The Minnesota Vikings had an improved offensive line in 2023 but there are still some major question marks on the interior.
Garrett Bradbury at center is objectively fine, but he's not the first-round type of player that he was drafted to be. Ed Ingram at right guard showed some growth last season but there are some major consistency issues in his game.
That leaves left guard. After trading Ezra Cleveland to the Jacksonville Jaguars so Dalton Risner could get the starting job, the Vikings have chosen not to bring him back. That leaves Blake Brandel as the projected starter and the Vikings seem to be okay with that. Offensive coordinator Wes Phillips spoke to the media on Tuesday after OTAs and said he's earned the opportunity.
"I'm really excited about Blake (Brandel)," Phillips said. "I feel like he gets bigger every time I see him, he's just a massive man on the inside. He's in great shape, he's always been very coachable. You talk about technique, fundamentals, footwork, hand placement, all the things that are critical for the O-line. One false step from an o-lineman could be catastrophe. It's been very encouraging so far with him stepping into that starting spot on the left there and I think it'll only grow from there. The more experience and the more reps he gets, he's been a guy that any time he gets put in a game at several positions has come through for us. We haven't forgotten that and I think he's earned this opportunity."
Brandel was a sixth-round pick out of Oregon State as a left tackle in 2020 and has slowly developed throughout his time with the Vikings. He also signed a three-year contract extension with the Vikings this past March worth $9.5 million. It's a valuable contract for a backup player but even more so if he ends up as the starter.
His biggest issue at tackle was being able to get off the ball quickly and handle speed rushers. That element is severely mitigated at guard, which makes sense why the Vikings moved him inside last year.
Is that a good bet for the Vikings to make? That is up for debate, but the team has the utmost confidence in him.
