1 offensive tackle for the Vikings for every round of the 2023 NFL draft
The Minnesota Vikings searched for their cornerstone tackles for a long time, and they finally found them in Christain Darrisaw and Brian O’Neill. If no unforeseen events occur, they should have their tackle position settled for years to come.
However, the NFL is unpredictable, and injuries can ruin a team’s season. Although the Vikings are not likely to use an early pick on a tackle, it is worth examining the draft class because you never know. Let’s explore one offensive tackle from each round of the draft who may fit well with the Vikings.
1st Round: Northwestern's Peter Skoronski
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The Vikings are unlikely to draft Skoronski with Darrisaw and O’Neill on the roster, but if they do, they would likely slide him inside to guard right away. Skoronski has sound technique and is an athletic prospect who can immediately start for an NFL team. His position and scheme versatility are his strengths. If a team needs an offensive lineman who can make an immediate impact, they should choose Skoronski.
2nd Round: Oklahoma's Anton Harrison
Harrison possesses the ideal size and length to become an offensive tackle in the NFL. He demonstrates good athletic abilities, yet struggles with technique and consistency. Harrison isn’t likely to immediately start with a significant impact. NFL coaches will need to work with him to develop his skills and transform him into a valuable starter at the next level.
3rd Round : Syracuse's Matthew Bergeron
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Bergeron is an experienced prospect from Syracuse who has started since his freshman season. He demonstrated the ability to move laterally and be effective, but lacks strength and technique. After playing both left and right tackle, his smaller stature might require a shift to guard. Bergeron would benefit from finding a team that can provide him with a stable position to learn and attempt to master at the next level
4th Round: Pittsburgh's Carter Warren
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Warren is an interesting prospect due to both his age and experience level. Unfortunately, a torn meniscus cut his season short in 2022. He showed good pass protection skills with decent technique during his tenure in college. Teams will need to work with him to ensure he’s healthy, and they’ll need to feel comfortable drafting an older developmental prospect.
5th Round: Oklahoma's Wanya Morris
Morris has position versatility and is a physical prospect whose biggest strength lies in the run game. Unfortanley, his strength, and technique are where his biggest weaknesses. Teams will have to determine Morris’s fit at the next level and then work on developing him.
6th Round: BYU's Blake Freeland
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Freeland possesses good size and length for the tackle position while also being an athletic prospect. He excelled as a run-blocking tackle in college. He also flashed the ability to pass block effectively, allowing only one sack in his last two seasons at BYU. At the next level, he will need to add size and strength, but he could still be a steal in the later rounds.
7th Round: Baylor's Connor Galvin
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Galvin is an athletic tackle who displays good speed, particularly when pulling in the run game. However, he lacks technical soundness and needs to improve his power at the point of attack. He is likely a day-three prospect, whose ceiling is someone like Oli Udoh, a player that can start in a pinch.
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