One of the Minnesota Vikings biggest weaknesses in the 2014 was the play of the offensive line. That shaky play damn near got rookie quarterback Teddy Bridgewater killed in consecutive weeks against the Detroit Lions and Buffalo Bills. Season-ending pectoral injuries to right guard Brandon Fusco and right tackle Phil Loadholt created a lot of problems. It didn't help that left tackle Matt Kalil has struggled with injuries and inconsistent play for the last two seasons. It also didn't help that Charlie Johnson was playing next to Kalil. In short, the Vikings offensive line was pretty sad last year and has to improve. They have to keep Bridgewater alive and on his feet. They have to open holes for the running game. Adrian Peterson doesn't need a lot of help from his offensive line but it'd be nice if he got some.
Improving the offensive line was one of the primary offseason goals. Center is the only position that has few concerns. John Sullivan has been solid and figures to remain solid for a few more years. An offseason contract extension is a sign that the team feels that way as well. The return to health of Fusco and Loadholt will help a lot. The release of Johnson helps even more. The biggest concerns are focused on the left side of the line. Kalil simply has to improve. He was terrific as a rookie in 2012 but his play has been shaky ever since. Nagging knee injuries bothered him all year last year. So did playing next to Johnson. He had some "cleanup" surgery on both knees early in the offseason. He also received 'Regenexx' injections described as "advanced stem cell therapy for arthritis and injuries, including moderate to severe joint, tendon, ligament, disc, or bone pain" on its website, as well as platelet-rich plasma therapy. These offseason procedures have increased the concerns in many outside the Vikings facilities that Kalil will never reach the potential that he showed as a rookie. Those that know better and see him everyday appear to feel just the opposite. I'm optimistic that Kalil's best days are in front of him. Mostly due to his own ability as well as his return to health but also due to the changes that might be taking place around him.
Left guard was considered the one true hole in the offensive line. Charlie Johnson had to be replaced. Many assumed that the Vikings would find that replacement in free agency. That didn't happen. Although veteran backup Joe Berger was resigned. He filled in nicely as an injury replacement for much of last season. Others assumed that the Vikings would find a new left guard early in the 2015 NFL Draft. That didn't happen either. So, were the Vikings just going to sit back and let Berger, 2014 fifth-round pick David Yankey, and others duke it out in training camp for the left guard spot? Maybe. Post-OTA comments from head coach Mike Zimmer brought up another possibility. A possibility that has a lot of promise. Fusco might be on the move.
Brandon Fusco had been the Vikings most consistent offensive lineman before his was lost for the season last September. His play and development earned him that cherished second contract before the season. He's a player on the rise. He might also be moving to left guard. Fusco's consistent play should do wonders for Kalil. An improved left side of the line will also do wonders for Bridgewater's continued health and development. Some have questioned the ease with which Fusco could make the transition from right to left guard. He made a smooth transition from small school (Slippery Rock) center to standout NFL guard. I don't see why a right to left switch would be any more challenging than that. So, what about right guard? That's where fourth-round pick T.J. Clemmings enters the picture. He had first-round talent. Many draft analyst had Clemmings pegged as a first-, or second-round pick. Concerns over a stress fracture in his foot caused him to drop to the fourth round and into the Vikings lap. Clemmings has played on this stress fracture for years without issues. He didn't even know that he had it until it was discovered at the Scouting Combine. He was initially a defensive lineman at Pitt before switching to the offensive line for the last two seasons. His experience on the line is short but his talent for it is very high. He could be in the starting lineup at right guard as soon as week 1.
This offensive line movement creates a Minnesota Vikings offensive line that looks like this:
T Matt Kalil
G Brandon Fusco
C John Sullivan
G T.J. Clemmings
T Phil Loadholt
I really like the potential of this offensive line.
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