Keep an Eye on The Adaptable Alan Ali, One of the Vikings’ 15 UDFAs
K. Joudry
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How much online discussion have you seen of Alan Ali?
For the most part, edge rusher Andre Carter II and linebacker Ivan Pace have been inspiring Vikings fans. The pair of UDFA defenders were projected to be selected during the 2023 NFL Draft. Every year, though, worthy players don’t get picked for one reason or another. Kwesi Adofo-Mensah saw his opportunity and swooped in.
However, we shouldn’t forget that the GM brought another 13 players aboard, one of whom is offensive lineman Alan Ali.
Why Alan Ali Has a Shot
Leading up to the draft, Dane Brugler identified the TCU center as his 11th-ranked center, a spot that made him a priority free agent. Brugler offers some background – he transferred to TCU last season – before offering a bit of a scouting breakdown:
While fundamentally sound and smart, he has an average physical profile with limited displacement in the run game and struggles to recover versus shifty rushers. He has rare experience, with 60 career games played, and at least one start at each of the five offensive line positions. Overall, Ali is an effective positional blocker and attacks his job with a technical mind, but his average length, athleticism and power could make it tough for him to stand out
Don’t get too discouraged about the negatives. After all, there’s a reason why Ali wasn’t chosen in the draft. The young offensive lineman has room to improve.
What’s more encouraging is his versatility, brains, and being good with the technical parts of playing along the line. Those are characteristics that make him a valuable depth addition, especially at this stage of the offseason.
On the NFL’s website, Lance Zierlein sees similar strengths and weaknesses for the former Horned Frog:
Ali has limited size and length, but he plays with good consistency and the fortitude to give himself a chance in the league. Very quickly, the tape shows off his body control and core strength, which help him stay connected to blocks through adversity. A lack of length will put him in a hole against long-armed tackles, and he will need help handling odd front nose tackles. The pass protection is inconsistent and could stay that way due to a lack of physical traits. He might not get drafted, but he could surprise in a camp.
It’s the potential to “surprise in camp” that should cause us to perk up. Prophetically, Zierlein accurately suggested that Alan Ali wouldn’t be drafted.
Nevertheless, the young iOL has a chance now that he’s on a 90-man roster (a roster that can swell to 91 with Junior Aho).
The Roster Context
Minnesota’s offensive line has some impressive continuity. Brian O’Neill, if health allows, will get the start opposite young standout Christian Darrisaw. In the middle, it’ll be an Ezra Cleveland – Garrett Bradbury – Ed Ingram trio.
For depth options, the Vikings will mostly be looking toward Chris Reed (solid vet) and Austin Schlottmann. Josh Sokol is also competing for depth center duties. One wonders if this depth is sufficient. In fact, Brad Spielberger recently advocated for Minnesota to bring in another lineman for the inside.
Clearly, there’s some concern about how many players can line up inside. Truthfully, I don’t see a major issue at this stage. Blake Brandel – an invaluable depth player – likely has what it takes to kick inside, if needed. One also wonders about someone like Vederian Lowe.
Nevertheless, there’s merit in having plenty of options at offensive line, one of the most rugged, physically-demanding positions in professional sports.
Right now, Alan Ali is likely fighting for a spot on the practice squad. In the end, though, we’ll need to let the offseason competition unfold. The 24-year-old was brought in for a reason. The team wants added competition at iOL and Ali has the potential to help at multiple positions.
Keep an eye on him, folks.
