Vikings Training Camp Profile: OT Olisaemeka Udoh
Deshawn
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The Minnesota Vikings enter training camp with all eyes on the offensive line. To refresh the memories of fans who endured a long off-season, the Vikings are currently starting Left tackle Riley Reiff and Right tackle Brian O’Neil. This leaves Rashod Hill, Aviante Collins,, Storm Norton, and Olisaemeka “Oli” Udoh vying for the swing tackle spot. The swing tackle is the backup offensive linemen capable of playing both left and right tackle.
Olisaemeka Udoh (OH-LEE-SUH-ME-KAH, O-DOH) is mammoth of a man checking in at 6’5, 323 with 35 and 3/8 inch arms. He played college football for the Elon Phoenix and bullied his competition after battling I’m to earn the starting right tackle position. His exceptional size and frame allows him to latch on to defenders and drive them to create running lanes.
The most impressive tape for Udoh is his performance at both the Senior Bowl and East versus West Shrine game. He was so impressive in the Shrine game and practices that he received an invite to the Senior Bowl. This was significant because he was able to put his skills to the test against top college talent, and he did not disappoint. His most notable practice battle came against the Giants third round pick Oshane Xinimies. He made a statement and handled with ease.
Why He will Make the Team:
The backup tackle spot is weak due to lack of talent. So a promising prospect like Udoh should have his eyes on the swing tackle spot. His combination of strength, length, and speed far outweigh the top dog Rashod Hill. He also brings much needed versatility to play both the tackle and guard position. With the help of offensive line coach Rick Dennison and assistant head coach Gary Kubiak Oli Udoh will refine his game and become much more technically sound than what he was in college.
Why he will not Make the Team:
Oli Udoh is the definition of a project player. Scouts raved about his size and his ability to move, but always mentioned his lack of technique to be the reason he is not a day one starter. The Vikings already have backup tackles in place and may be hesitant to give up a roster spot to a rookie who has not mastered the fundamentals of his position. With pressing needs for depth at cornerback and on the defensive line , we could see the Vikings keep only three tackles on the active roster, including starters Rieff and O’Neill this season. Unless he secures a second-string spot on the roster, Udoh should start the season on the practice squad.
Final Call:
I’m expecting a big preseason from Oli Udoh that will force the Vikings to make room for him. As Rick Dennison and Gary Kubiak coach and develop Udoh, he could replace Hill as the swing tackle by week one. That leaves Norton and Collins, rather than Udoh, as the odd man out. Udoh`s natural athletic abilities should be too intriguing to pass up, given he improves his technique. Optimistically he could compete for a starting position next year, but he has to make the roster in 2019 first. .