Pro Football Focus’ Ben Linsey thinks the Vikings could use an upgrade at the guard position, and one candidate in free agency is a good fit.
The Vikings were named a perfect match for Chiefs interior lineman Stefen Wisniewski. Wisniewski could add depth to the interior, and while I personally think Pat Elflein was decent for the Vikings in 2019-20, he has his share of critics, and Wisniewski is definitely the better pass blocker.
Here is some of what Pro Football Focus said about the match:
“There are also positions such as left guard that need an upgrade. Pat Elflein was one of the worst guards in the NFL in pass protection last season, picking up a pass-blocking grade of just 46.8. That was a similar story to his performance in 2018. Wisniewski could be a value option for the Vikings, as he has picked up pass-blocking grades of 70.0 or higher in seven of his nine NFL seasons.”
Elflein was rated a 62.7 overall on Pro Football Focus this season. It seemed like he improved in an offense that emphasized the run and play-action passing more than the season before. Also a factor: Kirk Cousins was getting rid of the ball quicker and making better reads, taking some pressure off the offensive line in pass protection. That said, Wisniewski is definitely an upgrade and Elflein’s ability to play guard or center makes him a good candidate to have as a platoon lineman.