With the Vikings training camp coming up later this week, the marquee battle on the offensive line will be between Ryan Cook and Phil Loadholt. Ryan Cook not living up to the expectations of the Vikings, so far in his short career on the right side of the line. He has been trying to make the transition from center in college to right tackle in the pro. So far, he has been struggling in making the adjustment to the position. He has been known for missing assignments and penalty after penalty.The Vikes this past draft, make the decision to draft Phil Loadholt in the 2nd round offensive tackle out of the University of Oklahoma. Loadholt has a good explosion is hey with the Viking West Coast type offense. Loadholt has some trouble with quick rushers off the edge. I figure that Loadholt will win the position for right tackle as the season opens.
I believe that Ryan Cook should be moved over to the center position to give John Sullivan a run for his money. With the departure of Matt Birk to the Balitmore Ravens, the second year man, Sullivan has the position right now by default. He has never started a game in the NFL. Sure he has some completion, but nobody to really push him. With Cook excelling at the center position in college (All Montain West 1st Team), now this would be a good position battle. Regardless, it is big shoes to fill with Matt Birk being the face of the Vikings for nearly a decade.
At Right Guard is Anthony Herrera, he started every game last season. He does what is asked of him and gets the job done. It seems that barring injury that he will be the Right Guard for the Vikes again this season. He earned a place on 2008 USA Today All-Joe Team that honors the hard-working and overlooked in the NFL.
On the left side of the line the Vikes have one of the best tackle guard tandems in the NFL right now (Steve Huchinson and Bryant McKinnie). There is nothing to worry about as long as they stay healthy and no bar fights. Both have been durable and deadly efficient. Count of the left side being intact for the season.
Centers
68 Cooper, Jon 6'2" 291 10/1/1986 0 Oklahoma
67 Garcia, Juan 6'3" 294 4/24/1984 0 Washington
65 Sullivan, John 6'4" 301 8/8/1985 2 Notre Dame
Guards
63 Daniels, Brian 6'4" 303 10/31/1984 2 Colorado
66 Urban, Nick 6'4" 309 4/22/1986 0 Winona State
64 Herrera, Anthony 6'2" 315 6/14/1980 6 Tennessee
76 Hutchinson, Steve 6'5" 313 11/1/1977 9 Michigan
78 Kemp, Andy 6'5" 315 3/12/1987 0 Wisconsin
Tackles
62 Cook, Ryan 6'6" 328 5/8/1983 4 New Mexico
75 Clark, Chris 6'5" 315 10/1/1985 1 Southern Mississippi
74 McKinnie, Bryant 6'8" 335 9/23/1979 8 Miami (Fla.)
79 Hicks, Artis 6'4" 335 11/28/1978 8 Memphis
60 Radovich, Drew 6'5" 305 6/20/1985 2 USC
71 Loadholt, Phil 6'8" 332 1/21/1986 0 Oklahoma
BOLD-denotes starters last season
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