Vikings grades and position outlook: Berger, Boone lead underwhelming offensive line
The author of the article, Andrew Krammer, gave Berger a 4.0 and Boone received a grade of 3.5. Nobody else was given a grade above 3. Krammer hedged his bets by giving Long and Easton a 2.5.Flexibility is the silver lining for an injury-riddled and underachieving offensive line group, especially at tackle. The Vikings can clean the slate with just T.J. Clemmings and Rashod Hill currently under contract on the outsides. In Tony Sparano’s first season as offensive line coach, the Vikings lost three tackles to injury, one to retirement and another potential starter to illness.
Offensive linemen
Under contract in 2017: G Alex Boone, C Joe Berger, G Brandon Fusco, OT T.J. Clemmings, C Nick Easton, G Willie Beavers, OT Rashod Hill, G Austin Shepherd
Pending free agents: OT Matt Kalil, OT Andre Smith, G Mike Harris, OT Jeremiah Sirles, OT Jake Long, G Zac Kerin
Grades are based on a 1-5 scale, with ‘5’ marking an excellent season, ‘4’ for above-average, ‘3’ for average, ‘2’ for below-average and ‘1’ for failure to perform. Players who did not accrue a season (weren’t on the active roster for at least six weeks) or played in three games or fewer are not graded. Based on game and practice observations, weekly film reviews and interviews. Quarterback pressures are provided by Pro Football Focus analyst Trevor Lynch.
Frankly, I think all of the grades above are overly generous. The other grades are as follows:
Sirles 2.0
Fusco 1.5
Smith 1.5
Clemmings 1.0
Kerin, Kalil, Hill, Harris, Beavers and Shepherd all received an N/A.