Minnesota struggled on the interior offensive line in 2020. This offseason, the Vikings have added some enticing rookies, who could come in and start right away.
ESPN doesn’t think too highly of the Vikings’ new-look offensive line, though. Seth Walder, who writes for the outlet, ranked the group 24th while projecting how each unit will do in 2021. Walder wrote:
“Darrisaw was a well-regarded pass-protecting prospect selected in the first round in April. The reality is that rookies, even first-rounders, are a mixed bag. The model treats rookies as below-average starters — I took a stab at making first-round rookies a specific variable but it hurt the model’s accuracy — so it’s going to be skeptical of a line like this without any proven strong talent. It actually expects a step back from last season.”
I think the Vikings offensive line could very well get worse in 2021. Minnesota loses one of its best linemen in Riley Reiff. Also, the group is relying on rookie talent, which is always risky to do. But maybe that pays off.
