NFC North: Storylines to follow at mandatory minicamps
Minnesota Vikings
Mandatory minicamp dates: June 11-13
What to follow: Are the offensive line woes in the past?
The Minnesota Vikings have arguably the most talented roster in the division. However, shaky performances by the offensive front has held them back in recent seasons. The Vikings are hoping that the added investment to that position group this offseason may plug some of those leaks.
With a massive financial commitment to quarterback Kirk Cousins, protecting him from all angles remains a major priority, as well as opening holes in the running game.
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Veteran tackle and former Lion Riley Reiff has underperformed in his two years as a Viking, despite a high price tag. Former third round pick Pat Elflein has been a liability at center, and could be in for a position change in 2019.
With pressure mounting after missing the playoffs last season, the Vikings prioritized adding talent up front in this year’s draft. Using their first round selection on an offensive lineman was almost a foregone conclusion, and Minnesota selected North Carolina State center Garrett Bradbury with the 18th overall pick. Lauded for his consistency and leadership with the Wolfpack, Bradbury’s arrival could push Elflein to guard or out of the starting lineup completely.
Elflein could also face competition from two other directions at minicamp and into training camp. Guard Dru Samia was taken in the fourth round in April, after playing in front of star quarterbacks Baker Mayfield and Kyler Murray at Oklahoma, the last two first overall draft selections. Add in free agent acquisition Josh Kline, who started 46 games at guard for the Tennessee Titans over the last three seasons, and Elflein will need a excellent series of offseason sessions to maintain a spot in the starting lineup.
As the Lions have done over the past several seasons, Vikings general manager Rick Spielman realized the critical importance of having a stout offensive line to play in front of a high-priced signal caller. If the copious capital that they have dedicated to the position group fails to gain some much needed footing in minicamp, Minnesota could find themselves falling behind again in a rugged NFC.