Vikings Name O-Line Coach(es) While Searching for Ways to Improve Position

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The Vikings offensive line was so terrible last year that it may have cost them a spot in the playoffs. And early in the offseason, the Vikings front office seems to be exploring all angles of improvement. It starts with looking at what you have internally. Is everyone in their best position for team success?

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The #Vikings will “start at the bottom and build something” on offense this offseason. One change they’ve considered is moving left tackle Riley Reiff, possibly to guard: https://t.co/Oucf2zyxFl

— Andrew Krammer (@Andrew_Krammer) February 5, 2019

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#Vikings suggest Riley Reiff could be moved to guard next season while the team focuses on drafting a tackle.

Things clearly didn’t go smoothly moving Remmers inside last year, but maybe Reiff would have more success.

Thoughts?

— Sean Borman (@SeanBoarMan) February 5, 2019

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Riley Reiff’s run blocking grade of 68.3 is ranked 22nd for OTs. His pass blocking grade of 71.3 is ranked 45th for OTs. And his 42 pressures allowed this year is tied for 8th most of OTs with greater than 230 snaps. Can moving him inside to guard improve his efficiency? https://t.co/LzhXHniXls

— PFF MIN Vikings (@PFF_Vikings) February 5, 2019

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I get it. The desperation to get this offensive line fixed as quickly as possible means everything is on the table. We can safely say the Mike Remmers experiment at guard last year was a disaster. Moving him back to his natural position does make some sense (or we could just cut him entirely).

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I actually wouldn't hate Reiff moving inside to left guard if it meant the Vikings intended to move Remmers back to right tackle and O'Neill to left tackle.

It's a lot of movement, but at least on paper that's probably the best in-house permutation.

— Nick Olson (@NickOlsonNFL) February 6, 2019

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The best way to build up an offensive line is to draft tackles and build inward. We have Pat Elflein at center, and Brian O’Neil was a godsend at right tackle last year. I’m not keen on moving him after just one season in the NFL, like what Nick suggested above. Also remember, starting guards come cheaper than tackles. 

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Yes, the Vikings need offensive linemen, but one of the perks of Brian O'Neill developing so quickly is that the team doesn't need to reach for a tackle in the first round of the draft, and can wait until the second and third rounds to find plenty of starting-caliber guards.

— Nick Olson (@NickOlsonNFL) January 29, 2019

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I think the biggest point to keep in mind here is that the Vikings are exploring their options. They will look to make improvements in free agency, and through the draft, and if they can’t get it done, they will look at other ways to improve the roster.

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The majority of Vikings Twitter would be elated if the team signed Rodger Saffold to play OG for the team.

Saffold played 3 years as a starting LT before he transitioned to OG in the NFL.

Vikings Twitter thinks the Vikings are idiots if they move Riley Reiff from OT to OG.

— Brian Hawkes (@bdhawkes) February 6, 2019

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Naming an offensive line coach today was a good start.

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The #Vikings 2019 coaching staff as it stands today. pic.twitter.com/8S3tVhjASm

— Vikings PR (@VikingsPR) February 8, 2019

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Or, co-offensive line coaches… No, it isn’t normal. But this is Minnesota. Nothing we do in sports is normal.

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Seth Toupal | Minnesota Sports Fan

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