Vikings 90-man roster player profile: IOL Chris Reed
Welcome to the beginning of our 2023 season preview content!
Over the next few weeks, we will be looking at each player on the roster in-depth with backgrounds and how they currently project forward on the Minnesota Vikings roster.
What is the best-case scenario? What is the worst-case scenario? What should we expect from them during the preseason and beyond? We will break all of that down here.
As a staff, all of us at Vikings Wire ranked the entire 90-man roster 1-90 and will be releasing player profiles in reverse order.
Background
Name: Mekhi Blackmon
Rank: 39
Height: 5-11
Weight: 178 lbs
Experience: Rookie
College: USC
Stats (at Colorado and USC): 66 total tackles, 13 passes defended, 3 interceptions
Votes:
Tyler Forness: 34
Kevin Fielder: 38
Judd Zulgad: 41
Saivion Mixson: 38
Average: 37.75
Best case scenario
Reed is a talented guard that is a great sixth offensive lineman. He played well with the Colts prior to joining the Vikings in 2022. He spent the season learning how to play center and started in week 18 due to injuries to both Garrett Bradbury and Austin Schlottmann.
The best-case scenario for Reed is that he continues to improve at snapping the ball and plays well when called upon. Based on how things went last season in regards to rotation, Reed will only play on special teams or due to injury.
Worst case scenario
One of the tough parts with a backup offensive lineman is getting playing time. Consistent reps and chemistry are important with playing the position, but that hasn’t happened under Kevin O’Connell. He also could have a disastrous training camp, which could cost him a roster spot.
What to expect in 2023
Reed is likely to earn the backup center/guard spot for the Vikings. Versatility is key with backup offensive lineman. If he needs to play, the Vikings can trust that Reed will be at least a replacement level player.
Previous player profiles
90-Garett Maag
89-Jack Podlesny
88-Zach Ojile
87-NaJee Thompson
86-Thayer Thomas
85-Sam Schluter
84-Jaelyn Williams
83-Jacky Chen
82-Cephus Johnson III
81-C.J. Coldon Jr.
80-Junior Aho
79-Malik Knowles
78-Abraham Beauplan
77-Wilson Huber
76-Lucky Jackson
75-Andre Carter II
74-Curtis Weaver
73-T.J. Smith
72-Alan Ali
71-Josh Sokol
70-Blake Proehl
69-John Reid
68-Trishton Jackson
67-Kalon Barnes
66-Benton Whitley
65-Calvin Avery
64-Theo Jackson
63-William Kwenkeu
62-Sheldon Day
61-Tay Gowan
60-Ross Blacklock
59-Vederian Lowe
58-Jaren Hall
57-Nick Muse
56-Ivan Pace, Jr
55-Jalen Reagor
54-Luiji Vilain
53-Austin Schlottmann
52-Troy Dye
51-Olisaemeka Udoh
50-Nick Mullens
49-Kene Nwangwu
48-DeWayne McBride
47-Jaquelin Roy
46-Jay Ward
45-Brandon Powell
44-Troy Reeder
43-James Lynch
42-Greg Joseph
41-Johnny Mundt
40-Blake Brandel
39-Mekhi Blackmon
