Vikings Get Relatively Positive OL Assessment from PFF
K. Joudry
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I had a few quibbles with the PFF piece on the Vikings’ WR group, though the OL one looks surprisingly optimistic. A lot of fans will tell you that Minnesota’s front five is among the worst in the NFL. PFF gives fans some hope by putting the Vikings at 19th.
Minnesota finds itself in the “At Least One Good Tackle” tier. The good tackle is none other than Brian O’Neill, the former second-round selection who has emerged as one of the best RTs in the game. PFF then goes on to describe the hope for sophomore Christian Darrisaw:
This could sneakily be the best offensive line of quarterback Kirk Cousins‘ Vikings career. Much of that, though, comes down to the development of the team’s 2021 first-round pick, Christian Darrisaw. Darrisaw earned a 71.9 overall grade on 652 snaps last season and got stronger as the campaign wore on.
O’Neill is already a great player. Darrisaw has the capacity to become a great player, as his position coach indicates: “I don’t want to put a ceiling on him at all because I think the kid has some special ability. Definitely going to be better in year 2 just because that’s how it works. You play more. You’re on the field more.” Darrisaw’s ceiling certainly is high, so Minnesota might find itself with a great pair at OT. Solidifying the two most important spots on the OL will go a long way in allowing Kirk Cousins to thrive.
The iOL doesn’t get a ton of attention in the PFF discussion of the Vikings OL. Nevertheless, the assessment and tier does reveal their opinion of the interior three. The Vikings only get credit for having one good tackle, so, by implication, the other four leave a little to be desired. The blurb describing the group – which is quoted above – focuses on Darrisaw. The Ezra Cleveland-Garrett Bradbury-Chris Reed trio isn’t getting as much respect.
Cleveland finished as the 27th-ranked guard in the PFF system, one spot better than his spot at 28th from his rookie season. If he can put together another season of strong grades – especially if it comes with better pass protection – Cleveland will likely start getting more respect. PFF indicates that Cleveland was responsible for three penalties and a sack last year.
Reed and Bradbury offer more reason for concern/uncertainty. The veteran Reed may give the Vikings some stronger play at RG, giving O’Neill a better partner than Oli Udoh. Reed came in as the 38th-ranked guard last year. Like Cleveland, he had three penalties, but he didn’t allow a sack.
If both Reed and Cleveland continue as solid starters, Minnesota’s OL might climb up from that #19 spot. Getting into the league’s upper half could reasonably make this offense among the most dangerous in the NFL.
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