5 Best First Round Draft Options For Vikings

Nov 28, 2014; Iowa City, IA, USA;Iowa Hawkeyes running back Jordan Canzeri (33) follows the blocking of teammate offensive lineman Brandon Scherff (68) against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports

Brandon Scherff – OL – Iowa

Brandon Scherff is considered by many to be the most NFL-ready offensive lineman in the draft. At 6’5″ and 315 pounds, Scherff is the prototypical size for an NFL lineman. According to Pro Football Focus’ 2014 End of the season Offensive Line rankings, the Vikings were the 21st ranked overall offensive line, while ranking 25th in pass protection. With a young, promising quarterback in Teddy Bridgewater, good pass protection is vital. At left tackle, Matt Kalil started the 2014 season out horrendously before improving slightly towards the end of the season. Charlie Johnson, at left guard, was a disappointment for basically the entire season. Whether the Vikings want to replace Kalil at left tackle or replace Johnson at left guard, Scherff is versatile enough to play both positions well. Scherff’s weakness would likely be his durability, as he missed significant time in the 2012 and 2014 seasons at Iowa with injuries. However, if the Vikings are willing to select Scherff with the 11th pick despite his questionable durability, he would be a great addition to an offensive line that needs improvement.