Each day this week, we will break down where the Vikings stand at certain positions heading into next week's NFL draft. Today, we continue the series with the offensive line.

The Vikings will have a new starter along the offensive line this season. But who will it be?

They released veteran left guard Charlie Johnson in the offseason, leaving a starting spot up for grabs. It remains to be seen whether David Yankey can seamlessly transition into a starter after spending his entire rookie season on the bench, or if the Vikings find a starter at some point in the draft. If both options fail, the Vikings re-signed veteran Joe Berger as a safety net and won't be forced to reach on a guard.

It's almost a guarantee that General Manager Rick Spielman's draft classes will include an offensive lineman. The only year Spielman hasn't selected an offensive lineman during his tenure with the Vikings was in 2007. Plenty of mock drafts have the Vikings selecting an offensive lineman in the first round, particularly Iowa offensive tackle Brandon Scherff. While Scherff is a talented prospect, the move would be out of the ordinary for Spielman. The only lineman he's selected in the first round was left tackle Matt Kalil with the fourth overall pick.

The Vikings were decimated by injuries along the offensive line last year, particularly on the right side. Right guard Brandon Fusco and right tackle Phil Loadholt both tore their pectoral muscles and were placed on injured reserve. They should be set outside of guard, however.

Projected starters: Kalil at left tackle, Berger at left guard (for now), John Sullivan at center, Fusco at right guard and Loadholt at right tackle.

Don't forget about: Berger has been a reliable veteran for the Vikings over the past four years. He made nine starts last year and held his own. He's penciled in as the starter for now at left guard, but the Vikings hope that either Yankey will develop into a starter or they find a starter in the draft.

Level of need: High. It's among the top three biggest needs along with linebacker and cornerback. They settled on bringing Johnson back last year, and it turned out to be a bad decision. The Vikings didn't address the need of a left guard in free agency and can't go into training camp assuming Yankey or Berger will pan out. One of their first three picks next week must be an offensive lineman.

Five prospects to remember: Iowa OT Brandon Scherff, Duke OG Laken Tomlinson, Hobart OG Ali Marpet, Alabama OG Arie Kouandjio and Oregon OT Jake Fisher

Our best guess: The Vikings will pass on selecting an offensive lineman in the first round and look for Day 2 prospects to fill the need at left guard. Tomlinson and Marpet are two guards in this draft to keep an eye on that fit the description. Tomlinson appears to be a second-round pick, while Marpet could slide into the third round.