What Can Vikings Learn From How Eagles Draft Linemen?

If there’s a focal point for the Minnesota Vikings this offseason it certainly will be the trenches. The tackles are set on offense, but the guard positions are a massive problem. Similarly, the edge rushers on defense are very talented, but the interior leaves plenty to be desired.

The Philadelphia Eagles just throttled the Kansas City Chiefs in the Super Bowl. Not only did they have a great defense, but they built their identity up front, on both lines. This is a strategy the Vikings will need to emulate soon, one they have yet to seriously pursue..

Minnesota Vikings need to make lines a priority

This season the Minnesota Vikings rolled out Blake Brandel as their left guard, hoping he would solidify that side. Performance issues then led to Dalton Risner stepping in for Ed Ingram at the other guard position, showcasing the team’s ongoing struggle to find consistency up front. The interior defensive line proved particularly weak, struggling against opposing offenses throughout the season. In contrast, the Philadelphia Eagles have long prioritized their linemen, both offensively and defensively, focusing on quality over quantity in their drafts. While Minnesota has not shied away from selecting linemen, their approach has often resulted in more bodies than standout performers, highlighting a clear disparity in strategy and execution between the two teams..

“Philadelphia has picked 40 players in the last five NFL drafts. Almost half of them have been linemen. Eagles general manager Howie Roseman has not been shy about the trenches being his priority. “I’m sure there’s some people sick and tired of seeing the Philadelphia Eagles take linemen,” he said in 2021, “but that’s how we won a championship, and that’s how we’re going to win another championship.”

“Since 2020, the Vikings have had 17 picks in the first three rounds. They’ve used only two on defensive linemen: edge rushers Dallas Turner and Patrick Jones II. Conversely, during that span, Philadelphia has picked 16 players in the first three rounds. Five have been defensive linemen: Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis, Nolan Smith, Milton Williams and Jalyx Hunt.”

Alec Lewis on the Vikings line draft picks (The Athletic)

While this is largely in reference to the defensive front, the Minnesota Vikings need is two-fold. Help is a must on the interior of both lines, and Minnesota can’t afford to miss. They have virtually the entire cornerback room leaving, but the trenches also need to be addressed.

Related: NFL Insider Reveals: One Vikings DB Expected to Re-Sign, Another Likely to Leave

After a 14-win season, the Vikings own the 24th overall pick in the upcoming draft. It almost has to be used on a defensive tackle or guard. Thankfully this is a draft flush with interior talent.

Although the Vikings certainly get to laugh at the Eagles over the selection of Jalen Reagor leaving Justin Jefferson available, the other results have not been as kind.

“The other notable difference between the teams’ draftees in the trenches is the sheer number of hits. In 2018, the same year Philadelphia drafted Josh Sweat and Jordan Mailata in the fourth and seventh rounds, respectively, Minnesota whiffed on defensive tackle Jalyn Holmes and guard Colby Gossett in the fourth and sixth rounds. In 2022, the Eagles drafted starting center Cam Jurgens in the second round. Eight picks later, the Vikings snagged right guard and potential cut Ed Ingram.”

Lewis on the Vikings and Eagles line selections (The Athletic)

MN Draft Issues?

To say that general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah has missed during the draft process would be putting it kindly. He has been exceptional when identifying free agents, but cheap contracts are what allow a roster to function properly.

The Minnesota Vikings can’t afford to leave the lines untouched again, and they must make it work this offseason. Whether J.J. McCarthy is under center, or some other veteran quarterback is, both offense and defense need to show out up front.

Kevin O’Connell earned Coach of the Year honors this season because he got the team to perform despite lacking expectations. They are potentially going to take a step back next year, but the quality in the trenches can help to mitigate a disaster. As we learned this year however, expectations are just that.