If spring practices are any indication, the Vikings are banking on Rashod Hill's development in 2018.

Hill, the third-year undrafted tackle out of Southern Miss, says he did his part off the football field this offseason. By cutting out late-night trips to Cub and filling dinners at Capital Grille, Hill dropped 12 pounds in an effort to be ready for the long haul with the Vikings. He says he's down to 313 pounds after playing at 325 last season.

"That's a good thing," Hill said last month during the Vikings' minicamp to close the spring.

After Hill took nearly every rep as the starting right tackle during the spring, it's possible he ends up there again Week 1 against the San Francisco 49ers.

Center Pat Elflein's expected return for training camp this month gives the Vikings flexibility, freeing up Nick Easton to move back to guard and perhaps Mike Remmers back to right tackle. But whether Hill is the starter or the swing tackle (where he began last season), the Vikings want to make sure he's ready to contribute.

ANDREW KRAMMER