The Vikings' need at tackle isn't as pressing after they added two 28-year-old starters through free agency in Riley Reiff and Mike Remmers. That puts T.J. Clemmings in the background again, where he could benefit from having more time to figure things out.
Guard is a different matter.
The Vikings cleaned house on the right side by releasing the past two Week 1 starters in Brandon Fusco and Mike Harris this offseason. Fusco, once penciled in as the long-term answer, disappointed in his two seasons after suffering a torn pectoral muscle at the start of 2014.
Jeremiah Sirles, at 6-6, 315 pounds, will compete for the right guard spot after making a career-high 10 starts — mostly at tackle — last season. He isn't the most athletic, and he bounced around the lineup too much to get comfortable, but he played admirably. He might gain from focusing on one spot this offseason. Third-year guard/center Zac Kerin is another option, though he has yet to start an NFL game.
The Vikings did not add a guard or center in free agency, leaving the possibility of drafting players at both positions next week. Coach Mike Zimmer said this offseason he has four of five starting spots figured out. They'll have intriguing options in the draft to bolster that fifth spot at right guard.
Projected starters: LT Riley Reiff, LG Alex Boone, C Joe Berger, RG Jeremiah Sirles, RT Mike Remmers.
Don't forget about: Nick Easton. The third-year center started five consecutive games at the end of last season and could give Berger, who turns 35 in May, a run for the starting center spot. Easton played with confidence and intelligence during his fledgling starts but was overpowered at times while run blocking and made a critical error on a botched snap at Green Bay. Will he take another step forward this season?
Level of need: High at guard. Moderate at tackle and center.
