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Bill Johanesen -> RE: General Vikes Talk (8/13/2020 12:40:53 PM)
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While Udoh is prototypical for a right tackle, he could also be moved inside to left guard, where his size and length would make it difficult for any defensive tackle to get past him. A move inside to left guard for Udoh may sound like it’s coming from left field, but there is actually a good, comparable precedent for such a move: Kelechi Osemele.
Osemele was drafted out of Iowa State by the Ravens back in 2012. He’s basically the same size and length as Udoh, but somewhat less athletic according to his Combine results. He was probably ahead of Udoh in his development, but still had issues to clean up, and hadn’t faced the toughest competition at Iowa St either.
In any case, he started at right tackle for the Ravens his rookie year in 2012, but was moved to left guard for the Ravens’ playoff run. They won the Super Bowl that year. The following year he continued at left guard, but his season was cut short as he needed back surgery after 7 games.
In 2014, the Ravens hired Gary Kubiak as their new offensive coordinator, and installed his offensive scheme. In his first full season at LG, and first in Kubiak’s scheme, Osemele had the 4th best pass blocking efficiency in the league among guards with at least 100 snaps, and was 6th best in run blocking grade, according to PFF. He continued to be a top 5 guard in both run blocking and pass protection the next couple seasons, and made All-Pro in 2016.
With Gary Kubiak now offensive coordinator for the Vikings, and Rick Dennison offensive line coach, I doubt Udoh’s comparison with Osemele is lost on them. In fact, given their plan to try to bring in Trent Williams, along with the recognized weakness at guard in this year’s draft, and reports of potentially releasing or demoting Pat Elflein, it may be that Udoh is in their plans at left guard.
Size, strength, quick feet, balance, and good awareness/recognition are key qualities in a guard. Udoh has the first four, but probably needs more experience to develop the last a bit more - although he is smart and that will likely come in time.
Having a big, strong presence inside could do wonders for the Vikings offensive line. First, it could cut down on the inside pressures Kirk Cousins has faced the last couple years, and secondly could bolster the Vikings inside running game - and take some of the opposing defense’s focus off the outside zone game. It would also make it less exploitable for teams moving their best pass rushers inside.
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