NFL Spin Zone
Fansided

Minnesota Vikings: Biggest X-factor on each side of the ball in 2019

By Luke Parrish

LANDOVER, MD - NOVEMBER 12: Cornerback Mackensie Alexander #20 of the Minnesota Vikings celebrates with cornerback Xavier Rhodes #29 of the Minnesota Vikings after an interception during the second quarter against the Washington Redskins at FedExField on November 12, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD - NOVEMBER 12: Cornerback Mackensie Alexander #20 of the Minnesota Vikings celebrates with cornerback Xavier Rhodes #29 of the Minnesota Vikings after an interception during the second quarter against the Washington Redskins at FedExField on November 12, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 3
Next
LOS ANGELES, CA – SEPTEMBER 27: Pat Elflein #65 of the Minnesota Vikings reacts on the sideline after the Vikings fumbled the ball during closing minutes of the game against Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on September 27, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – SEPTEMBER 27: Pat Elflein #65 of the Minnesota Vikings reacts on the sideline after the Vikings fumbled the ball during closing minutes of the game against Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on September 27, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /

Offense: C Pat Elflein

It should surprise nobody in saying that the Minnesota Vikings need to improve on the offensive line. After years of struggling to open running lanes, it appears they’ve had enough. Minnesota selected Garrett Bradbury in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft and he is expected to start at center from day one.

That moves former center Pat Elflein over to guard. Elflein showed a lot of upside as a rookie in 2017 but injuries derailed his 2018 season. His growth is crucial for the Vikings and how far they can go this season.

General manager Rick Spielman spent a third-round pick on Pat Elflein back in 2017 and things were looking great at first. Elflein made an immediate impact up front for one of the best teams in the NFL. However, a plethora of injuries sidelined Elflein for his entire training camp in 2018 and slowed his progress substantially.

Josh Alper of Pro Football Talk reported that Elflein has been practicing at left guard:

"In addition to a new spot, Elflein will be getting used to a new zone blocking scheme under offensive line coach Rick Dennison. Elflein said it’s “a lot of fun and I think it’s going to work,” which would be a welcome change from some recent offensive line performances in Minnesota."

Elflein spent time at both guard spots in college. The move will put Elflein in a position to do what he does best: get out in space. Arguably his best contribution to the offense is his athleticism to get downfield or pull across the line. Mike Zimmer has made it known that he wants to run the ball more. Pairing Elflein and Bradbury together on the interior will provide the Vikings with speed and downfield blocking necessary to do so.

If Elflein doesn’t have the season we expect, the Vikings may be in a tough spot once again. He holds all the cards for the offensive success of Minnesota in 2019.

Home/Minnesota Vikings