Minnesota Vikings: The Offensive Line

The post-draft look at each position group of the Minnesota Vikings continues with the offensive line. 

Offensive Line

Christian Darrsisaw

Donovan Jackson

Ryan Kelly

Will Fries

Brian O’Neill

Blake Brandel

Walter Rouse

Michael Jurgens

Justin Skule

Logan Brown

Joe Huber

Marcellus Johnson

Leroy Watson

Henry Byrd

Zeke Correll

As soon as the Vikings 2024 season ended, head coach Kevin O’Connell addressed the need to improve the offensive line. Through their actions in free agency and the draft, the Vikings did exactly that. The interior of the offensive line has been completely overhauled. The Vikings targeted guard Will Fries and center Ryan Kelly in free agency. They completed the interior overhaul in the first round of the draft with the selection of Ohio State guard Donovan Jackson. With Christian Darrisaw and Brian O’Neill, the Vikings have one of the best tackle duos in the league. With Fries, Kelly, and Jackson between them, the Vikings now have one of the best offensive lines in the league. It’s definitely the best Vikings offensive line in more than a decade. All of that is on paper. They have to prove it on the field. The five have yet to take a real snap together. 

The improvement of the five starting offensive lineman has had a trickle down effect on the entire position group. The backups have improved. Justin Skule was signed in free agency as a swing tackle. His solid experience as a starter may be needed at the start of the season. Christian Darrisaw is rehabbing from the knee injury that ended his 2024 season in October. The hope is that he’ll be ready in September. Skule is available if he’s not quite there. Blake Brandel was a solid starter at left guard. His play tailed off after Darrisaw’s injury but he provides solid depth at both guard and tackle. Skule and Brandel should be the top backups. I expect 2024 draft picks Walter Rouse and Michael Jurgens to further fill out the offensive line depth. Neither has taken a meaningful regular season snap but the coaches reportedly have faith in their abilities. Priority undrafted  free agents Logan Brown and Joe Huber should compete with Rouse and Jurgens for the final offensive line spots.