This thread discusses the topic: Comfortable at Offensive Tackle

I thought we'd draft an offensive tackle... We didn't and it seems everybody is okay with that.

Plus I'd like to welcome our most likely next generation (2009) Vikings center, John Sullivan.

Thoughts?

I'm not sold on Sullivan yet. We'll see how he does in camp but I wouldn't tag him as the heir apparent just yet.

I was reading all the scouting reports I could find on him last night. The strengths I found was that he has a powerful lower body and is an extremely smart and heady ball player. Weaknesses were listed as short'ish arms, not as fast as you would want pulling, doesn't sustain a drive block well, a little weak in the upper body.

He lettered in 3 or 4 sports in college, football, wrestling, water polo, and I think one other (don't remember - just awoke). Now he will be allowed to focus 100% on football with coaches that can focus on weaknesses and over come them. He will also see Matt Birk work at the position. Birk was drafted in the 6th round in 1998, didn't play until '99 and didn't start until 2000 (which he went the the Pro Bowl).

I too am not convinced that Sullivan is the heir of parent, but I feel Chrildress and company may think so.

Well I am not comfortable at all with the O-Line situation.

We have McKinne who will likely miss at minimun 4-games if he is not traded all together. So who plugs in the important LT position? Artis Hicks?

The Birk situation fries me. Show him the love and the money for what he has done in the past and what he can do in 2008 and 2009.

Now there is the right side of the line...ahhh Ryan Cook? Is he Birks repacement at center and Sully goes to the right side.

All of a sudden our running game does not look as fearsome as you might think...or our passing game ala pass protection.

I think we are still one or two drafts (free agents) away from a serious run. We may make the playoffs this year but we won't go very deep.

But I am willing to be wrong on this...

I'm not as comfortable either... I don't like the McKinnie factor at all. I do however feel good that Cook will continue to develop and be solid with Herrara on the right side...

Birk was not a pro-bowler last year IMHO as I remember he made many mistakes; it's just that with AP putting up the numbers he did that Birk got credit.

I also wish Birk would show up and continue to be a LEADER regardless of his contract situation.

We'll see what happens with trade options and June 1 cuts as things progress. I have a feeling that the Vikes are not done by any means.. the shored up the D; and maybe they feel the can fix some of the O problems via FA and Trades.

I am sure we will add a veteran or two still, whether they come from June 1st cuts or training camp cuts.

The other knock I read on Sullivan was his size Luft. Scouts want him to add bulk but are concerned about his mobility if he does. I guess he was only 284 at the Senior Bowl.