Vikings Playing the Long Game with 1 Pick
In the first round of the draft, the Vikings acquired defensive tackle Caleb Banks. As always, first-rounders are expected to make noise sooner rather than later. Later picks, however, might take some time to enter a starting unit or even see the field in a meaningful capacity.
That brings us to Minnesota’s third-rounder, Caleb Tiernan. The offensive lineman isn’t expected to play anytime soon, given the state of the offensive line (if healthy), but his addition could pay huge dividends down the road.
He was Minnesota’s 97th overall pick, a pick the club received for Sam Darnold’s departure last year. The compensatory pick landed a potential tackle of the future. Tiernan could also kick inside to guard.
Just like the tackle spots, though, the guard spots are taken. Christian Darrisaw and Brian O’Neill will start on the outside, while Donovan Jackson and Will Fries will be the top guards on the depth chart. Only the center position could be vacant, but Tiernan has never played there and the decision-makers are seemingly happy with Blake Brandel taking over.
There’s no pressure for Tiernan early, but he might be perceived as a sweet get in a year or two.
The Vikings still employ franchise tackles O’Neill and Darrisaw. They will be the Week 1 starters; Tiernan’s addition won’t change that. However, it’s noteworthy that both have struggled with injuries in recent years. Furthermore, O’Neill is in a contract year. Barring a contract extension, he’s out next March. Even if he signs a new deal, he’ll turn 31 later this year and won’t be manning the right side forever.
At guard, there could also be an opening next year. Fries disappointed in his first season with the Vikings, considering the massive $90 million deal. Next offseason, the franchise could move on from him and avoid his $21.5 million cap hit.
Having a talented backup waiting in the wings and developing behind the scenes is what smart teams do.
Tiernan is a tall player at nearly 6’8″ and 323 lbs, but his arm length has raised some eyebrows. Analysts have mentioned that he could or should be a guard at the next level after playing tackle at Northwestern.
About that, he said in his introductory presser, “A lot of those [doubts] come from people who probably don’t know football that well. You know, obviously I’m a football player and there’s no — it’s not an arm length competition on the field. It’s a physicality competition. And, you know, I feel like I’m really good at that. And I feel like that’s kind of what allowed me to kind of succeed.”
College tackles with short arms generally play guard in the NFL. Pass rushers at the highest level can take advantage of any physical limitations. Tiernan doesn’t think that’s a problem whatsoever.
He added, “I’d love for someone to say I got beat here or I didn’t do as well here because my arms are too short — kind of going to be pretty tough to find. But yeah, you know, obviously arm length, some teams harp on it. Some fans love it. Some guys hate it. I’m just a football player at the end of the day.”
Barring injuries in the starting unit, Vikings fans might not get to see much from Tiernan in his rookie season. At some point, however, he could play a prominent role along the offensive line. Fans and players alike might need some patience.
Editor’s Note: Information from PFF, Over The Cap, and Sports Reference helped with this article.