Nov 7, 2021; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) appears to be like to move as offensive sort out Christian Darrisaw (71) blocks Baltimore Ravens exterior linebacker Justin Houston (50) through the first half at M&T Financial institution Stadium. Necessary Credit score: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Photographs.
The beginning of the NFL season isn’t too far-off now however there may be nonetheless time to get some rankings in forward of the 2026 season. The nice people over at Professional Soccer Focus have been doing simply that. I beforehand checked out the place PFF ranked the Vikings’ offensive playmakers; this time, I can be trying on the Vikings offensive line.
The place Vikings Offensive Line Gamers Land in PFF Rankings Forward of 2026
PFF has been rating the highest 32 gamers at every place and the offensive line is cut up into sort out, guard, and middle. In terms of the Vikings offensive line, 4 of the crew’s 5 beginning linemen made it into the rankings. The one who missed out was Donovan Jackson who didn’t do sufficient in his rookie season to crack the highest 32 for guards. Jackson did have a good rookie season and confirmed the potential to have the ability to stand up any guard rankings with continued growth.
The positioning of the gamers of their respective rankings tells a narrative that we already know. Minnesota’s power is on the sting with their offensive tackles, whereas the inside of the offensive line stays a priority regardless of the sum of money and draft capital that has been thrown at it in recent times. The Vikings IOL comes into the season comparatively inexperienced both when it comes to years within the league or taking part in time at a brand new place.
Brian O’Neill – OT Rank – 14th
Jan 4, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings guard Will Fries (76), offensive sort out Brian O’Neill (75) and fullback C.J. Ham (30) rejoice after a landing in opposition to the Inexperienced Bay Packers through the second quarter at U.S. Financial institution Stadium. Necessary Credit score: Matt Blewett-Imagn Photographs
O’Neill performed a career-low 734 snaps in 2025, however turned in a few of his greatest work when he was on the sphere. His 81.6 PFF grade was the Twelfth-best mark amongst certified tackles. O’Neill dominated on the bottom with a career-high 84.5 PFF run-blocking grade that ranked eighth amongst that very same group. Assuming O’Neill and operating mate Christian Darrisaw are wholesome, they need to be the inspiration of a premier offensive line in Minnesota.
Brian O’Neill lately signed a brand new four-year contract extension value $96 million, which places him in vary of ending his profession as Vikings. Consistency in each move safety and run blocking has made him a foundational piece of the Vikings offensive line for a number of years.
Christian Darrisaw is the Vikings’ greatest sort out, however O’Neill has been a strong presence on the fitting aspect for Minnesota ever since he was drafted within the second spherical of the 2018 draft. O’Neill has been more healthy and extra accessible as of late and his rating at 14th is about proper even when the Vikings fan in me desires to push him nearer to the highest 10.
Christian Darrisaw – OT Rank – 18th
At his peak, Darrisaw is among the greatest tackles within the NFL. Sadly, he has but to play all 17 video games in a given season and suited up on fewer than 600 snaps in every of 2024 and 2025. He posted a career-low 65.6 PFF grade final season, however recorded an 80.0-plus grade in three consecutive seasons previous to that. Nonetheless simply 27 years previous, Darrisaw ought to have ample alternatives to show himself an elite participant as soon as once more.
Will Fries – OG Rank – thirty first
Sep 21, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings operating again Jordan Mason (27) reacts after scoring with guard Will Fries (76) in opposition to the Cincinnati Bengals through the second half at U.S. Financial institution Stadium. Necessary Credit score: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Photographs
Fries didn’t fairly reside as much as the five-year, $87 million contract he signed final offseason in his first 12 months with Minnesota. His 61.8 PFF grade was rather more in keeping with the extent of play he confirmed in 2022 and 2023. Maybe he can recapture the superb type he displayed in 2024, however that efficiency got here throughout fewer than 300 snaps. It’s attainable, however Fries might want to present significant enchancment this season to justify his hefty contract.
The perfect factor to say about Will Fries’ first season in Minnesota is that he was wholesome. He was the one lineman who managed to play in all 17 video games. His play was strong however the Vikings aren’t paying him to be strong and simply scrape right into a high 32 rankings. He received an enormous contract on the again of some excellent video games earlier than a damaged leg ended his 2024 season.
It was a giant threat and Minnesota can be desperately hoping {that a} 12 months to settle in, a extra constant group alongside him, and a brand new offensive line coach – Keith Carter – are a recipe for Fries to seek out the form of type that earned him his huge contract once more. As one of many final main bits of enterprise of the departed Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, there’s a legitimate concern that the previous GM has left the Vikings with an costly flop however there may be nonetheless time for Fries to show himself and turn out to be a cornerstone of the Vikings offensive line.
Blake Brandel – OC Rank – twenty fifth
The Vikings haven’t any clear solutions on the middle place heading into 2026. Brandel, together with Michael Jurgens and rookie Gavin Gerhardt, stand because the crew’s present choices to fill the position, none of which offer a confirmed observe document on the NFL stage. Whereas Jurgens and Gerhardt have extra expertise on the place courting again to school, Brandel has seen extra motion throughout his six NFL seasons, together with a stint because the Vikings’ beginning left guard in 2024.
Blake Brandel has been the utility man of the Vikings offensive line over the previous few years. Beginning as a swing sort out, shifting to a beginning guard position, and now to the beginning middle. I’ve seen rankings the place Brandel doesn’t make the 32, and together with his lack of video games on the place that’s truthful sufficient. PFF offers him credit score for being lineman right here with a twenty fifth place within the rankings. How Brandel fares with all of the completely different elements that include being on the middle of the road may have a big effect on the Vikings’ fortunes this season.
Proud UK Viking. Household Man. Get pleasure from writing about my crew. Away from soccer an advocate for autism acceptance.
