This Vikings off-season has lacked one thing that seemingly every Vikings off-season seems to include – addressing the offensive line. They seem to have an idea of running back the 2022 offensive line, which was solid, but not elite by any means.
Obviously, the Vikings have two excellent bookends on either end, with tackles Christian Darrisaw and Brian O’Neill. Darrisaw was excellent last season, and there is no reason to expect he cannot repeat that production. O’Neill was also elite but tore his Achilles in Week 17 against the Packers. He is expected to be ready for Week 1, but there is no guarantee. Regardless, he will start for most of the season, barring any other injury. The only reason for concern is the O’Neill injury; otherwise, this offensive line should be fine for 2023.
Garrett Bradbury had been labeled as a bust from 2019-2021. He turned it around in 2022 and became a very reliable center. He was rewarded with a 3 year, $15 million extension. He will be a steady option at center and we can expect him to repeat his play from 2023.
The only question is the guards.
Ed Ingram beat out Jesse Davis for the starting RG spot in camp. He was a second round pick out of LSU and the Vikings had very high hopes. Ingram disappointed – he tripped Kirk Cousins multiple times, and struggled in all aspects of the game. However, Ingram was a high draft pick. He can easily turn his game around, and I think the Vikings coaching staff deserves credit for being patient with him. Do not give up on Ingram yet.
The biggest issue is Ezra Cleveland.
Cleveland enters 2023 facing a make or break year. He has been starting since 2020, and every year has been about the same. He has always been an excellent run blocker, but a lousy pass protector. The interesting thing about him was that he was drafted as a tackle, but has played guard his entire career thus far. His story reminds me of Bradbury, going into year 4 in a make or break situation and has been a great run blocker and lousy pass protector so far. So, who says he can’t do what Bradbury did last year and turn his game around?
I think this offensive line is one of the best the Vikings have had in years. I think the chemistry was great last year, and they will continue to build on that. I am 100% behind the Vikings making no offensive line changes. But, if Cleveland and Ingram struggle again, this offensive line could look much different next year. This offensive line should be about average to above average, and it has a lot of upside to be excited for.
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