Who Will Be the Vikings Guards?

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) is sacked by Indianapolis Colts' DeForest Buckner (99) for a safety during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 20, 2020, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)

The Minnesota Vikings have made two big signings on the defensive side of the ball in Dalvin Tomlinson and Patrick Peterson.

With how much the defense struggled last season, they needed to add some pieces even with Danielle Hunter, Michael Pierce and Anthony Barr all returning.

However, they still need to upgrade the offensive line, which struggled once again. They need guards. Dakota Dozier struggled mightily all season. Pat Elflein and Dru Samia did as well. Rookie Ezra Cleveland in his nine games at right guard did well overall.

With Riley Reiff released, Cleveland will likely be the team’s starting left tackle. The question remains though, who will be the starting guards?

They had interest in Joe Thuney, but he signed with the Kansas City Chiefs for a whopping $80 million over five years. Kevin Zeitler signed with the Baltimore Ravens.

They are reportedly interested in Forrest Lamp. Austin Blythe is another option available. He is a center, but has played guard too.

Lamp has had trouble staying healthy throughout his career since entering the league in 2017. He did start in all 16 games last season, but also struggled. PFF graded him at 49.4 overall. He had a pass blocking grade of 60.7 and a run blocking grade of 42.8.

Samia (33.7, 18.7, 41.2) and Dozier (44.6, 36.7, 52.3) however fared worse. Every upgrade makes a difference and maybe Lamp would benefit from a change of scenery too.

Maybe they will sign two guards or just one and draft one. Could possibly trade for one too. You have to wonder too if they’ll keep Cleveland at guard if they can find a left tackle in the draft.

If Northwestern’s Rashawn Slater is available at no.14, it’ll be hard for the Vikings to pass on him.

Some fans are still concerned about the offensive line and rightfully so. Since 2014 it has been amongst the worst in the league every year except for 2017. It is still very early though and the team as a whole looks to be improved at the moment.

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