Future of the Vikings, part 4: What changes are coming to the offensive line?

Once again, Minnesota has work to do to figure out its interior spots

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Each year following the NFL season we write a Future of the Vikings series looking at every position, the performances from the previous season and what could be coming next.

Read part 1: Is there a scenario where Kirk Cousins sticks around?
Read part 2: What will the new GM do with Dalvin Cook?
Read part 3: Building the receiving corps around Justin Jefferson

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By Sam Ekstrom

If you’re looking for a constant affliction that plagued the Zimmer/Spielman era from Day 1, look no further than the offensive line.

From the fledgling play of Matt Kalil to myriad fourth-round draft whiffs to inexplicable position changes, the Vikings never figured out how to build an above-average group of blockers.

In eight years with Zimmer and Spielman, the Vikings average rank in pass blocking was 26th, per Pro Football Focus, and their peak was 17th in 2017. Even as a run-blocking unit, which the Vikings prioritized heavily, they averaged 19th over the tandem’s eight-year stretch with a peak of 12th in 2019.

To not accidently stumble into a top 10 ranking in any season over nearly a decade is tough to accomplish, especially when it was always an area of need that required investment.

The front office turned a blind eye to gaping holes in the offensive line’s depth year after year, ignoring a need that was annually an egregious issue. This held especially true in the regime’s final seasons, which leaves the Vikings’ future decision makers with a thin group of blockers despite some decent pieces in the starting lineup.