
At the core of the Vikings' issues on offense remained a beleaguered offensive line, which lost one starter in training camp, waited until Week 4 to start another and eventually started eight different players. A lone silver lining was the emergence of rookie Brian O'Neill at right tackle. More help is needed this offseason.
Grades are based on a 1-to-5 scale, with '5' marking excellence, '4' for above-average, '3' for average, '2' for below-average and '1' for failure to perform. Players that did not accrue a season (weren't on the active roster for at least six weeks) or played in three games or fewer are not graded. Below are individual grades, based on game and practice observations, weekly film reviews and interviews with coaches, for 14 offensive linemen who finished the season on the Vikings' active roster, injured reserve or practice squad. Unofficial NFL stats, such as QB pressures, missed tackles and targeted passes, are compiled by ProFootballFocus.com.
Previously: (Receivers) Adam Thielen and Stefon Diggs emerge as a top NFL duo; (Running backs/tight ends) Kyle Rudolph, Dalvin Cook filled underwhelming roles; (Quarterbacks) Kirk Cousins' first Vikings season busted when it mattered most; (Defensive backs) Harrison Smith leads a deep secondary; (Linebackers) Anthony Barr's contract season leaves you wanting more; (Defensive linemen) Danielle Hunter's name now among the NFL's best
OT Brian O'Neill (3.0) — Drafted in the second round (62nd overall) out of Pittsburgh. O'Neill was immediately labeled a project pick by general manager Rick Spielman, who likened the selection to the third-round pick spent on an underwhelming LSU product named Danielle Hunter in 2015. O'Neill lived up to the 'needs-work' label with an inconsistent summer, bottoming out with poor joint practices against the Jaguars in training camp. This was only his fourth year playing offensive line, but coaches noted great strides in his technique. Led to impressive spot starts at right tackle when Riley Reiff went down with a foot injury. Played 800 snaps [76.1%] after being a healthy scratch in the season opener. An injury to Aviante Collins opened the door in Week 2 at Green Bay, where O'Neill played 32 snaps in his NFL debut and held up well against Clay Matthews.
Allowed 31 QB pressures (no sacks), becoming only one of two offensive tackles this season — with Dallas' Tyron Smith — to play at least 500 pass pro snaps and not surrender a sack. Penalized four times, including three false starts. Struggled most as a run blocker, where he didn't move many defenders.
Made his first start in Week 6 against the Cardinals and did not give up the right tackle job the rest of the season. O'Neill, a former Delaware basketball standout and Pittsburgh tight end, could be the latest success story of an athletic basketball center or tight end moving to offensive tackle. Coaches want him to add muscle to his 6-foot-7-inch frame this offseason. Ate around 6,000 calories per day this summer toward that goal.
More reading: Brian O'Neill likes to talk and block at the same time
Below is a third-and-6 play in the season finale loss. The Bears are trying to isolate Khalil Mack (#52) on O'Neill (#75). Notice how no other Bears defenders start on that side of the ball. O'Neill does what he did for much of his impressive rookie season: absorbed the initial blow, mirrored with strong hands and did not get beat quickly. If he can add necessary weight (to better anchor vs. a rush like this) and keep up his technique, O'Neill could become a long-term answer for the Vikings.