Vikings select C/G Pat Elflein, Ohio St.

[MikethePurple]

From what I read, Elflein had more success in his moves from G and C where Feeney struggled in positions outside of RG. Spielman has said how much they value versatility in position especially given all the injuries from last year. I'm guessing that played a large role in taking Elflein over Feeney.

[fiestavike]

From what I read, Elflein had more success in his moves from G and C where Feeney struggled in positions outside of RG. Spielman has said how much they value versatility in position especially given all the injuries from last year. I'm guessing that played a large role in taking Elflein over Feeney.

Lieber lit up Feeney before the draft. He said he really gets no push, stands up out of his stance and wrestles with the defender. That's all fine in the right scheme, but doesn't sound like what Sparano was seeking last year anyway. Add in the concussions and Elfilein is much the better fit.

[Mothman]

Glad we got a starting type offensive lineman. Not so sure about passing on Dan Feeney however. Time will tell, but I don't hate this pick.

If they really are transitioning to a zone blocking scheme, as you were wondering in another thread, Feeney might have been an ideal choice to play guard in that scheme. I'm happy with the Elflein pick though. He has the potential to excel in the middle of their line and I think he was a good value in R3 (Feeney would have been too).

[Mothman]

He played G and C there. I bet they start with the veteran at C and Elflein at G, if he wins the job.

It's also possible Berger is planning on retiring and Elflein and Easton will be competing to start at center.

[fiestavike]

It's also possible Berger is planning on retiring and Elflein and Easton will be competing to start at center.

True. I'm hoping Berger would've decided already if he was going to retire, but you never know. One more year would be nice to help bridge the gap.

[720pete]

So we drafted the second Center of the draft, in the third round. Is this guy a week 1 starter or no?

[fiestavike]

So we drafted the second Center of the draft, in the third round. Is this guy a week 1 starter or no?

Yes, I think so.

[Texas Vike]

Liked this pick. I wish we'd have followed it up with another OL soon after instad of Gedeon.

[Pseudo Everything]

Glad we moved up to take Elflein (who Zimmer thought would be more of a center due to lack of size).

How bad was this year's OL class:

Gil Brandt: Only 10 OL taken in first 3 rounds -- tied for 2nd fewest in common draft era

[Maelstrom88]

From what I read about him he is smart and has a great work ethic and he started 40 consecutive games after a foot injury his first year. Sounds promising to me. I'm not thrilled with the state of the line but with how quick the ball comes out under Shurmur I feel they will be good enough.

[halfgiz]

@Andrew_Krammer
6h
Mike Zimmer: Pat Elflein will begin at center. Played guard before, but he's a really good center.

[Rock45]

Great pick. Best pick they made.

[808vikingsfan]

Great pick. Best pick they made.

I think you might be right about this. Vikings finally get an anchor for this OL. Reminds me of when the Vikings picked up Linval on the other side.

[J. Kapp 11]

It's also possible Berger is planning on retiring and Elflein and Easton will be competing to start at center.

Have you heard something, Jim?

[Mothman]

Have you heard something, Jim?

I've heard a few unsubstantiated rumors but he tossed out the idea of retirement a couple of years ago and I think he said early this offseason that he had some thinking to do. He missed time with a concussion last year and he turns 35 next month so I'm thinking it's a possibility.