Minnesota Vikings offensive deal with Christian Darrisaw accepts a hand from Inexperienced Bay defender Micah Parsons after a bodily snap at Lambeau Subject. On Nov. 23, 2025, the 2 pause briefly earlier than returning to their respective huddles as Minnesota and Inexperienced Bay proceed a hard-fought NFC North matchup in chilly Wisconsin situations. Necessary Credit score: Wm. Glasheen-USA TODAY Community by way of Imagn Photos.
When you suppose the Minnesota Vikings are in good fingers with two stud offensive tackles, that’s tremendous — however ESPN, and maybe the league, don’t view Christian Darrisaw and Brian O’Neill as Prime 10 at their place.
Jeremy Fowler lately polled NFL executives, coaches, and scouts, with Darrisaw and O’Neill talked about out of respect however not within the Prime 10.
Darrisaw’s Restoration and O’Neill’s Apparently Quiet Excellence Factored into the Vote
Minnesota Vikings offensive deal with Brian O’Neill warms up at U.S. Financial institution Stadium, working by way of his full pregame routine earlier than dealing with Detroit. On Oct. 10, 2021, O’Neill prepares for one more NFC North matchup as Minnesota completes its closing discipline work and will get able to battle the Lions in Minneapolis that afternoon. Necessary Credit score: Matt Blewett-USA TODAY Sports activities.
Vikings Shut Out of Prime 10 OT Rankings
O’Neill acquired a vote for the Prime 10 from anyone, however it was not sufficient to make a dent within the rankings. As an honorable point out, an AFC scout stated about Darrisaw, “Still one of the best combinations of good feet and hands in pass protection and can be a force in the run game, too.”
A Detroit Lions deal with took house the highest prize, with Fowler noting, “Sewell took the top spot with consistency in the voting. Though he didn’t dominate the first-place voting, he was living in the second- and third-place range, which improved his average in the composite total. And one NFC executive was blunt when describing Sewell’s strengths as a player.”
“But even so, his 89.6% pass block win rate landed outside the top 40 offensive tackles last season. It was his lowest since his rookie year in 2021. Sewell is making the anticipated switch from right tackle to left tackle this season, and it will be something to watch.”
Darrisaw’s Damage Woes
Darrisaw was firmly thought-about a Prime 10 offensive deal with across the sport — till late October 2024. That’s when he tore his ACL, and fact be advised, he hasn’t been the identical. The lineman battled again to begin for the 2025 Vikings, however it rapidly turned obvious that one thing was off about his restoration. Minnesota put him on a pitch depend in video games, and by December, the membership shut him down altogether.
Fortunately, Darrisaw is reportedly wholesome — he stated he felt “great” final month — and the harm woes are in all probability behind him.
Minnesota Vikings offensive deal with Christian Darrisaw participates in observe at The Grove in Watford, working by way of drills because the group prepares abroad. On Oct. 4, 2024, Darrisaw sharpens his approach alongside teammates whereas Minnesota adjusts to the worldwide setting and readies for its upcoming matchup in the UK that weekend. Necessary Credit score: Kirby Lee-Imagn Photos.
However the harm stunted his status within the courtroom of public opinion. If he’s not making ESPN’s Prime 10 OT lists, it proves the world has largely forgotten about him. Now, it’s as much as Darrisaw to roar again.
Only a Lack of Respect for O’Neill
O’Neill has been a cornerstone of the Vikings since they drafted him with the 62nd total choose in 2018. He has performed in 124 video games, beginning 120, offering much-needed stability to an offensive line that struggled with consistency.
Past his spectacular sturdiness, O’Neill performs at a excessive stage. He has logged 7,900 profession snaps, with 4,840 devoted to go safety and three,060 to run blocking.
His 2024 season was arguably his finest but, incomes an 81.6 total grade from Professional Soccer Focus. This included a stable 76.4 for go safety and a formidable 84.5 for run blocking. O’Neill has by no means acquired an total PFF grade beneath 63.0 in any season and earned Professional Bowl alternatives in 2021 and 2024.
For a group that when lacked a steady offensive line, O’Neill has been a useful asset. But, per ESPN. he doesn’t do sufficient to crack the Prime 10.
VikingsWire‘s Glenn Erby noted on O’Neill final month, “O’Neill has never played fewer than 14 games in a season, giving Minnesota a level of availability that has become increasingly valuable at a premium position.”
“Coach Kevin O’Connell has repeatedly referenced his reliance on O’Neill as a leader, and that may be the most important part of the equation. The Vikings are still shaping their offensive identity and building around a roster that features young talent at several key spots.”
Vikings Might Solely Get Love at WR for ESPN Rankings
Whereas ESPN’s collection of Prime 10 gamers at each place just isn’t full, the membership is on monitor to boast only one participant — Justin Jefferson. That record hasn’t been printed but, however when it hits, Jefferson will assuredly be within the Prime 10.
After which that’s it.
Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell greets his spouse, Leah, on the sector at U.S. Financial institution Stadium earlier than dealing with Detroit. On Sep. 25, 2022, the couple shares a quick pregame second as O’Connell prepares for one more NFC North matchup and Minnesota completes its closing warm-ups earlier than kickoff in Minneapolis that afternoon. Necessary Credit score: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports activities.
Offensive deal with was the Vikings’ finest probability at leaguewide recognition from ESPN; Darrisaw and O’Neill are nice. No different place on the Vikings’ roster comes near WR or OT by way of firepower. It’s Jefferson, Darrisaw, and O’Neill because the membership’s most reliable gamers.
Andrew Van Ginkel didn’t get any Prime 10 love at EDGE from ESPN. Jalen Redmond, a defensive deal with, was snubbed.
Jefferson will stay the face of the franchise, and ESPN’s Prime 10 record will re-prove it in 2026.
Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders , is out now. So is … Extra about Dustin Baker
