Join Two Old Bloggers as they analyze the Vikings’ Interior Offensive Line for the 2024 season, discuss wide receiver Jalen Nailor’s potential, and react to ESPN’s NFL roster rankings. The episode also covers the status of unsigned rookies J.J. McCarthy and Dallas Turner, dives into the interior of the offensive line and identify potential free-agent targets and draft prospects if they don’t perform well. SKOL!
In this episode of ‘Two Old Bloggers ,’ Dave and Darren discuss the current state of the Minnesota Vikings, particularly focusing on the offensive line. The episode kicks off with Dave waiting for Darren, speculating he might be facing power issues in Yellowknife. Despite Darren’s delay, Dave reviews the week’s news from Vikings’ camp, with a special mention of the wide receiver three spot and Jalen Nailor’s potential to step up. Darren arrives and reveals he was delayed by a family hike. The duo then explores the quality of the Vikings’ offensive line, specifically guards and centers, using extensive data from PFF. The discussion includes the performance of current players like Ed Ingram and Garrett Bradbury, the impact of offseason training, and potential free agents and top college prospects for the 2025 draft. The episode also touches on ESPN’s ranking of NFL teams’ rosters, with the Vikings placed 23rd. The show ends with well wishes for Canada Day and the Fourth of July. Let’s get started!
The State of the Vikings’ Interior Offensive Line
A Precarious Situation
To kick things off, we discussed the current state of the Vikings’ interior offensive line. As Dave highlighted:
“Today, we’re going to be talking about things that are near and dear to my heart— the big round bellies in the interior of the offensive line. Now, the question will be, are they any good? Should we worry about them? Are they bad? Are they good enough? Are they going to be even better? We’ll find out.”
Clearly, there’s no shortage of concerns about the offensive line’s quality and consistency, especially given last year’s mixed performance.
Evaluating Past Performance
Using data from PFF (Pro Football Focus), we examined the historical performance of guards and centers from 2006 to 2023. PFF offers the most comprehensive metrics, even though its accuracy is often debated. For instance, the mean scores for guards and centers in the NFL indicate that rookies and even second-year players often struggle to meet average performance standards.
Dave’s extensive research, presented through various charts and spreadsheets, reveals some telling statistics.
“And as you can see, from going from year one to year two, there, they increase, you know, almost double, but they increase. Some places they do double or go better. Year three, there’s even more of them. Year three is where you see the bigger jumps.”
The data indicates that while rookies may struggle initially, performance generally improves significantly by the third year.
Key Players to Watch
Ed Ingram’s Potential Leap
One name that stood out during our discussion is Ed Ingram:
“He improved. If you look at the top 64, he is not the worst. He ranked 38th, I think it was… I think Ed Ingram’s going to take that step this year, and he will be above average.”
Ingram’s development could be crucial. The data suggests he’s close to crossing the threshold from subpar to decent, making him a player to watch this season.
Ingram is moving into his third year. “The sweet spot, if they’re not taking that, you know, early, successful that first year usually comes in year three,” Dave noted. Ed Ingram has shown improvement, but the big test will be whether he can meet or exceed league averages this year, making him a solid starter for the Vikings.
Blake Brandel and Garrett Bradbury
Another player of interest is Blake Brandel, who might find his footing this season. As for Garrett Bradbury, consistency is key:
“Hopefully we return to that Garrett Bradbury from 2022, and that he steps up. Otherwise, I think he’s going to be the first go of the bunch when we’re looking at next year.”
Free Agents and Draft Prospects
Looking forward, the Vikings have some interesting potential targets in free agency and the 2025 draft. Among the top free agents are Creed Humphrey from the Kansas City Chiefs and Quinn Meinerz from the Broncos.
“If you want to open up a Super Bowl window, you want younger guys so that window stays open longer, not just a one or two-year rental of some old guy.”
For those eyeing the draft, players like Jonah Savaiinaea from Arizona and Tyler Booker from Alabama could be options. Dave recommended keeping an eye on these college prospects as the season unfolds.
ESPN’s NFL Roster Rankings: A Cause for Concern?
The next major topic we tackled was ESPN’s roster rankings, where the Vikings were placed 23rd:
“And the Vikings didn’t slot in very well, according to these guys. 23rd in the NFL… The Vikings, 23rd strongest roster, which isn’t very strong at all.”
Reasons Behind the Ranking
The ranking has ignited some debate, especially given the perceived strengths in both offense and defense. Factors contributing to the low ranking could include uncertainty at the quarterback position.
“These guys just don’t believe that either Sam Darnell or JJ McCarthy are gonna play well enough for the Vikings.”
Opportunity for a Surprise?
While the low ranking is disappointing, Dave offers an optimistic take:
“I’m all for it. Let them set the expectations that the Vikings are bad… When we face you, you’ll be like, ah, we’re playing a Vikings, chalk that one up for a win. Go ahead. Do that. I encourage you to.”
A lower expectation from outsiders may actually play in the Vikings’ favor, potentially allowing them to exceed those expectations dramatically.
Unsigned Draft Picks: A Minor Hiccup?
We also examined the status of the Vikings’ 2024 draft picks, noting that some key players have yet to sign:
“So, [Will] Reichard, [Michael] Jurgens, Rodriguez, Khyree Jackson, and Walter Rouse have all signed their contracts. But two have not signed, and those are our number 10th pick, J.J. McCarthy, and number 17, Dallas Turner.”
While it’s unusual, neither of us feels this is a major concern yet. Both Dave and Darren believe the contracts will be signed well before training camp starts on July 27th.
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Wrapping Up
To conclude, the episode covered an array of pressing issues for the Vikings, from the shaky interior offensive line to ESPN’s less-than-favorable roster rankings and the unsigned draft picks. Although the outlook may appear grim to some, there’s plenty of room for optimism.
We hope you’ll keep tuning in as we continue to dissect every detail of the Vikings’ season. In the meantime, “Like, subscribe, and ring the bell, and rate us on your favorite podcast aggregator,” says Dave.
Stay tuned, Vikings fans, and SKOL!
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