4" 315 lbs C/OG Ohio State  Awesome fit next to Elflein and has versatility to play OG or C

Braden Smith 6'5" 303 lbs OG Aurburn  Best Blocker in the SEC this year. Tall but athletic, quick feet, and a powerful lower body. Rick could look at trading down into the second a few spots to gain some picks and still possibly get him. 

Vita Vea 6'5 340 lbs  DT Washington  The Tongan Freak has unbelievable strength and athleticism. Not sure if he could play next to Linval in Zimmer's scheme, but I would love to see what those two could do side by side. Stock seems to be moving up so 30 might be a bit unrealistic for us to grab him. 

Please add some names to the list you like at 30. 

 

Liked:
#1 · Jan 28, 11:14 AM
DE
Joined Apr 2026
206,512 posts
Rep: 0
Walter Football's Charlie Campbell spoke with sources at six different NFL teams regarding Michigan DL Maurice Hurst's draft standing, with four saying that the Wolverine would be drafted in Round 2. Hurst (6'2/282) has been a popular first-round name in mock drafts this winter -- earlier on Tuesday, ESPN's Todd McShay projected him to the Cowboys at pick No. 19 -- but this does not appear to be an opinion held by all. One NFC GM went so far as to tell Campbell, "We graded him in the bottom half of the second , and he could go in the third." Campbell has heard some questions about just how well the undersized Hurst might be able to hang against the run at the pro level. It should be noted that this was an area he excelled in during the 2017 campaign -- he was the only defensive tackle to receive a grade of at least 90 against the run by Pro Football Focus metrics. The NFL Scouting Combine figures to be an important setting for him as he tries to convince that he's worth a Day 1 selection.
Liked:
#22 · Feb 7, 4:42 AM
DE
Joined Apr 2026
206,512 posts
Rep: 0
Texas DL Poona Ford did not receive an invitation to the NFL Scouting Combine. Ford (5'11/306) was named Big 12 Co-Defensive Player of the Year for the 2017 campaign and turned in a strong showing during the Senior Bowl practice week after receiving a late invite to that premier postseason bowl. Draft Analyst's Tony Pauline went so far as to write that he was "impossible to stop" at times during his stay in Mobile. With no combine invitation forthcoming, though, he'll have to make his bread in athletic testing during Texas' pro day this spring. He projects as a potential late Day 3 selection for the draft. Size concerns and his limited scheme fit cap his stock mobility.
Liked:
#23 · Feb 7, 4:44 AM
DE
Joined Apr 2026
206,512 posts
Rep: 0

McShay's 2.0 draft has the Vikings selecting McGlinchey with our 30th pick. Normally, I would be very happy with that pick. The majority of the other Interior Lineman mentioned in this thread were already off the board in his mock except one that I was surprised to see fall to number 32 with the Eagles and that was Taven Bryan DT Florida. I have Bryan rated higher than McGlinchey at a huge position of need for us. I would have a tough time passing on him if he's there at 30. 

Liked:
#24 · Feb 7, 5:34 AM
DE
Joined Apr 2026
206,512 posts
Rep: 0
@"TBro" said: McShay's 2.0 draft has the Vikings selecting McGlinchey with our 30th pick. Normally, I would be very happy with that pick. The majority of the other Interior Lineman mentioned in this thread were already off the board in his mock except one that I was surprised to see fall to number 32 with the Eagles and that was Taven Bryan DT Florida. I have Bryan rated higher than McGlinchey at a huge position of need for us. I would have a tough time passing on him if he's there at 30. 
The issue with Bryan is that you won't be able to put him on the field immediately. He has all the physical traits you look for, but has absolutely no feel for setting up pass rushing moves and doesn't seem to have the greatest instincts. 
Liked:
#25 · Feb 7, 7:26 AM
DE
Joined Apr 2026
206,512 posts
Rep: 0

We have a ways to go until the draft but I am not super excited about the interior D-line class, which leads you to believe the Vikings may end up paying for an UFA or banking on Jaleel Johnson's progression. 

Three names to watch along the O-line are: 

1. Isaiah Wynn - The bad thing is that I think he'll end up going in the early to mid 20's. There are a lot of guard hungry teams before the Vikings end up on the clock.
2. Kolton Miller - Highly technical OT with good feet. I don't think many would hesitate to project him as a future LT. He could slide it an RT from day one but would have to earn it competing with Remmers/Hill. Probably would give the line the most flexibility. 
3. James Daniels - Still a bit under the radar but your typical Iowa O-lineman. Technically clean and athletic. He isn't the strongest guy but fits what the Vikings want to do with their interior lineman. He easily can get of blocks and get to the second level. Day one starter at either left or right guard. 

But to the points made above, they do need to bring in another pass rusher as well. 

1. Harold Landry - BC played him as both a stand up LB and put his hand in the dirt. Has good bend at the point of contact and relies heavily on an external dip move. Has the size/speed to make an impact from day one but will continue to develop his pass rushing arsenal. 
2. Arden Key - Although this would not be a conservative pick considering his off the field baggage, he'd be coming into a strong locker room. Key has all the measurable's you look for and when he flips the switch looks like a top 10 pick. Motivation is likely and issue along with some conditioning concerns. But if you wanted a player Zimmer and the defensive staff could mold into a monster, he likely has the most upside. 

Liked:
#26 · Feb 7, 7:38 AM
DE
Joined Apr 2026
206,512 posts
Rep: 0
@"Geoff Nichols" said: We have a ways to go until the draft but I am not super excited about the interior D-line class, which leads you to believe the Vikings may end up paying for an UFA or banking on Jaleel Johnson's progression. 

Three names to watch along the O-line are: 

1. Isaiah Wynn - The bad thing is that I think he'll end up going in the early to mid 20's. There are a lot of guard hungry teams before the Vikings end up on the clock.
2. Kolton Miller - Highly technical OT with good feet. I don't think many would hesitate to project him as a future LT. He could slide it an RT from day one but would have to earn it competing with Remmers/Hill. Probably would give the line the most flexibility. 
3. James Daniels - Still a bit under the radar but your typical Iowa O-lineman. Technically clean and athletic. He isn't the strongest guy but fits what the Vikings want to do with their interior lineman. He easily can get of blocks and get to the second level. Day one starter at either left or right guard. 

But to the points made above, they do need to bring in another pass rusher as well. 

1. Harold Landry - BC played him as both a stand up LB and put his hand in the dirt. Has good bend at the point of contact and relies heavily on an external dip move. Has the size/speed to make an impact from day one but will continue to develop his pass rushing arsenal. 
2. Arden Key - Although this would not be a conservative pick considering his off the field baggage, he'd be coming into a strong locker room. Key has all the measurable's you look for and when he flips the switch looks like a top 10 pick. Motivation is likely and issue along with some conditioning concerns. But if you wanted a player Zimmer and the defensive staff could mold into a monster, he likely has the most upside. 


Wynn's stock keeps climbing so I agree that we won't see him at 30. I understand what you are saying about Bryan not being a finished product, but our DLine looked gassed at the end of the year and the interior lineman were not getting any push up the middle. I think Bryan can at least be disruptive and penetrate while Zimmer and the staff work on developing his pass rushing skills. If they are able to sign Richardson as you have mentioned in other threads, then we can try to fill the holes we have with the OLine with that first pick. I'm betting that a team will get enamored with his physical skills and take Bryan before 30. McShay is the only draft expert I've seen projecting him at the end of the first round. Still lots of time left with the combine in front of us. With where we are picking, I think we have a better shot at one of the OLineman we have discussed at 30 than any of the D Tackles slated to go in the first round.   

Liked:
#27 · Feb 7, 8:24 AM
DE
Joined Apr 2026
206,512 posts
Rep: 0
@"TBro" said: McShay's 2.0 draft has the Vikings selecting McGlinchey with our 30th pick. Normally, I would be very happy with that pick. The majority of the other Interior Lineman mentioned in this thread were already off the board in his mock except one that I was surprised to see fall to number 32 with the Eagles and that was Taven Bryan DT Florida. I have Bryan rated higher than McGlinchey at a huge position of need for us. I would have a tough time passing on him if he's there at 30. 
The first time I watched McGlinchey (outside of casual Saturday afternoon viewing) is that he didn't have the feet or athleticism to match the early hype he was getting as an early-to-mid first rounder. But I think he could be a pretty good right tackle. He reminds me a bit of Matt Kalil, but with a lot more fire in his belly. Like Kalil, he's technically sound, but unlike the Sleeping Giant, he's also a very animated, aggressive player. 
Liked:
#28 · Feb 7, 8:53 AM
DE
Joined Apr 2026
206,512 posts
Rep: 0
@"MaroonBells" said:
@"TBro" said: McShay's 2.0 draft has the Vikings selecting McGlinchey with our 30th pick. Normally, I would be very happy with that pick. The majority of the other Interior Lineman mentioned in this thread were already off the board in his mock except one that I was surprised to see fall to number 32 with the Eagles and that was Taven Bryan DT Florida. I have Bryan rated higher than McGlinchey at a huge position of need for us. I would have a tough time passing on him if he's there at 30. 
The first time I watched McGlinchey (outside of casual Saturday afternoon viewing) is that he didn't have the feet or athleticism to match the early hype he was getting as an early-to-mid first rounder. But I think he could be a pretty good right tackle. He reminds me a bit of Matt Kalil, but with a lot more fire in his belly. Like Kalil, he's technically sound, but unlike the Sleeping Giant, he's also a very animated, aggressive player. 
I would agree that he's best served as a RT. He plays with strong fundamentals but like you said, the foot speed just isn't there. Looking at his college tape if you swapped out some of the edge rushers he went against to NFL speed rushers, he would get burned on the blind side. I personally am a bit lower on McGlinchey than most.
Liked:
#29 · Feb 7, 9:04 AM
DE
Joined Apr 2026
206,512 posts
Rep: 0

Will Hernandez is a name I would throw into the mix as a guy who starts Year One at LG or RG.
He might be there at #30, but with OL needs being what they are, I could see him snapped up before then too.

Liked:
#30 · Feb 7, 6:17 PM
DE
Joined Apr 2026
206,512 posts
Rep: 0

If you make any comparison at all to Mucho Kerplop  I vote a pass

Liked:
#31 · Feb 7, 7:27 PM
DE
Joined Apr 2026
206,512 posts
Rep: 0
@"kahsmick" said: Will Hernandez is a name I would throw into the mix as a guy who starts Year One at LG or RG. He might be there at #30, but with OL needs being what they are, I could see him snapped up before then too.


He doesn't fit the current Vikings system unless the new O-Coordinator reimplements a man to man blocking scheme. Good prospect though. 

Liked:
#32 · Feb 7, 8:42 PM
DE
Joined Apr 2026
206,512 posts
Rep: 0
@"Geoff Nichols" said: We have a ways to go until the draft but I am not super excited about the interior D-line class, which leads you to believe the Vikings may end up paying for an UFA or banking on Jaleel Johnson's progression. 

Three names to watch along the O-line are: 

1. Isaiah Wynn - The bad thing is that I think he'll end up going in the early to mid 20's. There are a lot of guard hungry teams before the Vikings end up on the clock.
2. Kolton Miller - Highly technical OT with good feet. I don't think many would hesitate to project him as a future LT. He could slide it an RT from day one but would have to earn it competing with Remmers/Hill. Probably would give the line the most flexibility. 
3. James Daniels - Still a bit under the radar but your typical Iowa O-lineman. Technically clean and athletic. He isn't the strongest guy but fits what the Vikings want to do with their interior lineman. He easily can get of blocks and get to the second level. Day one starter at either left or right guard. 

But to the points made above, they do need to bring in another pass rusher as well. 

1. Harold Landry - BC played him as both a stand up LB and put his hand in the dirt. Has good bend at the point of contact and relies heavily on an external dip move. Has the size/speed to make an impact from day one but will continue to develop his pass rushing arsenal. 
2. Arden Key - Although this would not be a conservative pick considering his off the field baggage, he'd be coming into a strong locker room. Key has all the measurable's you look for and when he flips the switch looks like a top 10 pick. Motivation is likely and issue along with some conditioning concerns. But if you wanted a player Zimmer and the defensive staff could mold into a monster, he likely has the most upside. 


I agree that addressing DT through FA makes a lot of sense. Generating interior pressure would mess with quick passing QBs and create more opportunities for the edge players to finish plays. I don't think it's a coincidence that Hunter's sack totals fell when the line wasn't generating interior pressure. That being said, Griffen is 30 and had a foot injury this year and Robison is getting towards the end of his career, so adding another edge rusher would be a very wise thing to do. Our DL didn't suffer any major injuries this year, but they clearly wore down as the season went on and better depth/rotation would help keep them performing throughout the playoffs.

As for OL, we could stand to upgrade at LG, RG, and RT. I think that RT is the biggest of the needs, since I think we need more from that position, but do have good depth with Remmers and Hill. But Remmers could swing inside to RG and solidifying RT could make it so our QB doesn't need to run around like Keenum did this year. I'd like a more athletic LG who can get out to block on screens, but if we address that it would probably need to be an opportunistic scenario where a good player slid to us in the 3rd or 4th round.

Liked:
#33 · Feb 7, 11:25 PM
DE
Joined Apr 2026
206,512 posts
Rep: 0

Isaiah Wynn - G - BulldogsPro Football Focus writes that Georgia G Isaiah Wynn won 80 percent of his battles in one-on-one drills for pass protection at the Senior Bowl.
The "win" is somewhat subjective, but anyone who saw videos of the 6-foot-2, 308-pound guard in Mobile is aware of just how dominant he was. Wynn also graded as the highest-rated run blocker at the Senior Bowl, so it's pretty clear he can charge off the ball or handle interior pass-rushers. Wynn has easily worked himself into first-round consideration at this point.

Liked:
#34 · Feb 10, 4:32 AM
Log in to reply.

Edit Post (mod action — author will see a notice)

Warn Poster

Suspend User (3 days)

The user will be suspended for 3 days and will receive an email with the reason and information about how to appeal.

Forum The Longship Interior Lineman Draft Prospects at 30
Return to top ↑

Welcome to VikeFans!

Welcome back, Skol fans! This is our new home. Log in with your username or email and your existing password.


Be sure to check out the How To's and Questions forum for guides on getting around the new site, and use the Help Request forum if you run into anything that you need help with. Skol!