Vikings continue trend of hosting interior offensive linemen set to go in first two rounds who have one unique thing in common

After a disastrous finish to the season with the offensive line taking it on the chin, Minnesota Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah took it to heart and invested heavily to fix it. The signings of center Ryan Kelly and right guard Will Fries to replace Garrett Bradbury and Ed Ingram signaled the first time in […]

Tyler Forness — NFL & College Football News Writer
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Oct 5, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers offensive lineman Aireontae Ersery (69) celebrates quarterback Max Brosmer's (16) touchdown against the USC Trojans during the first half at Huntington Bank Stadium.
Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

After a disastrous finish to the season with the offensive line taking it on the chin, Minnesota Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah took it to heart and invested heavily to fix it. The signings of center Ryan Kelly and right guard Will Fries to replace Garrett Bradbury and Ed Ingram signaled the first time in seemingly forever that the offensive line was a major focus.

As we go into the NFL Draft in just 17 days, the Vikings aren't slowing down when it comes to the offensive line. They are hosting multiple players at the position set to go in the first two rounds with Arizona's Jonah Savaiinaea, Purdue's Marcus Mbow, and Minnesota's Aireontae Ersery.

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Vikings prioritizing interior offensive linemen with top 30 visits

It's really cool to see the Vikings prioritize the interior of the offensive line. They spent major money in a big way on the interior and it looks to pay off this season.

They are continuing to look at ways to improve the interior with one interesting trend: all three of these players are tackles that project well inside to guard, and in Mbow's case, center.

That element is a really interesting facet of this conversation. Is there a reason why the Vikings are looking into more players who they would want to kick inside? Is versatility an element that they are prioritizing? Could offensive line coach Chris Kuper see something in offensive tackles that kick inside? 

The talents of all three players are somewhat different. Mbow is a great athlete who profiles well as an outside zone center. Ersery is a massive human with good movement skills and technical prowess. Savaiinaea is a mauler who will drive you into the ground with his grip strength.

It's not a guarantee that these players will end up being Vikings, but they are taking the interior of the offensive line seriously.

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