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Way too early Vikings 53-man roster prediction

By Jake Andersen

Oct 18, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer (L) speaks with general manager Rick Spielman (R) prior to their game against the Kansas City Chiefs at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 18, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer (L) speaks with general manager Rick Spielman (R) prior to their game against the Kansas City Chiefs at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports /
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Offensive Line

Aug 27, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens outside linebacker Terrell Suggs (55) rushes as Detroit Lions tackle Riley Reiff (71) blocks during the first quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 27, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens outside linebacker Terrell Suggs (55) rushes as Detroit Lions tackle Riley Reiff (71) blocks during the first quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /

OL: Riley Reiff, Mike Remmers, Alex Boone, Joe Berger, Pat Elflein, Nick Easton, T.J. Clemmings, Jeremiah Sirles, Rashod Hill, Danny Isidora

Finally, the group that every Vikings fan wanted to see improve over the offseason, the offensive line.

While the Vikings missed out on top notch offensive linemen in free agency, they were able to solidify their tackle position, at least for the short term, with the signings of Riley Reiff and Mike Remmers, who both signed 5-year deals.

Both tackles had middling results last season, but were pressed to play the opposite side of the line. This season, they will go back to their natural positions, meaning Reiff will be the left tackle and Remmers, the right tackle.

They will be joined by incumbent starters Alex Boone and Joe Berger, who look set to play left and right guard, respectively.

As for the center position, the battle is likely between rookie Pat Elflein and Nick Easton.

Elflein, the Vikings third round pick, has come with rave reviews, so look for him to have the edge over the summer. Here’s what one scout had to say about Elflein via NFL.com:

"“You are getting a guy who will be great for your locker room and will get the rest of the offensive line on board. I think he could have the same fast impact on a team’s running game that Zach Martin had in Dallas. Safe draft pick to me.” — NFC West scout"

That is music to Vikings fans’ ears, especially after having the NFL’s worst running attack last season. Additionally, Elflein has the ability to play guard, giving the team more flexibility.

As backups, I have T.J. Clemmings, Jeremiah Sirles, Rashod Hill, and fifth rounder Danny Isidora, along with whoever loses the center battle.

Although Clemmings finished with an awful 28.3 overall Pro Football Focus rating, the team is likely to keep him and Sirles for at least one more season as veteran insurance, an insurance that many fans hope isn’t used.

As for Hill and Isidora, Hill showed promise playing left tackle in last season’s final game against the Bears and Isidora was an athletic, three year starting guard for the Miami Hurricanes. His athleticism is ideal at the guard position as the Vikings transition from a power blocking to zone blocking scheme.

One name to take note of is tackle Aviante Collins, one of the top undrafted free agents and could be kept if the Vikings feel he could develop into a solid tackle in the future.

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