‘I think that’s where you win’ — Vikings GM Nolan Teasley endears himself to the entire fanbase during his first day on the job
One of the biggest issues with the Minnesota Vikings over the last decade will be the focus for Nolan Teasley.
The Minnesota Vikings have had offensive line issues over the last few years. You could argue that it’s been an issue since Steve Hutchinson left after the 2011 season.
Even with it being an issue, the Vikings have continued to try and fix the unit. It’s been both successful and unsuccessful. They have found a few gems to fortify the unit, including left tackle Christian Darrisaw, left guard Donovan Jackson, and right tackle Brian O’Neill.
Minnesota Vikings general manager facts
- The Minnesota Vikings surprisingly fired Kwesi Adofo-Mensah after the Senior Bowl concluded practices on January 30th.
- The 120 days between Adofo-Mensah’s firing and the hiring of Teasley had Rob Brzezinski in charge for 120 days.
- In that time, Brzezinski fixed the salary cap, led an efficient free agency, and took big swings in the NFL Draft.
Nolan Teasley’s team building strategy is exactly what Vikings fans want
The trenches have been a spot that hasn’t gotten the attention that many have asked for the Vikings to have. They did make it a priority this past April by using three of their first four picks in the NFL Draft in the trenches, and all four if you include Jake Golday as an edge rusher.
New general manager Nolan Teasley knows how important the trenches are, as the Seattle Seahawks team he helped build just won the Super Bowl. He did an interview with the Vikings Entertainment Network, and made it clear how he values the trenches.
“Investment in the offensive on the offensive line, defensive line as well, because I think that’s where you win in the trenches.”
Minnesota Vikings general manager Nolan Teasley
It’s a good sign for those who have been shouting from the rooftops that the offensive line has been an issue. Last season, the offensive line on paper was one of the better ones in the NFL. The issue wasn’t the level of talent on the starting five, but rather the rash of injuries the unit suffered. Nearly 1/3rd of the total snaps on the offensive line were taken by backups due to injuries.
On the defensive line, the Vikings have been diligently working on building that unit back up, including first and third-round picks in last year’s NFL Draft. Being that Teasley believes in continuing to build through the trenches, that could be a major factor in how the Vikings approach the next few months.