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We are just weeks away from the start of training camp for NFL teams. The 2026 season will see their preseason start less than a month from now, and with everything fast approaching, the time for final thoughts and takeaways on rosters is starting.
ESPN is in the thick of it all in terms of their reflection on NFL rosters. They recently posted several talking points for fans to think about with their teams with various analysts from their network. One of the angles they recently discussed was the biggest x-factor of every roster.
For the Vikings, they zeroed in on the interior offensive line of the team.
ESPN's Seth Walder writes, "Will Fries struggled last season at guard after signing a big free agent contract, with a sixth percentile pass block win rate. But he boasts upside, as does fellow guard Donovan Jackson, Minnesota's first-round draft pick in 2025. Blake Brandel played 347 snaps at center last season in his first time playing the position in the NFL. He is expected to start there again in 2026. How those three players improve could play a big role in how much offensive success the Vikings have this season."
Blake Brandel has long been the x-factor of the offensive line, given his versatility. With him now focusing on the center role, he has a chance to finally take a major step in his development alongside two great talents in Donovan Jackson and Will Fries.
If those three play to their best, the entire offense will see a major development in 2026.
This article originally appeared on Vikings Wire: Who is the biggest x-factor on the Vikings roster in 2026?
Continue reading...
ESPN is in the thick of it all in terms of their reflection on NFL rosters. They recently posted several talking points for fans to think about with their teams with various analysts from their network. One of the angles they recently discussed was the biggest x-factor of every roster.
For the Vikings, they zeroed in on the interior offensive line of the team.
ESPN's Seth Walder writes, "Will Fries struggled last season at guard after signing a big free agent contract, with a sixth percentile pass block win rate. But he boasts upside, as does fellow guard Donovan Jackson, Minnesota's first-round draft pick in 2025. Blake Brandel played 347 snaps at center last season in his first time playing the position in the NFL. He is expected to start there again in 2026. How those three players improve could play a big role in how much offensive success the Vikings have this season."
Blake Brandel has long been the x-factor of the offensive line, given his versatility. With him now focusing on the center role, he has a chance to finally take a major step in his development alongside two great talents in Donovan Jackson and Will Fries.
If those three play to their best, the entire offense will see a major development in 2026.
This article originally appeared on Vikings Wire: Who is the biggest x-factor on the Vikings roster in 2026?
Continue reading...
