The Vikings’ Offensive Line is Close to Locked In
Prior to training camp, I’ll be working through a position-by-position roster projection. The fifth installment in the series is going to consider the offensive line, a spot that has long been a thorn in Minnesota’s side.
Thankfully, things appear rosier for the Vikings’ offensive line than they have in a long time. The main reason for optimism rests in the presence of the gruesome twosome, LT Christian Darrisaw and RT Brian O’Neill. Even beyond the offensive tackles, though, there’s some talent. Just how good can this group be? Who makes the final team?
The Vikings’ Offensive Line is Looking to Take a Step
Recently, Dustin Baker put together a depth chart on Vikings Territory. Consider the offensive tackles and then the interior linemen:
| Offensive Tackle | Guard | Center |
| Darrisaw, Christian | Ingram, Ed | Bradbury, Garrett |
| O’Neill, Brian | Risner, Dalton | Jurgens, Michael |
| Quessenberry, David | Brandel, Blake | |
| Rouse, Walter | Feeney, Dan | |
| Nester, Doug | Robinson, Tyrese | |
| Rolland, Spencer | Byrd, Henry | |
| Flax, Jeremy |
If a game was played tonight, the starting five (from left to right) would very likely look like this: Darrisaw — Risner — Bradbury — Ingram — O’Neill.
The simplest reason to understand that front fivesome as the likeliest outcome rests in the mere fact that that’s what was out there most recently. Last season, the starting offensive line consisted of those same players. Do the Vikings bring things back and hope that coveted continuity works some magic?
Brandel could throw a wrench into the plans if he leapfrogs one of Risner or Ingram for a starting spot. More likely, perhaps, is that he functions as a backup option across literally all five spots along the o-line. How many players in the NFL can say they’re capable of doing that? Brandel must be an unusually hard-working, smart person.
Quessenberry is well respected in Minnesota. The veteran has seen a ton in the NFL. Last year, he played in 16 games, starting 4. Minnesota leaned on him for 332 snaps on offense. Per PFF, Quessenberry was responsible for allowing 1 sack, 4 hits, and 16 pressures. He’ll be the main option if either one of Darrisaw or O’Neill need to miss time.
He was brought back and given a raise, seeing his compensation jump up to $1.8 million for the upcoming season.
Walter Rouse inspires quite a bit of optimism. Kwesi Adofo-Mensah thinks that the rookie from Oklahoma has a ton of potential. Michael Jurgens isn’t a lock to make the roster, but he’s got a shot to be depth for the three interior spots.
One thinks of Dan Feeney as a name to monitor. The veteran has been involved in a pile of NFL football, playing in 112 games since being scooped up in the 3rd in 2017. Good chance Mr. Feeney — shout out to Boy Meets World — is leaned on to fulfill the Austin Schlottmann role. Feeney could be more important than people realize; he has a great name, hairstyle, and position versatility.
Put me down for nine offensive linemen making the final roster. At OT, the Vikings will retain Darrisaw, O’Neill, Rouse, and Quessenberry. At OG, the Vikings will retain Ingram, Risner, Brandel, and Feeney (who will also be the C2 on game day). At center, the Vikings will hang onto Bradbury.
Look for Jurgens and a couple others to get kicked over to the practice squad.
Before training camp arrives, I’ll be doing a position-by-position roster projection in an effort to understand what the final 53-man roster could look like. Once training camp and the preseason unfold, we can swing back around to the projections to see about any adjustments. Entries: Quarterback, Running Back, Tight End, Receiver.
Editor’s Note: Information from Pro Football Reference, PFF, and Over the Cap helped with this piece.
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K. Joudry is the Senior Editor for Vikings Territory and PurplePTSD. He has been covering the Vikings full time since the summer of 2021. He can be found on Twitter and as a co-host for Notes from the North, a humble Vikings podcast.