Minnesota Vikings: Biggest 2015 NFL Draft Need
By Erik Lambert
Sep 14, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings tackle Matt Kalil (75) against the New England Patriots at TCF Bank Stadium. The Patriots defeated the Vikings 30-7. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Things didn’t turn out as planned for the Minnesota Vikings. They still have work to do. What is their primary 2015 NFL draft focus?
Matt Kalil fading as the answer at tackle
It’s amazing how quickly the offensive line for the Vikings has crumbled and a lot of that has to do with the fading ability of left tackle Matt Kalil. After a strong start to his career as a rookie, the former USC product has steadily declined in terms of effectiveness. He is currently going through the worst season yet of his career and it’s having on impact on the growth of quarterback Teddy Bridgewater. In fact it’s gotten so bad that Kalil owns a -25.4 rating from Pro Football Focus. Their evaluation shows he’s allowed eight sacks, four hits and 20 pressures on Minnesota quarterbacks in 2014. Safe to say that is intolerable, which may make a move all the more likely.
Best Answer To Problem: Cedric Ogbuehi – OT – Texas A&M
There are already whispers that Kalil could be on the move to guard at some point, which would open up the left tackle position to need filling. Depending on how high the Minnesota Vikings pick in the 2015 NFL draft, they have to take a long look at Texas A&M product Cedric Ogbuehi. While still unpolished in a few areas, the kid has emerged as an athletic pass blocker with an added ability to drive open running lanes. He is exactly what offensive coordinator Norv Turner needs in order to help Bridgewater learn to operate a pro passing attack. As it stands the Vikings would hold the 8th pick next April. If it holds like that then Minnesota would have a good shot at landing Ogbuehi.