Minnesota Vikings: 2020 NFL Draft groupings to watch
By Luke Parrish
Iowa Offensive Line
Despite the Vikings drafting offensive linemen early in the last few years, they are still a piece short. Riley Reiff is set to start the season at left tackle. While he is a veteran presence, he is the least reliable starter on the line as of right now.
More from NFL Spin Zone
- Dallas Cowboys made the trade everyone else should have made
- Pittsburgh Steelers rookie sleeper everyone should be talking about
- Anthony Richardson putting jaw-dropping talent on display immediately
- Denver Broncos’ stud wide receiver might be out for a while
- Washington Commanders: Three takeaways from win over Ravens
With Garrett Bradbury, Pat Elflein, and Brian O’Neill anchoring the line for the future, they need a young stud to join them at left tackle. The Iowa Hawkeyes have two of the best offensive tackles in college football. The Vikings need to keep a close eye on Tristan Wirfs and Alaric Jackson.
Tristan Wirfs is the right tackle for Iowa heading into 2019. He is a powerful pulling tackle in the run game. Wirfs gets to the second level and blocks down the field with the best of them. He is also a frightening blocker when he gets going downhill in space.
His strong body and frame make it tough to bull rush him, but speed could be his biggest challenge. There are times where Wirfs is slow to the step on a speed rush to the outside. Other than that, he is a sound tackle that can play either side of the line.
Jackson is my top-ranked tackle entering the 2019 college football season. He’s an enormous protector, standing 6-7 and 320 pounds. He is an immovable object on the outside who utilizes great feet and hands to keep him in front of oncoming rushers. Jackson is a fluid athlete who pulls and moves far too better than you’d expect for a player of his size. He also exhibits extraordinary technique which allows him to generate power and strength on the edge.
Iowa has elite tackles and the NFL will be tuned in this season.