Vikings Unveil Their Newly Reconstructed Offensive Line

By Eric Strack |

Updated: May 14, 2021

After letting Riley Reiff go earlier this offseason and then taking Christian Darrisaw (1st) and Wyatt Davis (3rd) early in last month’s draft, the Minnesota Vikings know what they want their 2021 reconfigured offensive line to look like. There’s still a lot of time before we kickoff any real football games this season, so anything in place now is obviously subject to change, but here’s how the Vikings are lining up their offensive trenches to start rookie minicamp.

LT	LG	C	RG	RT
C. Darrisaw (R)	E. Cleveland	G. Bradbury	W. Davis (R)	B. O’Neill

So possible early indications for the #Vikings offensive line this season: Christian Darrisaw at left tackle, Ezra Cleveland at left guard, Garrett Bradbury at center, Wyatt Davis at right guard and Brian O'Neill at right tackle. But it's early so we'll see.
— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) May 14, 2021

Ezra Cleveland, who trained as the 2nd team left guard in camp and started 9 games at right guard out of necessity, should move back to left guard with Davis playing at right.

I expect the OL to be (L to R) Darrisaw – Cleveland – Bradbury – Davis – O'Neill https://t.co/dvYzqmu7lP
— Courtney Cronin (@CourtneyRCronin) May 14, 2021

Ezra Switches Sides

Virginia Tech rookie Christian Darrisaw, who’s expected to start at left tackle immediately, will be the Vikings’ attempt at a direct replacement for Riley Reiff, who had the best season of his career in 2020 but now plays in Cincinnati. Garrett Bradbury and Brian O’Neill will hold their ground and center and right tackle but the Vikings will ask 2nd-year Boise State o-lineman, Ezra Cleveland to shift positions for the second time.

Cleveland was drafted as a left tackle but the Vikings’ interior o-line was so rotten in 2020 they were forced to move him to right guard out of desperation. He quickly became their best option and started the final nine games of the season there. With the insertion of Wyatt Davis on the right side, Ezra will remain at guard but he’ll shuffle to the other side of Garrett Bradbury.

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan