Minnesota Vikings gamers gathered in a pregame huddle throughout warmups at U.S. Financial institution Stadium earlier than dealing with the Philadelphia Eagles at house. On October 19, 2025, in Minneapolis, the group ready collectively as Minnesota completed its early routine and readied for one more NFC matchup in entrance of the house crowd earlier than kickoff that afternoon. Necessary Credit score: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Pictures.
The Minnesota Vikings did nearly nothing to boost their inside offensive line this offseason, rolling with final 12 months’s pair of guards, Donovan Jackson and Will Fries, whereas selling Blake Brandel to heart after Ryan Kelly’s retirement. Now, in response to ESPN, that unit is the membership’s “x-factor” in 2026.
ESPN decided each NFL squad’s x-factor this week, and for Minnesota, that’s the iOL.
The Vikings’ Inside Offensive Line Has to Pay Off
Ohio State offensive lineman Donovan Jackson labored via positional drills at Lucas Oil Stadium whereas groups evaluated inside blockers through the NFL Scouting Mix. On March 2, 2025, in Indianapolis, Jackson took half in testing and area work as draft prospects tried to strengthen their profiles earlier than professional days and personal group visits. Necessary Credit score: Kirby Lee-Imagn Pictures.
ESPN: Vikings X-Issue: Inside Trenches
In an article that claimed the Vikings have the game’s Twenty second-best roster heading into 2026, Seth Walder famous the iOL because the x-factor: “X factor for 2026: Interior offensive line. Will Fries struggled last season at guard after signing a big free agent contract, with a sixth percentile pass block win rate.”
“But he boasts upside, as does fellow guard Donovan Jackson, Minnesota’s first-round draft pick in 2025. Blake Brandel played 347 snaps at center last season in his first time playing the position in the NFL. He is expected to start there again in 2026.”
The inside offensive line was an issue for the Vikings about half a decade in the past however has largely stabilized since Kevin O’Connell took over in 2022.
Walder added, “How those three players improve could play a big role in how much offensive success the Vikings have this season.”
Donovan Jackson
Jackson produced a commendable rookie marketing campaign, ending slightly below 60.0 per Professional Soccer Focus. He additionally navigated a damaged wrist instantly in his profession, enjoying 14 of an eligible 17 video games.
From the Walder statement, it’s all about Jackson taking the subsequent step. He performed regular sufficient to provide followers hope for a promising profession; nobody might be too shocked if he exhibits up in 2026 and balls out.
Jackson additionally stated final month that he’s extra ready as a sophomore: “I feel like last year I was a headless chicken trying to learn a foreign language with this playbook. Another year under my belt, I come out here, and I’m trying to get better with certain details.”
Will Fries
Fries is in a distinct boat. He should elevate his sport in 2026. Whereas that will sound blunt, it’s correct. The Vikings invested closely in him, not for an ample starter, however for a cornerstone participant. After his preliminary season in Minnesota, he nonetheless has a lot to show.
Inexperienced Bay Packers defensive finish Micah Parsons labored previous Minnesota Vikings guard Will Fries throughout first-half motion at Lambeau Discipline, testing Minnesota’s safety in a divisional matchup. On November 23, 2025, in Inexperienced Bay, Parsons obtained by Fries because the Vikings offensive line handled strain from one in all soccer’s premier edge defenders. Necessary Credit score: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Pictures.
Fries’ stellar efficiency with the Indianapolis Colts in 2024 is the caliber of participant Minnesota believed they have been buying. His 2025 season wasn’t a whole failure, however it actually didn’t justify his substantial contract. PFF assigned him an total grade of 61.8, which is merely satisfactory.
Nonetheless, satisfactory is inadequate for an annual wage of $18 million. That grade must be nearer to 71.8, not 61.8. That is the stark actuality of his contract. If Fries makes strides in 2026, the funding will start to look justified, bringing collective reduction. But when his efficiency stays the identical or comparable, the state of affairs will rapidly develop into uncomfortable subsequent offseason.
The Vikings require the dominant Fries from his Colts tenure; they paid a premium for that stage of play.
Blake Brandel
Brandel has unexpectedly emerged as probably the most intriguing gamers on the roster.
Just some years in the past, such a press release would have appeared odd. Since becoming a member of the Vikings in 2020, Brandel has primarily served as Minnesota’s versatile offensive line backup — a dependable utility participant able to stepping in at guard, deal with, and even heart when wanted.
Now, although, the Vikings are giving him a real audition at heart, a call that speaks volumes. Minnesota notably handed on signing a veteran heart in free company or drafting one early. The transfer follows Brandel’s efficiency final season when he stuffed in for Ryan Kelly, who missed 9 video games because of concussions. Brandel confirmed enchancment because the weeks progressed, apparently convincing Kevin O’Connell and Wes Phillips to proceed this experiment.
Minnesota Vikings offensive deal with Brian O’Neill and guard Blake Brandel labored via side-by-side reps throughout minicamp because the offensive line sharpened its timing. On June 10, 2025, in Minneapolis, the pair targeted on footwork and communication whereas Minnesota continued constructing cohesion up entrance throughout offseason preparation on the group’s coaching facility. Necessary Credit score: Matt Krohn-Imagn Pictures.
Ought to Brandel carry out as a High 15 heart, the Vikings’ belief might be validated. They may even think about a preemptive contract extension. A two-year extension at roughly $6 million per season might show to be a shrewd transfer if he solidifies his place as a starter by September.
Whereas Brandel sometimes begins a season because the versatile backup, this time, the Vikings are treating him as their major plan at heart. He logged a 61.4 PFF mark, not far off the aforementioned Fries. In truth, Jackson, Fries, and Brandel logged comparable grades in 2025. First rate, not nice.
Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders , is out now. So is … Extra about Dustin Baker
