As the Minnesota Vikings prepare for the new league year, their most pressing team needs are expected to be cornerback and safety, largely due to a significant number of 2025 free agents. However, another critical area that has not received enough attention is their struggles in the trenches, particularly the interior offensive line, which became a major issue towards the end of the season. Despite ranking among the top five teams in the NFL for fewest sacks allowed, the offensive line’s performance was subpar, especially in the interior. Additionally, the defensive tackle position, while anchored by Harrison Phillips, lacks sufficient star power to make a major impact.
One of the team’s key goals is addressing these weaknesses, with many experts predicting the Vikings will prioritize bolstering their offensive line in the 2025 NFL Draft. The Bleacher Report scouting department has specifically highlighted Georgia Bulldogs guard Tate Ratledge as a potential first-round pick for Minnesota. The Vikings are expected to have a gap at right guard following this offseason, and Ratledge, a three-year starter in the SEC at the same position, is seen as an ideal candidate to fill this void. Standing at 6-foot-6 and weighing 320 pounds, Ratledge possesses impressive anchor and grip strength, making him a formidable presence in both pass protection and the run game. His ability to provide a stable pocket for the quarterback, along with his strength to move defenders, has made him one of the top guard prospects in the draft.
While selecting a guard in the first round is not a flashy move and has historically been rare for the Vikings, the team’s needs on the interior line are undeniable. The last time Minnesota drafted a guard this high was in 1988, when they selected future Hall of Famer Randall McDaniel. With the Vikings needing upgrades at right guard, where Ed Ingram and Dalton Risner struggled, Ratledge could be the solution. The center position, with Garrett Bradbury, and left guard, Blake Brandel, should also be evaluated closely during the offseason. The Vikings’ struggles with interior pressure this past season further emphasize the importance of strengthening their offensive line.
In terms of Ratledge’s impact, it’s worth noting that he only allowed one sack in 2024, according to PFF’s advanced stats. While many expect the Vikings to select a cornerback in the first round, the team only has four draft picks and might instead prioritize protecting their quarterback of the future, J.J. McCarthy, by fortifying the offensive line. This strategic choice could ensure a stronger foundation for the team moving forward, especially given their current lack of stability in the trenches.
