Competition for one of the Vikings' starting jobs just got a lot more interesting thanks to their latest move
Just last week, Minnesota Vikings offensive coordinator Wes Phillips told reporters that fifth-year veteran, Blake Brandel, deserved to lead the way in the battle for the starting left guard job.Phillips' words were pretty reassuring, but as we all know, NFL teams are always trying to max out their rosters, as much as possible, in hopes […]
Just last week, Minnesota Vikings offensive coordinator Wes Phillips told reporters that fifth-year veteran, Blake Brandel, deserved to lead the way in the battle for the starting left guard job.
Phillips' words were pretty reassuring, but as we all know, NFL teams are always trying to max out their rosters, as much as possible, in hopes of not only finding viable starters, but creating valuable, necessary depth along the way.
"I'm really excited about Blake," Vikings offensive coordinator Wes Phillips told reporters. "I feel like he gets bigger every time I see him. He's just a massive man on the inside, in there. But he's in great shape. He's always been very coachable. You talk about technique fundamentals, footwork, hand placement – all the things that are critical for the o-line. You know, one false step for an o-lineman could be a catastrophe. So it's been very encouraging so far with him stepping into that starting spot on the left, there.
"And I think it'll only grow from there, [with] the more experience [and] the more reps he gets. He's been a guy that, anytime he's been put in a game at several positions, has come through for us. And we haven't forgotten that and I think he's earned this opportunity."
The latest example of that philosophy came on Wednesday when the Vikings re-signed Dalton Risner, per ESPN's Adam Schefter. Risner signed a one-year deal a couple of weeks into the 2023 season after injuries hit Minnesota's interior offensive line. He wound up playing pretty well over the course of 11 starts and many wondered why he hadn't found a new home -or why the Vikings hadn't re-signed him- during free agency.
Risner's presence adds a whole new layer to the left guard battle, especially when considering the fact his deal is laden bonuses and incentives if he wins the job and becomes the main starter for the year.
Risner certainly has the edge when it comes to experience. He's appeared in 77 games over the course of his career that include 73 starts. He's been on the field for 4,512 offensive snaps compared to Brandel's 503 over four seasons.
But, the two players are opposite each other when it comes to strengths and weaknesses. Risner is a better pass protector, but not as great a run blocker, whereas Brandel is an OK run blocker, but not-so-great pass protector.
So, while it remains to be seen what happens, one thing is for sure and that's the fact that no matter who wins the job, the Vikings should not only have a capable starter, but some solid depth behind them, as well.
