The Minnesota Vikings allowed the fifth most sacks (51), seventh most QB Hits (96) and ranked 14th overall in total rushing yards (1,804) last season. All in all, it's fair to say that Minnesota needs to improve along the offensive line. This is especially true as quarterback Teddy Bridgewater enters his second season. Bridgewater showcased a lot of talent in 2014, and the Vikings desperately want to help develop it. But with a slight frame - he's generously listed as 6-foot-2 and 210 pounds by ESPN - Bridgewater can't take the consistent pounding he took last year.
That's why the Vikings may consider taking LSU offensive lineman La'El Collins with the 11th overall pick in the NFL Draft.
"We've had the Vikings take Teddy Bridgewater's former go-to target at Louisville, DeVante Parker, at No. 11 previously, but he's off the board in this scenario and the trade for Mike Wallace lessens their need at wide receiver," ESPN NFL Draft Insider Todd McShay wrote in his Mock Draft 4.0. "Cornerback is another need area, and Michigan State's Trae Waynes would make sense here, but they really need to upgrade their offensive line and Collins has the versatility to help at guard or tackle. He needs to improve some in pass protection but is a tough, high-character player who is very effective as a run-blocker with his massive frame and straight-line burst."
Collins was named a second-team All-American by the Associated Press in 2014. He displayed impressive upper body strength and a mean streak coaches love to see from their mauling offensive linemen in college. However, his hips were a bit stiff which affected his change-of-direction speed and he sometimes gets too upright in his stance. Despite these weaknesses, he still projects as an above-average lineman at the next level and would be a good addition to this Vikings offense.
