The Minnesota Vikings have been searching for stability on their offensive line for a long time. They drafted guard Ed Ingram last season in the hopes of solidifying that position. While he showed glimpses of promise, the Vikings could consider drafting competition.
Additionally, Ezra Cleveland is on an expiring contract and there are no assurances that he will return in 2024. While the Vikings likely won’t use a high draft pick on an interior offensive lineman, it would be wise to examine the draft class.
Let’s examine one guard or center from each round of the draft who may fit well with the Vikings.
1st Round: Minnesota C John Michael Schmitz
Schmitz is a powerful center with extensive playing experience in Minnesota. He possesses really good technique and an understanding of leverage when facing opposing defensive linemen. Heading into the NFL draft as a sixth-year senior, Schmitz is a player who can immediately step in and start for an NFL team with the potential to develop into a high-quality starter.
2nd Round: Wisconsin C Joe Tippmann
Tippmann is versatile enough to play guard in addition to being listed as a center if teams prefer. He possesses athleticism as an interior offensive lineman, with the ability to quickly reach the second level. Tippmann is an efficient run blocker and has an impressive size for an interior lineman.
3rd Round: North Dakota State OL Cody Mauch
Mauch excels as a run blocker and possesses good size and decent speed, making him a promising physical prospect for Kevin O’Connell’s zone-running scheme. However, his arm length is a drawback as it makes him prone to losing one-on-one battles. One of the benefits Mauch provides is the ability to play all five positions on the offensive line. If he lands with the right team, they can continue to develop him and work on his weaknesses.
4th Round: TCU C Steve Avila
Avila possesses the type of physicality that you want on your offensive line. He has a massive build and excels as a run blocker, utilizing his strength to win battles. However, Avila struggles with lateral movement and is susceptible to speed rushers. Teams at the next level will need to focus on refining his technique and fundamentals, but his potential is promising.
5th Round: USC's Andrew Vorhees
Vorhees has the position versatility to play almost anywhere across the offensive line. He possesses an impressive burst off the line of scrimmage and shows his power in the run game. Vorhees even earned a spot on Bruce Feldman’s renowned “Freak” List. While he has the potential to start in the NFL, he may require some time to adjust to the professional level.
6th Round: North Carolina State's Chandler Zavala
Zavala has a lot of potential and could help teams in a pinch if they need him to. He has really good speed and agility, along with good footwork for his size. Although he’ll need time to develop, this pick could be very beneficial for a team in the later rounds like the Vikings, especially if they’re looking to develop a guard for the future.
7th Round: Arkansas's Ricky Stromberg
Stromberg is a versatile player who doesn’t excel at any one particular thing but performs well in various areas. He excels as a mauler in run-blocking situations, showcasing his strength on the offensive line. However, he sometimes lacks consistency in his performance. Additionally, his limited speed makes pulling in run-blocking situations challenging. As a result, he is likely a late-day three prospect with potential for development.
