Our 2015 offensive line rankings continue here with the NFC North. We always prefer our fantasy players be on teams with good offensive lines, even receivers – who must rely on the QB being given enough time to execute their routes. Fortunately for fans of the Black and Blue division – the offensive lines are good across the board. Out of necessity as you might expect; not too dissimilar from the Big 10 in college football.

*We credit Pro Football Focus, STATS and Football Outsiders for many of the numerical rankings for offensive linemen from 2014 outlined below

Minnesota Vikings

The Vikings fielded a respectable run-blocking unit in 2014, but were awful in pass protection. Much of that deficiency can be attributed to former number-four-overall pick, LT Matt Kalil. The short-term future of this group depends largely on Kalil’s development. He flashed Pro Bowl potential as a rookie, but it’s not a coincidence Minnesota drafted three former college offensive tackles this year – they’re worried about Kalil.

Matt Kalil, LT 6’07” 308 pounds – Underwhelms and lacks core strength, one of league’s worst pass protectors 2014
Brandon Fusco, LG 6’04” 306 pounds – Best pass blocker on the team in limited action in ’14, solid in 2013
John Sullivan, C 6’03” 301 pounds – Very good run blocker, but below average pass blocker, a top 15 C in 2014
David Yankey, RG 6’6″ 315 pounds – Hasn’t played an NFL snap, was a polarizing prospect out of Stanford
Phil Loadholt, RT 6’08” 343 pounds – Had a down 2014, was a top 10 RT in recent years and still only 29 years old

Notes-

Last season, Minnesota had a solid right side- center through tackle. The left side was horrendous, though. Our Vikings sources expect Brandon Fusco to be flipped to LG this season in order to assist Matt Kalil. That opens up the RG position to a competition amongst youngsters. Some believe highly touted (yet very developmental) rookie OT prospect TJ Clemmings (6’5″ 309 lbs) will get his feet wet in the NFL at guard. We’ve scouted him live, and don’t buy it. Clemmings is a tackle that doesn’t need coddling – he needs tough development. We believe second-year OL David Yankey will get the nod at RG. He’s solid in the run game, and comes from a pro-style offense at Stanford. The team also selected OT Tyrus Thompson (6’5″ 324 lbs) and OT Austin Shepherd (6’4″ 315 lbs) in April’s NFL Draft. NFL Draft Expert Mike Loyko says Thompson was formidable at the University of Oklahoma and that he moves very well- although he lacked physicality in tight quarters and benefited from the quick set in OU’s spread offense. He’ll be pushing for the No. 2 spot at either right or left tackle on the depth chart. Loyko also says Shepherd isn’t a sexy player, but is tough and plays with technique – and gets the job done coming from the University of Alabama. Loyko expects Shepherd to kick inside to OG in Minnesota. In free agency, the team re-signed OT Michael Harris, while they let OG Vladimir Ducasse walk (to division rival Chicago)- as well as pitiful OT J’Marcus Webb, who found his way to the Black Hole in Oakland. It’s good news for Adrian Peterson’s fantasy value, yet it’s understandable why he preferred the Cowboys A+++ offensive line. This is a B-/C+ group with B+ potential if everything pans out.