Where the Uncertainty Resides
K. Joudry
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For the most part, the Vikings offense is looking pretty set for the 2022 season.
We know all about the abundance of skill and the well-paid QB. We also know a fair bit about the offensive line, especially with the clarity that OTAs has been providing. A recent image featured a look at the starting five, with the lone change from last season’s group being that Chris Reed is at RG. Nevertheless, things are far from certain at OL.
While we have hints and guesses, that’s basically all we have for the starting three iOL positions in the Vikings offense. The LG spot – to my mind – looked locked up heading into the draft. Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and Kevin O’Connell then infused some uncertainty into things by reaching for Ed Ingram at 59th. It now looks like Cleveland will really need to earn his spot.
Cleveland is a strong starter, but there’s a case to be made for him being merely pretty good rather than as a legit, long-term solution. I, for one, am still all for Cleveland starting at LG.
We then come to the center and RG spots. Minnesota’s leadership has openly signalled their desire to see the best man win at RG. Signing Jesse Davis and Reed will do that since neither is making enough to have a definitive claim on the starter’s spot. The center position is the exact opposite scenario. Instead of bringing someone in to really push Garrett Bradbury, the Vikings have brought in bargain depth.
Despite what the team has and hasn’t done, one has to think that another move or two could be in the works. It’s not altogether uncommon to see teams pull off a trade leading up to and during training camp. Young fellas will force out vets, and teams commonly want to recoup some value rather than just cutting a capable player. Might Minnesota find itself in a position to bring in a player to help at center or guard?
Even if there are no more trades or signings, the iOL represents perhaps the main area of uncertainty for the Vikings offense. The safe money is still to have Cleveland at LG. If that occurs, we’ll need to let things play out at center and RG to get a sense for what this front five will look like in Week 1. A talented Packers front 7 awaits.
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