strong at tackle, the IOL has been a source of frustration in Minnesota for a long time. Many players have come and gone, with numerous resources invested, but this year the Vikings have spared no expense. Paying big money and using a first-round draft pick in a bid to finally get it right. Meet the men tasked with solving the Vikings’ longstanding weakness.

Ryan Kelly

Garrett Bradbury never lived up to his first-round draft billing. To be seen as a success when taken in the first round at center, you need to excel and be a player worthy of All-Pro recognition and voted to multiple Pro Bowls. As was the case with Ryan Kelly, the 18th overall pick for the Indianapolis Colts in 2016, two years before the Vikings took Bradbury at the same position.

Pro Football Focus of 71.9 in a season plagued by injuries. He only allowed one sack and 11 pressures last season. The type of stats Vikings fans have been dreaming of from their center.

Will Fries

Following Kelly on the path from Indianapolis to Minneapolis is Will Fries. The Vikings spent big to make this happen, $88 million over a five-year contract. Substandard guard play has been a feature of the Vikings’ play for far too long, so Adofo-Mensah moved to sign arguably the best guard on the market. It has been a story of patience and development for Fries, who came into the league as a seventh-round pick with the Colts in 2021.

Vikings Big Trade Idea Has New Support