NFL: Each Team’s Biggest 2015 X-Factor

Nov 2, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets defensive end Jeremiah Attaochu (45) tries to get around Pittsburgh Panthers offensive linesman T.J. Clemmings (68) in his pursuit of quarterback Tom Savage (7) during the fourth quarter at Bobby Dodd Stadium. Tech won 21-10. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Liles-USA TODAY Sports

Minnesota Vikings RT T.J. Clemmings

Ty Montgomery went a few rounds earlier than expected, but Minnesota Vikings guard and offensive tackle T.J. Clemmings went later than expected due to concerns about rawness, pass protection, and injury. He now has massive shoes to fill both literally and figuratively with Phil Loadholt out for the season, as Loadholt, whose injury should have been an even bigger talking point, is one of the game’s best right tackles.

Of course, Clemmings himself is 6’5″, 309 pounds and has enough run blocking ability to be a force on the right side of the Vikings offensive line with Adrian Peterson back in the fold. Clemmings’s physical tools are so good that many draft analysts thought he would be a first-round pick despite the concerns.

The Vikings originally had Clemmings playing at guard before the Loadholt injury, though Clemmings has taken well to pass pro at tackle and has been a pleasant surprise with no sacks, two QB hits, and just three pressures in total allowed in 117 preseason snaps, as per Pro Football Focus.

Since Matt Kalil has been one of the NFL’s worst tackles over the past two seasons, the Vikings are counting on Clemmings to avoid being a liability. Teddy Bridgewater deserves it after the shoddy pass pro he suffered through as a rookie.

Next: An Explosive Rookie