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Minnesota Vikings should continue to add to OL

By Tyler Haag

PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 21: Head coach Mike Zimmer of the Minnesota Vikings walks off the field after being defeated by the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Championship game at Lincoln Financial Field on January 21, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 21: Head coach Mike Zimmer of the Minnesota Vikings walks off the field after being defeated by the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Championship game at Lincoln Financial Field on January 21, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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After spending a second and sixth round pick on offensive lineman, the Minnesota Vikings could still add a veteran when teams make their training camp cuts.

In 2016 we saw what can happen to a team’s season when the offensive line is unable to block at an NFL level. After starting 5-0, injuries and poor play on the offensive line lead to an 8-8 record when it was all said and done. In 2017, the Minnesota Vikings completely retooled their personnel up front and started five new players, leading to a much better season and much better performance from the offensive line.

After the retirement of Joe Berger (16 starts last seasons) and the departure of Jeremiah Sirles (14 games played in 2017), the Vikings were looking to fill starting roles during this offseason. Signing Tom Compton and drafting Tackle Brian O’Neill in the second round might not be the ideal scenario for the Vikings in 2018. It would not be shocking should they look to add an offensive lineman when teams make their cuts in training camp.

With a reported $15 million in cap space left this season, they have the money to go get a starting caliber, too expensive for his former team, type player. The Vikings are now quite possibly in the “free agents come here for a chance at a ring” phase of their championship window and could have their pick off of the top of the scrap heap.

Perhaps we are not giving enough credit to the possible progression of the young lineman currently on the roster, namely Danny Isodora and Rashod Hill. If either or both of those two players can “level-up” and separate themselves as starters during training camp, it would help alleviate some of the concern.

Next: Terence Newman re-signs with Vikings

Kirk Cousins gives this team something it has not had in decades: stability at the starting Quarterback position. However, it wont matter if they can not protect him and give Cousins enough time to operate. The season may hinge on this group of players and if they are underwhelming, the results could be very disappointing for Vikings fans.

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