The National Football Post reported earlier this week that Colorado offensive tackle Nate Solder is expected to have a private workout with Vikings officials on Friday, according to a league source.

Solder (6-8, 315 pounds) is one of the top offensive tackles in the draft and is expected to be taken in the first round, a possible target for the Vikings at No. 12 overall.

While much of the pre-draft attention has focused on the Vikings quarterback situation, offensive line certainly is an area that needs to be addressed as well.

Left tackle Bryant McKinnie turns 32 in September. Right tackle Phil Loadholt was slowed by offseason shoulder surgery early last season and didn't play as well as his rookie season. The Vikings could look to find McKinnie's eventual replacement in the first few rounds.

Offensive tackles Tyron Smith of USC and Orlando Franklin of Miami reportedly visited Winter Park this month. Smith could be a Top 10 pick, with a number of mock drafts predicting him to go to Dallas at No. 9 overall.

Here is the scouting report on Solder from National Football Post:

"A physical specimen for the position who possesses a rare combination of size, length and overall athleticism. You can tell he's a former tight end by the way he lines up in a three-point stance at times, as he exhibits good flexibility and can keep his base down. Has improved on his kick-slide this year, but will get overextended quickly and open up his hips vs. speed off the edge. Does a much better job staying clean and compact with his footwork when he knows he has help on the outside in the form of a chip. However, when left on an island, he's more athlete than technician and despite his good lateral quickness, he can be exposed to the "up and under." Possesses good range off the edge despite the fact at times he is forced to open up his hips. However, I would like to see him do a better job keeping his hands up and set on his kick-slide and be ready to punch at any time. Too often gets his hands down around his waist and struggles to anchor and fight off undersized defensive ends who want to get under him when flattening out around the edge. However, can sit into his stance vs. the bull rush, does a nice job working his arms/hands for inside leverage, slides his feet well through contact and can stick to blocks through the play.

"Now, he is a gifted athlete in space and showcased better pop and power as a run blocker than given credit. Has the ability to sit into his stance, gain leverage into contact, extend his arms and finish with a strong lower body push. Can consistently drive defenders off the ball as an in-line guy one-on-one, but at times will get overextended and fall off blocks after initial contact. Looks natural on the move as well and has the ability to get into blocks quickly and create a bit of a surge at the point of attack. Breaks down well in space, exhibits some short-area quickness and can routinely seal his target.

"Impression: A guy who will likely be over drafted based on upside — and rightfully so, as he has the skill set to be as good as he wants to be in the NFL. However, has a lot of cleaning up to be entrusted as a left tackle early in his NFL career and I could see him being better suited to play on the right side because of his ability to win in the run game. Reminds me some of former second-round pick Sebastian Vollmer."