Minnesota Vikings: Preliminary 53-man roster analysis

Oct 26, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; Minnesota Vikings center John Sullivan (65) hikes the ball to quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (5) against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Minnesota Vikings defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 19-13. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Offensive Line: Matt Kalil, Brandon Fusco, John Sullivan, Mike Harris, T.J. Clemmings, Joe Berger, Zac Kerin, Austin Shepherd, Jeremiah Sirles

Starting from left to right for the Minnesota Vikings will be Matt Kalil, Brandon Fusco, John Sullivan, Mike Harris, and T.J. Clemmings.

It’s clear to me that this group shows promise but there is some room for improvement. Matt Kalil has received criticism for his play and needs to show improvement in 2015. He’s “over talking about last year” and has a chip on his shoulder heading into 2015, which is exactly what you want from an offensive lineman has he needs to “play mean” for the team.

I love the team having T.J. Clemmings at right tackle. The rookie fourth-round selection has some real potential and needs to step up with Phil Loadholt out due to injury. He hasn’t graded particularly high by Pro Football Focus so far this preseason, but he has the potential to really develop. He’s a rookie and will take some lumps, but that’s to be expected for a guy who is being called up to replace a starter.

John Sullivan is about as dependable as they come for offensive linemen. The Minnesota Vikings know what they are getting from the six-year starter who was a sixth round draft pick back in 2008. He hasn’t missed a game in three seasons and he quietly puts together solid season after solid season.

Many Vikings fans may not know how lucky they are to have a guy like Sullivan on the team. A terrific center, he is the foundation of this offensive line and will be more important than guys like Kalil and Clemmings for the overall success of the offense.

Brandon Fusco is returning from injury after playing in just three games last season. He looks to be back to form and it’s exciting to see what he can do if he stays healthy. Fellow guard Mike Harris gets the chance to start after just five starts in 2014. He isn’t as polished as Fusco and will need to step it up with Clemmings playing next to him.

For depth, the most intriguing player is Jeremiah Sirles. Listed as a guard/tackle by the Vikings, he is a versatile depth player. Capable of filling in where needed, if there is another injury to this offensive line unit, he’ll be able to step in. The Vikings traded for him from the San Diego Chargers.

Next: A complete unit of defensive linemen remains dangerous