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Minnesota Vikings: Seek Offensive Line Help in 2015 NFL Draft

By Ben Ryan

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The Minnesota Vikings, off a 7-9 finish in 2014, need some help everywhere.

As we take a look into the draft at each position, it’s easy to see that they could use some extra protection for Teddy Bridgewater. Matt Kalil isn’t a bust, or at least we would hope not, but after his injuries he has his work to do.

Regardless, the Vikings could use an extra guard or tackle on the offensive line to protect Bridgewater. After all, with a great rookie season from him and winning Pepsi’s rookie of the year, they need to start building around him. Whether it’s another weapon to throw to, or a big man to make sure he doesn’t get hit.

They have to do something.

This years draft has many guards to choose from, all of them have great qualities that make their game strong and different from the rest. While some are bigger than others, they may not have the skill, and that makes all the difference. Here are three blocker who could help Minnesota’s cause.

1. Brandon Scherff, T, Iowa

Feb 20, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes offensive linemen Brandon Scherff goes through a footwork drill during the 2015 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Scherff dominated the NFL Scouting Combine as well as the opposition while he was with the Hawkeyes. He is an outstanding run blocker as well as a pass blocker. He has incredible strength which allows him to drive his opponent in the other direction, thus, away from the quarterback and or running back.

Scherff has great footwork, too. Moves around easily despite his injury he suffered half way through the 2012 season, breaking his right leg and dislocating his right ankle. His injury makes NFL teams skeptical about his future with football whether he is able to be durable enough.

For the most part, Scherff is a work horse, with great overall strength and psychical power. He easily reads linebackers and doesn’t allow them to have that edge on him like most good edge rushers do. Has some work to do on his run blocking, however. While there is potential and he’ll learn, it could be a red flag. Especially for the Viking’s who could use that extra run blocker.

Overall, Scherff is a big powerhouse offensive tackle. He would be a great asset to any team as long as he can stay tough and keep his leg healthy for the future.

NFL Comparison: Zack Martin, Dallas Cowboys

2. Ereck Flowers, T, Miami, Fla.

Feb 20, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Miami Hurricanes offensive linemen Ereck Flowers runs the 40 yard dash during the 2015 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Flowers is one of the larger gentlemen on this list. For starters, he has a massive frame, standing at 6’6″, 329 pounds, while being one of the strongest in his position.

Flowers put up 37 reps on the bench press of 225 pounds, leading his contenders He does a great job at controlling his arms compared to his frame, by that, he is great at controlling his opponents where he wants them. Along with that, Flowers has quick feet and is well balanced while moving. However, he has some troubles with rushers who are smaller and quicker than him. It’s fairly reasonable though, considering his height.

Flowers has great football instincts, he plays hard and aggressive and always wants to overpower his opponent. Great to see his ambition on the field. On top of that, Flowers has played at both tackle positions. In 2012, he played 12 games at right tackle as a true freshman before switching to left tackle in 2013 where he started all 13 games. Overall great knowledge and understanding of what he has to do; he can be a huge addition to the Vikings if they were to draft him either first, or second round if he’s available.

Flowers is young, but has tremendous upside. Theres a chance he could fall to the second round of this draft, don’t be that shocked if the Viking’s pull a move to get him. At this point, they’ll do anything to keep Bridgewater safe.

NFL Comparison: Andrew Whitworth, Cincinnati Bengals

3. D.J. Humphries, T, Florida

Sep 6, 2014; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators offensive linesman D.J. Humphries (70) works out prior to the game against the Eastern Michigan Eagles at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Humphries is a different kind of tackle, solely because he could use more strength. That doesn’t take away from his skill, though. Humphries has been starting to buzz lately, he had a stellar combine performance, showing that he has the quickest feet of all offensive tackles.

Humphries relies on his athleticism more than strength, which is why he is starting to increase his draft stock as of late. His strength can always improve, and he’ll get larger as the years go by, but the fact that he has great quickness and uses his solid angles for his opponents is a plus for any team. He stays hungry, wanting to be a force and a bully on the field.

His draft stock has risen greatly, from being a first-or second-rounder to now being talked about as to going top 15-25. He has the work ethic that the pro level loves to see. He played at 285 pounds at Florida, he now weights almost 310. That alone proves he wants to get bigger while maintaining his speed and agility.

There’s questioning on his size and strength as issued before, but he has raw power that he gets from his attitude. If he keeps up this buzz he may be off the board before the Vikings even have a chance to think about getting him. With much potential under his belt, Humphries has what it takes to start from week one.

NFL Comparison: D’Brickashaw Ferguson, New York Jets

The Overview:

Overall, the Vikings know they need to build around Bridgewater. After making the moves to get him last year, it’s clear to see wha they’re trying to do.

Whether it’s a new weapon or someone to protect him, they’ll do anything they can to keep the quarterback of their future. With an added offensive tackle, there’s a high possibility that Bridgewater can scramble more, feel more comfortable and allow receivers more time to get open. Aside from Bridgwater, the running backs will feel safe, and have a good chance for larger holes to run through.

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