Vikings Message Board.Com

Short-Area Quickness

When looking for drills whose top performers tend to have the best future success for specific position groups, two stood out.

First is the 20-yard shuttle for offensive linemen.

Though it fails to account for upper-body strength and skills, the 20-yard shuttle effectively showcases which offensive linemen have an ability to bend, plant, and burst quickly in their lower body as well as move in open space. This is important because nimble linemen can react and redirect against quick-twitch pass rushers. Since 2006, Eagles C Jason Kelce, Colts C Samson Satele, Panthers C Ryan Kalil, Patriots OT Nate Solder, Jets C Nick Mangold, Colts OT Anthony Castonzo, Redskins C Will Montgomery, Vikings G Brandon Fusco, Chiefs T Eric Fisher and long time T Eric Winston make up 10 of the top 14 clocked times in the 20-yard shuttle.

Not all of these offensive linemen are stars, but they have all played at a high level or have displayed promise early on in their careers.