The Minnesota Vikings are firmly entrenched in OTAs and are progressing toward training camp at TCO Performance Center. This will be the third season under head coach Kevin O'Connell and general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and it's also a turning point in the future of the organization.
To prepare for the pivotal 2024 season, we will break down each player on the 90-man roster leading up to training camp. In this series, we will look into their background, scheme fit, best and worst case scenario along with what to expect from each player. It will also help gain more insight on each player going into the year, especially with players who haven't gotten much fanfare.
Can the Minnesota native Spencer Rolland make the Vikings' roster?
Background
Rolland committed to Harvard out of Apple Valley High School, a short distance from TCO Performance Center. He redshirted in his true freshman season before playing in 10 games as a sophomore in 2019. The Ivy League cancelled their season in 2020 and he earned first-team All-Ivy League honors in 2021. He transferred to North Carolina as a grad transfer where he played right tackle for the Tar Heels in his last two seasons. He graded out best as a pass blocker and was an adequate run blocker.
Scheme fit
Rolland played tackle in college, but is likely to move inside to guard at the next level. He knows how to put himself in good position as a run blocker and his lack of quickness and anchor can help him on the inside. Rolland can handle the diverse run concepts that the Vikings run.
Best case scenario
A move to the inside revitalizes his career and helps curb his issues with athleticism and anchor. Rolland takes a step forward as a run blocker and continues to play well as a pass blocker. With the lack of depth on the interior, Rolland shocks everyone by earning a spot on the 53-man roster.
Worst case scenario
Rolland struggles mightily at right tackle and can't handle playing against edge rushers at the NFL level. He gets pushed back with consistency along with struggling using technique in the running game.
What to expect in 2024
Rolland was one of the players that the Vikings brought in on a top-30 visit. They got to bring in Rolland due to him being from the Twin Cities as a local visit. He played well for the Tar Heels the last two seasons, but the limited traits to build upon could end up being his downfall to making the 53-man roster.
Rolland has some inside-out flexibility and the size profile to develop his technique. This could be the next Blake Brandel project for the Vikings where he doesn't make the active roster in 2024 but stays on the practice squad for a year or two.
Previous player profiles
Devron Harper | Ty James | Trey Knox | Gabriel Murphy | Dwight McGlothern | Dallas Gant | Doug Nester | Jeshaun Jones | Taki Taimani | Jeremy Flax
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