DAILY CLIPS FRIDAY,

MARCH 22, 2019

LOCAL NEWS: Friday, March 22, 2019

Pioneer Press Marcus Sherels joins Saints after Vikings don’t extend contract offer By Chris Tomasson https://www.twincities.com/2019/03/21/marcus-sherels-joins-saints-after-vikings-dont-extend-contract-offer/ Vikings guard Josh Kline primed to extend 46-game starting streak By Chris Tomasson https://www.twincities.com/2019/03/21/vikings-signee-josh-kline-primed-to-extend-46-game-starting-streak/

Star Tribune Source: Longtime Vikings returner Marcus Sherels agrees to deal with Saints By Andrew Krammer http://www.startribune.com/source-longtime-vikings-returner-marcus-sherels-agrees-to-deal-with-saints/507482822/ Cut by Titans, Josh Kline ready for new start with Vikings By Ben Goessling http://www.startribune.com/cut-by-titans-josh-kline-ready-for-new-start-with-vikings/507468592/ Is it time for the Vikings to trust Kyle Sloter as the backup QB? By Michael Rand http://www.startribune.com/is-it-time-for-the-vikings-to-trust-kyle-sloter-as-the-backup-qb/507470372/ Vikings sign right guard Josh Kline By Andrew Krammer http://www.startribune.com/vikings-sign-right-guard-josh-kline/507428632/

VIKING Update

Kline’s leading durability draw for Vikings’ snakebitten O-line By Tim Yotter https://247sports.com/nfl/minnesota-vikings/Article/Josh-Klines-durability-draw-for-Minnesota-Vikings-oft-injured-O-line-130355433/ Kline familiar with Vikings’ emerging scheme By Tim Yotter https://247sports.com/nfl/minnesota-vikings/Article/Josh-Kline-familiar-with-Minnesota-Vikings-emerging-scheme-130338731/ Mock drafts continue to predict different linemen for Vikings By Tim Yotter https://247sports.com/nfl/minnesota-vikings/LongFormArticle/Mock-drafts-continue-to-predict-different-linemen-for-Minnesota-Vikings-130332073/

Skor North Josh Kline is the ‘scheme fit’ linemen the Vikings were looking for By Matthew Coller https://www.skornorth.com/vikings-2/2019/03/josh-kline-is-the-scheme-fit-linemen-the-vikings-were-looking-for/

The Athletic Josh Kline cheat sheet: What you need to know about the Vikings’ new guard By Chad Graff and Arif Hasan https://theathletic.com/881121/2019/03/21/josh-kline-cheat-sheet-what-you-need-to-know-about-the-vikings-new-guard/ NATIONAL NEWS: Friday, March 22, 2019

ESPN Reports: Saints reach deal with ex-Viking Sherels By Mike Triplett http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/26325318/reports-saints-reach-deal-ex-viking-sherels MULTIMEDIA LINKS: Friday, March 22, 2019 "Dear Lord, This Is Top-Notch" | An Inside Look at Josh Kline Becoming A Viking Vikings Entertainment Network https://www.vikings.com/video/dear-lord-this-is-top-notch-an-inside-look-at-josh-kline-becoming-a-viking Kline: I'm Excited To Be Part of Something Special In Minnesota Vikings Entertainment Network https://www.vikings.com/video/kline-i-m-excited-to-be-part-of-something-special-in-minnesota Kline on Why He Chose To Sign In Minnesota, Where He Fits In On The O-Line, Leading 'By Example and Actions' Vikings Entertainment Network https://www.vikings.com/video/kline-on-why-he-chose-to-sign-in-minnesota-where-he-fits-in-on-the-o-line-leadin Vikings Add Kline and Lose Sherels KMSP-Fox 9 http://mms.tveyes.com/PlaybackPortal.aspx?SavedEditID=af8c3b25-2c0a-4c05-b1c5-0cbc3fff3134 VIKINGS ENTERTAINMENT NETWORK: Friday, March 22, 2019 New Guard Josh Kline Comfortable with Outdoors, Outside Zone By Eric Smith https://www.vikings.com/news/new-guard-josh-kline-comfortable-with-outdoors-outside-zone Lunchbreak: Kiper Re-Grades Vikings 2018 Draft Class By Eric Smith https://www.vikings.com/news/lunchbreak-kiper-re-grades-vikings-2018-draft-class Prospect Profile: Wisconsin G Michael Deiter By Lindsey Young https://www.vikings.com/news/prospect-profile-wisconsin-g-michael-deiter

Marcus Sherels joins Saints after Vikings don’t extend contract offer By Chris Tomasson After nine seasons, Marcus Sherels is leaving the Vikings. The free-agent cornerback and return specialist confirmed by text Thursday that he will sign with the New Orleans Saints. Previously, a source had told the Pioneer Press he will sign a one-year deal. Sherels texted that the Vikings “did not” extend a contract offer. Terms were not immediately available on Sherels’ contract. He made $1.4 million last season. “The Vikings chose to go a different direction but I’m excited for my new opportunity,” Sherels wrote. “They have been nothing but good to me the last nine years. Big thanks to the entire Vikings organization and all the fans.” Sherels joined the Vikings in 2010 after going undrafted out of the University of Minnesota. He was the team’s longest-tenured player, along with defensive end Everson Griffen, who also was a rookie in 2010. Sherels was a valuable player on special teams. He has been one of the NFL’s top punt returners, and averaged 12.0 yards per return last season, his fourth time averaging 11 or more yards. Sherels also was used at times to return kickoffs and was adept as a tackler on special teams. The Vikings have salary-cap issues, which could have come into play in not extending a contract offer to Sherels. They have about $3 million left under the cap. The Vikings now must look for another punt returner. Cornerback Mike Hughes and receivers Chad Beebe and Brandon Zylstra are candidates. Running back Ameer Abdullah said earlier this week he could be a potential returner, though he has never returned a punt in his four NFL seasons. Sherels is the third Vikings player since the start of free agency last week to join the Saints. Previously, running back Latavius Murray and offensive lineman Nick Easton signed with New Orleans.

PUBLICATION: Pioneer Press DATE: 3/22/19

Vikings guard Josh Kline primed to extend 46-game starting streak By Chris Tomasson Dogged by injuries on the offensive line the past few years, the Vikings now have an iron man up front. Josh Kline, who signed a three-year, $15.75 million contract on Wednesday, has started 46 straight NFL games. He is expected to be the Vikings’ starter at right guard. “Everyone plays pretty much hurt throughout the season and injured, and I just try to pride myself on just being there as much as possible for the team as I can,” Kline said Thursday on a conference call. “If you have to get a cortisone shot or two, then you have to.” Over the past three seasons, only two Vikings offensive lineman have started all 16 regular-season games, Joe Berger in 2017 and Mike Remmers in 2018. Kline, 29, started the last 14 games with Tennessee in 2016 and all 16 in 2017 and 2018, giving him the longest current streak among NFL guards. He was ranked last season as the No. 53 guard in the NFL by Pro Football Focus while making a base salary of $2.5 million. He ended up getting a hefty raise by being released last week by the Titans. “I’m not worried about the money,” said Kline, entering his seventh season after being undrafted out of Kent State in 2013. “The money, it helps out, but I’m just worried about being in this winning culture. And what happened in Tennessee (with his release), I don’t know. … We just had to part ways.” Kline arrived in Minnesota for a visit on Tuesday afternoon and signed his deal Wednesday afternoon. It didn’t take long for Kline, a native of Mason, Ohio, to feel at home, saying there was a “Midwest feel.” “What drew me the most was just the family-first culture that Coach (Mike) Zimmer and (general manager) Rick Spielman just gave me as soon as I walked into the building,’’ Kline said. Kline said another lure was the outdoors life in Minnesota. Kline is an avid hunter and walleye fisherman, and said he’s heading to Texas next week for “turkey hunting in the morning and hog hunting at night.” Kline said the terminology in Minnesota’s offensive scheme is “basically verbatim” to Tennessee’s so that should help his transition. He said the Vikings have indicated he would stay at right guard. “You have to earn everything you get in this league, so I wouldn’t say I’m a starter right away, but, I mean, you’ve got to act like you are but you’ve got to work your tail off in this league,” he said. Before Kline signed, reserve Danny Isidora was the only guard on Minnesota’s roster. Three linemen have moved on since last week, when free agency got underway: Remmers, the starting right guard last season; Nick Easton, the starting left guard in 2017; and Tom Compton, the starting left guard in 2018. To provide more offensive line depth, a source said the Vikings have extended an offer to re-sign free agent Brett Jones, who started the first three games last season at center and also plays guard. The Vikings have about $3 million of salary-cap room left, and Jones made $2.914 million last season. Jones also has received interest from Seattle, Kansas City, Philadelphia and the New York Jets. For now, the Vikings at least have landed another experienced lineman. Before spending the past three years with Tennessee, Kline played with New England from 2013-15, winning a Super Bowl after the 2014 season. “I’ll try to be a leader in that aspect, but I’m more lead by example and by actions,” Kline said of his championship experience. “I’m not someone that really speaks up unless I have to. … If I have to pull some younger guy to the side and give them some perspective and all that, then I’ll have to.”

PUBLICATION: Pioneer Press DATE: 3/22/19

Source: Longtime Vikings returner Marcus Sherels agrees to deal with Saints By Andrew Krammer Marcus Sherels, one of the longest-tenured Vikings players and the franchise’s all-time leading punt returner, will don a new NFL jersey next season. Sherels, a free agent, agreed to sign a one-year deal with the Saints on Thursday, according to a league source. The 31-year-old returner is the third ex-Vikings player to sign with New Orleans this offseason, joining running back Latavius Murray and guard Nick Easton. Sherels became an NFL survivor and locker room favorite since going undrafted in 2010 out of Minnesota. He almost instantly grew into one of the NFL’s best punt returners, ranking top 10 in average during five of the last six seasons. His 2,447 career punt return yards leads the Vikings franchise. He appeared in 124 games. The Vikings decided to move on from Sherels, who averaged 10.6 yards per punt return and scored five touchdowns in his career. Current options at punt returner include running back Ameer Abdullah, cornerback Holton Hill and receiver Brandon Zylstra.

PUBLICATION: Star Tribune DATE: 3/22/19

Cut by Titans, Josh Kline ready for new start with Vikings By Ben Goessling Less than a week after he was cut as a salary cap casualty in Tennessee, Josh Kline was in Minnesota with a fresh round of financial security — and, potentially, a new role as a central figure in the Vikings' latest offensive line overhaul. Kline, released March 15 by the Titans, signed a three-year deal with Vikings on Wednesday that could be worth up to $15.75 million. He comes to the Vikings after a season in a Titans offense coordinated by new Packers coach Matt LaFleur, whose offensive roots are the same as those of Vikings assistant head coach Gary Kubiak and offensive line coach Rick Dennison. When players return to the team's practice facility on April 15 for the start of offseason workouts, Kline will have as much experience with the particulars of the Vikings' new offense as anyone not named Kirk Cousins. "It definitely helps out with the transition for me and for Kirk," Kline said in a conference call Thursday. "I'm sure when he was at Washington, he had some of the same verbiage and everything. There's little things that are different, but everything is pretty much the same and there's a lot of aspects in any offense throughout the league that have similar aspects but just have different terminology. In this system, the terminology is basically the same, so it's going to help out. "A lot of football with me as a player, I have to go out and actually do it. You can draw it up on the board all you want, but me as a learner, I have to go out and do it. So, starting here with Minnesota, having a whole entire offseason with the team is going to help me out a lot, just from a fit aspect: my right tackle and my center, as an offensive line as a whole, and as an offense as a whole." The 29-year-old said the team has talked about keeping him at the right guard spot he's played the past three seasons. He arrives as the only guard on the Vikings roster with significant NFL starting experience, and he'll be counted upon to help upgrade an offensive line that's turned into an annual project. "I'll try to be a leader in that aspect, but I prefer to lead by example and by actions," he said. "I'm not someone who really speaks up unless I have to. I just want to be a team player and just help this team out any way I can. If that's my actions, showing the younger guys how I'm working and what I'm doing as a good teammate, that should help out. If I have to pull some younger guys aside and give them some perspective, then I'll have to, but we'll see what comes with that, because I haven't met any of the offensive linemen yet. It's going to be a great room, from what I hear and from what I saw on tape." Undrafted out of Kent State, the 6-3, 295-pound Kline has started 64 of his 79 regular-season game appearances, including an active streak of 46 consecutive starts at right guard. Kline played for the Patriots from 2013-15, starting five of six playoff games. He won a Super Bowl with New England his second season there. Kline, who had dinner with Vikings coaches Tuesday evening before touring the team facility Wednesday, praised Dennison's attention to details, saying the Vikings' new line coach can help him "because my technique can be a little off sometimes, so that's what I need. "I want to be coachable," he said. "From what I hear and from [his] past players I've asked around the league, they've spoken very highly of him."

PUBLICATION: Star Tribune DATE: 3/22/19

Is it time for the Vikings to trust Kyle Sloter as the backup QB? By Michael Rand Welcome to the Thursday edition of The Cooler, where sometimes it’s the next guy’s turn. Let’s get to it: *Wednesday brought some interesting news in that former Vikings backup QB Trevor Siemian agreed to a one-year deal with the Jets. He is now the McLovin’ we lost. The question now for the Vikings is whether they trust Kyle Sloter enough to be QB2 behind Kirk Cousins, whether they will bring in another clear-cut backup or whether they will settle somewhere in-between. Sloter, you’ll recall, went undrafted in 2017 and was in camp with the Broncos before the Vikings made an aggressive bid — paying him nearly triple the going rate for practice squad players — to add him. He served primarily as the No. 3 QB each of the last two seasons, including a year ago firmly behind Cousins and Siemian. He had a strong preseason in 2018, completing 73.2 percent of his passes for 366 yards, four TDs and no interceptions. But if you’re the Vikings — with so much riding on 2019 — do you roll with Sloter? Our Andrew Krammer reported that the Vikings wanted Siemian back and are exploring other options, so it would seem at least like they had budgeted for another QB. Given how pressed up against the salary cap they are, though, maybe that’s a place to save money? Add in the fact that Cousins has started all 16 games each of the last four seasons (taking every snap last year with the Vikings) and the fact that Sloter might be ready for an increased role and maybe the Vikings go that route? Or maybe they hedge their bet and bring in another low-money QB to battle with Sloter for the backup spot? For what it’s worth, Cousins seems pretty comfortable with Sloter. He posted a picture on Instagram of the two of them working out together last week, and Sloter commented: “Name a more iconic duo. I’ll wait.” Maybe they’ll be 1-2 on the depth chart in 2019? *The Timberwolves’ announcement that Robert Covington, Jeff Teague and Derrick Rose are all expected to miss the rest of the season sure comes at an interesting time. Maybe the team was just waiting for clarity on all three, but announcing them at the same time gives the impression that the Wolves — all but eliminated from the playoff race — have shifted their focus. *Ichiro retired, ending one of the best and most interesting baseball careers in recent memory. I had a chance to talk to Ichiro and Pete Rose about the pursuit of 4,256 hits a couple years back, if you have a few minutes to spare.

PUBLICATION: Star Tribune DATE: 3/22/19

Vikings sign right guard Josh Kline By Andrew Krammer Josh Kline’s free-agent visit with the Vikings ended with a contract, the team announced Wednesday. The former Titans and Patriots starting guard signed a three-year deal worth up to $15.75 million, according to a league source. He’s a needed reinforcement for a Vikings offensive line that moved on from last year’s starting guards, Mike Remmers and Tom Compton, and failed to re-sign Nick Easton, who joined the Saints. Kline joins Danny Isidora as the two guards on the Vikings roster with regular season experience. Kline, 29, was cut by the Titans just one season after signing a four-year, $26 million extension. He started for three seasons as Tennessee’s right guard before reportedly refusing a pay cut, leading to his release. The Vikings have 10 offensive linemen under contract for next season. They took 15 into training camp a year ago. Here are all the players on the free-agent market, with updates on where they're going and contract details. There's also a link to all of the Vikings free agents. Undrafted out of Kent State, the 6-3, 295-pound Kline brings durability. He has started 64 of his 79 career regular season game appearances, including an active streak of 46 consecutive starts at right guard. Kline played for the Patriots from 2013-15, starting five of six playoff games. He won a Super Bowl ring with the 2014 New England championship team. The signing does not affect the Vikings’ 2020 compensatory draft pick formula with Kline havin been released by his former team. The Vikings are likely positioned to get multiple 2020 draft picks after losing free agents Sheldon Richardson, Latavius Murray, Nick Easton and Andrew Sendejo, among others. Siemian joins Jets The Vikings are looking for another quarterback after Trevor Siemian agreed to a one-year, $2 million deal with the Jets on Wednesday. Siemian, acquired from Denver in a trade for a fifth-round pick, backed up Kirk Cousins last season but did not appear in a game. Vikings Update Sign up for Minnesota Vikings breaking news and complete team coverage. Email Please enter your email address Privacy Policy One free agent the Vikings are considering is former Rams quarterback Sean Mannion, according to a league source. Mannion, a 2015 third-round pick, has one NFL start. The Vikings also have quarterback Kyle Sloter, a third-year passer with only preseason experience. Other veteran quarterbacks still available include Mike Glennon, Brock Osweiler, Josh Johnson and Geno Smith. Griffen’s incentives Everson Griffen’s restructured contract saved the Vikings $3.656 million against this year’s salary cap, according to NFLPA salary data. He’ll now account for $8.087 million of the cap. The veteran defensive end’s new deal is also laden with weekly bonuses for being on the roster, being active during all regular-season games and for how well he plays. He can pocket an additional $1 million for being active each game next season, $500,000 for being on the 53-man roster all season and another $500,000 if he has eight sacks, finishes the offseason workout program and is active for every game. Griffen, 31, missed five games last season to address his mental health.

PUBLICATION: Star Tribune DATE: 3/22/19

Kline’s leading durability draw for Vikings’ snakebitten O-line By Tim Yotter The Minnesota Vikings have had their fair share of offensive linemen getting injured, making the availability and durability of newly signed guard Josh Kline an understandable choice. The Vikings were approaching desperation mode on their offensive line before signing Kline to a three-year, $15.75 million contract on Wednesday. They had only one guard with regular-season experience, Danny Isidora, who has started only three games in three years and was forced into those starts by injury. Enter Kline, who hasn’t missed a start for 46 straight regular-season games. “Everyone pretty much plays hurt throughout the season and injured. I just try to pride myself on being there as much as possible for the team as I can,” Kline said Thursday on a conference call with reporters. “If you have to get a cortisone shot or two, then you have to, but I think it’s what was instilled in me as a child growing up, be a hard-nosed and tough player no matter what happens.” His 46 straight starts mark the longest active streaks among NFL guards, according to the Vikings. However, he has undergone the regular mileage and maintenance checks like most NFL players in the offseason. “I had a scope and then a couple years ago, shoulder surgery,” Kline said. “But that’s normal. A lot of guys do that after the season. That’s just the nature of the game.” For the Vikings, the rotation of the offensive line due to injuries has been an all-too-familiar necessity. In 2016, Minnesota had eight different starting lineups on their offensive line as injuries ravaged the trenches. By the end of the season, only one offensive lineman, Brandon Fusco, was in the same spot in which he started the season, and he had missed two games prior to that Week 17 start. In 2017, their opening-day offensive line featured only one starter, Joe Berger, from the 2016 opener, and he had been moved from center to guard with the emergence of then-rookie Pat Elflein at center. By the end of the season, they had seven different starting combinations on the line and only one starter, left tackle Riley Reiff in the same spot he began the season. Last year, their starting combinations were reduced to five different starting lineups on the offensive line, but none of them was particularly effective. At this point of the offseason, it’s anyone’s guess what the starting line will look like in the regular-season opener. Right now, from left to right, it appears to be Reiff, an unknown left guard, Pat Elflein, Kline and Brian O’Neill. Kline has been told the Vikings intend to start him at right guard, but he knows nothing is assured. “Of course you have to earn everything you get in this league. I wouldn’t say I’m the starter right away, but you’ve got to act like you are,” he said. “You’ve got to work your tail off in this league no matter what. They’re always trying to replace you, so you’ve always got to keep on working hard, no matter what anyone says.” Only Reiff, who entered the NFL as a first-round pick in 2012, has more experience than Kline, who entered the league in 2013 as an undrafted free agent. Another veteran presence on the line could be of help for O’Neill, who will be in his second year, Elflein, who is entered his third NFL season, and potentially a starting rookie offensive lineman. “I’ll try to be a leader in that aspect, but I prefer to lead by example and by actions. I’m not someone who really speaks up unless I have to,” Kline said. “I just want to be a team player and just help this team out any way I can. If that’s my actions showing the younger guys how I’m working and what I’m doing as a good teammate, that should help out. If I have to pull some younger guys aside and give them some perspective then I’ll have to, but we’ll see

PUBLICATION: Viking Update DATE: 3/22/19

what comes with that because I haven’t met any of the offensive linemen yet. It’s going to be a great room from what I hear and from what I saw on tape.” Kline started his career with the New England Patriots, starting 18 of 33 regular-season games played over his first three seasons, starting four regular-season games for them in their Super Bowl-winning season of 2014 and one playoff game. In 2015, he started 13 of 14 games played for the Patriots, then both postseason games. He was claimed off waivers by the Tennessee Titans in 2016. His 46-game regular-season starting streak began in Week 3 of that season. Not included in that are two 2017 postseason starts. Now he will make his in-season home in Minnesota, where he says he was greeted by a warm welcome on Tuesday, and continue to enjoy his love of hunting and fishing. “I actually have a hunting trip scheduled in South Texas on Monday. We’re going turkey hunting in the morning and hog hunting at night. I enjoy the outdoors,” he said. “That was another draw of why I went to Minnesota as well. It’s definitely an outdoors state. I love walleye fishing. I used to go up to Erie every summer and go walleye fishing up there with my dad and brother. That’s something I enjoy.” Minnesota would enjoy it if he can remain healthy, available and a viable starter.

Kline familiar with Vikings’ emerging scheme By Tim Yotter The connection to the Mike Shanahan offenses of the 1990s and 2000s continues for the Minnesota Vikings with the acquisition of guard Josh Kline. Shanahan, who learned under Bill Walsh, coached the Broncos to two Super Bowl titles in the 1990s, then became head coach of the Washington Redskins from 2010-13. The Redskins drafted quarterback Kirk Cousins in 2012 and he spent his first two seasons with Kyle Shanahan, Mike’s son, as his offensive coordinator. During those two seasons, Matt LaFleur was Cousins’ quarterbacks coach. Last year, after spending 2017 as Sean McVay’s offensive coordinator with the Los Angeles Rams, LaFleur was the offensive coordinator for the Tennessee Titans, where Kline spent the last three years. That familiarity with the Shanahan scheme, Kline believes, will help his transition to the Vikings. “The scheme is similar to the scheme I had this past year. Outside zone-oriented, and it’s got that West Coast feel,” Kline said. “The terminology is the same, basically verbatim, so it’s really going to help out with the transition from Tennessee to Minnesota.” Kline is expected to start at right guard for the Vikings after signing a three-year, $15.75 million contract. Minnesota was without a starting guard at the outset of free agency and Kline’s signing addressed an obvious need for the team. The Vikings have indicated to him that right guard will be his starting spot. “Of course you have to earn everything you get in this league. I wouldn’t say I’m the starter right away, but you’ve got to act like you are,” he said. “You’ve got to work your tail off in this league no matter what. They’re always trying to replace you, so you’ve always got to keep on working hard, no matter what anyone says. “The keys to being good in that scheme is you’ve got to be tough, you’ve got to be physical, you’ve got to be somewhat athletic because there’s a lot of running involved obviously with outside zone schemes. Then you’ve just to be a good team player. You’ve got to know what to do and be cerebral. There’s a lot of things that can happen within a play. I know an average play only lasts like five or six seconds on average, so I mean there’s a lot of stuff that can happen so you’ve just got to be ready for anything and prepared for anything.” In addition to hiring Gary Kubiak, who was an offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach under Mike Shahan in Denver, the Vikings hired Rick Dennison as their offensive line coach. He coached under Kubiak and Shanahan. “He’s just a very cerebral guy; he’s very smart. He knows exactly what he’s doing,” Kline said of Dennison. “He’s very technique savvy, he wants technique to be perfect, because my technique can be a little off sometimes, so that’s what I need. I want to be coachable and Coach Dennison seems like a great coach from what I hear, and from past players I’ve asked around the league, they’ve spoken very highly of him.” All of that familiarity with the scheme, even if there isn’t familiarity with the exact coach, has Kline thinking his transition to the Vikings should be made easier. SIGN UP FOR FREE VIKINGS NEWSLETTER VIP SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION INTERACT WITH VIKINGS FANS ON MESSAGE BOARD “I think it’s very important. I think it definitely helps out with the transition for me and for Kirk. I’m sure when he was at Washington, he had some of the same verbiage and everything,” Kline said. “There’s little things that are different, but everything is pretty much the same and there’s a lot of aspects in any offense throughout the league that have similar aspects but just have different terminology. In this system, the terminology is basically the same so it’s going to help out.”

PUBLICATION: Viking Update DATE: 3/22/19

Kline said he learns best from repetition, so have an entire offseason in Minnesota should help, too. For now, he has yet to meet any of his teammates on the offensive line, but at least he knows the scheme well.

Mock drafts continue to predict different linemen for Vikings By Tim Yotter The Minnesota Vikings have been in the market for offensive linemen since the outset of free agency and that’s the position the majority of mocks drafts continue to project for the team in April’s draft. Although the Vikings signed guard Josh Kline, who is expected to start at right guard, on Wednesday, they still have clear and obvious needs on the line, making those projections understandable and natural. Prior to the signing of Kline, the Vikings had only one guard on the roster with regular-season experience and Danny Isidora, entering his third season, had started only three games in relief for injured guards. In addition, the Vikings’ four starting guard over the previous two seasons had either been released, had become free agents or retired. Joe Berger retired after the 2017 season, Nick Easton became a free agent after a 2018 season in which he didn’t play because of a neck injury and then signed with the New Orleans Saints, Tom Compton remains a free agent, and Mike Remmers was released days before free agency started after being unwilling to restructure his contract. That leaves the Vikings without a starting left guard, which is why drafting an offensive lineman – at any position – in the first round is a natural assessment. Head coach Mike Zimmer also believes a change in the coaching staff at offensive line could make a difference with the addition of offensive adviser Gary Kubiak and offensive line coach Rick Dennison. “I do think we probably have to get a little bit better there. But I also think part of coaching is helping these guys get better as well. I think scheme can help, I think plays that you call can help. So, I think it’s a two-fold situation,” Zimmer said at the NFL Scouting Combine last month. “One of the things I like about these guys when I’m sitting in that room is they’re talking about being able to protect a guy a little bit more if he’s on a better player this week. Just how the scheme can help a player be better. And I believe that’s true at every position really.” With that, here are the first-round projections for the Vikings, who hold the 18th pick overall. TODD MCSHAY, ESPN Ed Oliver, DT, Houston His analysis: Value, value, value. Oliver is one of the top 10 players in the class. So although offensive line is a more glaring immediate need here, the Vikings could plug Oliver into the middle of that defensive line between Everson Griffen and Danielle Hunter and create headaches for offensive coordinators. He’s a perfect replacement for free agent Sheldon Richardson. RYAN WILSON, CBS SPORTS Chris Lindstrom, OL, Boston College His analysis: Kirk Cousins had an uneven debut season for the Vikings. And while he deserved some of the blame, Minnesota’s porous offensive line did him no favors. Ford, who can play both tackle and guard, is a welcome addition to an O-line that wasn’t even replacement level in ‘18. CHRIS TRAPASSO, CBS SPORTS Chris Lindstrom, OL, Boston College His analysis: This may seem early, but Lindstrom is a highly athletic guard with a nasty demeanor. R.J. WHITE, CBS SPORTS Cody Ford, OL, Oklahoma His analysis: Ford’s best fit might be at guard, but whether he plays inside or at right tackle, he’ll be a much-needed reinforcement for a Minnesota team that has to get better up front if they’re going to take the next step.

PUBLICATION: Viking Update DATE: 3/22/19

PETE PRISCO, CBS SPORTS Cody Ford, OL, Oklahoma His analysis: They have to get better up front and Ford would offer versatility. He was a college tackle who would move inside. WILL BRINSON, CBS SPORTS Cody Ford, OL Oklahoma His analysis: They have to get better up front and Ford would offer versatility. He was a college tackle who would move inside. JARED DUBIN, CBS SPORTS Cody Ford, OL, Oklahoma His analysis: Let’s just copy/paste the same thing we said about the Panthers above into this spot, OK? The Vikings very badly need to address their offensive line issues, which undermined their entire season last year. Slotting Ford in up front starts that process. CONNOR ORR, SPORTS ILLUSTRATED Jonah Williams, OT/G, Alabama His analysis: Perfect situation here for Mike Zimmer, who gets a player that can come in and battle at multiple positions on Day One. A stat to like: The Tide averaged 5.3 yards per carry when running to his gap in 2018—better than all but two gaps in Minnesota’s front five last year. STEVE PALAZZOLO, PRO FOOTBALL FOCUS Dalton Risner, OT, Kansas State His analysis: Need and value match up well, as Risner has been one of the nation’s top offensive linemen over the last four years. He’s allowed only 29 pressures in four years starting at Kansas State. BUCKY BROOKS, NFL.COM Ed Oliver, DT, Houston His analysis: The loss of Sheldon Richardson (signed with the Browns) leaves a void in the middle of the defense. The ultra-explosive Oliver could thrive as a penetrating three-technique on a defensive line loaded with A-plus talent. CHARLES DAVIS, NFL.COM T.J. Hockenson, TE, Iowa His analysis: The OL will get a long look, but Hockenson is a tremendous blocker who will help the run game get untracked -- and he’s an excellent receiver, as well.

Josh Kline is the ‘scheme fit’ linemen the Vikings were looking for By Matthew Coller When Nick Easton received a sizable offer from the New Orleans Saints that his former team couldn’t match, the Minnesota Vikings went on the hunt for a starting guard who could fit in with Gary Kubiak and Kevin Stefanski’s scheme. They found Josh Kline, a veteran linemen whose most recent team in Tennessee used zone running concepts. On Wednesday the Vikings signed him to a three-year deal worth $15.75 million. “The scheme is similar to the scheme I had this past year,” Kline said via conference call on Thursday. “Outside zone-oriented, and it’s got that West Coast feel. The terminology is the same, basically verbatim, so it’s really going to help out with the transition from Tennessee to Minnesota.” The 29-year-old right guard fits the profile of a zone blocker. He’s undersized at 6-foot-3, 300-pounds — nearly an exact replica of Easton — and has the quickness to block in space. “You’ve got to be somewhat athletic because there’s a lot of running involved obviously with outside zone schemes,” Kline said. “Then you’ve just to be a good team players. You’ve got to know what to do and be cerebral. There’s a lot of things that can happen within a play. I know an average play only lasts like five or six seconds on average, so I mean there’s a lot of stuff that can happen so you’ve just got to be ready for anything and prepared for anything.” In the past Kline produced quality grades from Pro Football Focus, but last season his numbers dipped, ranking 38th of 55 guards with more than 600 snaps overall and allowing 38 pressures and four sacks. In 2017, he was graded as the 12th best pass blocking guard. The Vikings’ new guard will be tasked with improving the protection around quarterback Kirk Cousins, who was pressured on on 202 of 606 drop backs last season. Kline said he believes Cousins’ familiarity with the Shanahan style offense will help boost the QB’s performance in 2019. “I think it’s very important,” Kline said. “I think it definitely helps out with the transition for me and for Kirk. I’m sure when he was at Washington, he had some of the same verbiage and everything. There’s little things that are different, but everything is pretty much the same and there’s a lot of aspects in any offense throughout the league that have similar aspects but just have different terminology. I this system, the terminology is basically the same so it’s going to help out.” Kline might not end up being the only linemen the Vikings add. The Pioneer Press reported they are still interested in bringing back Brett Jones, who served as a fill-in for Pat Elflein in the first four weeks of 2018.

PUBLICATION: Skor North DATE: 3/22/19

Josh Kline cheat sheet: What you need to know about the Vikings’ new guard By Chad Graff and Arif Hasan A week ago, Josh Kline was a surprise cut by the Tennessee Titans, released only one year into the four-year contract he had signed the previous offseason. But six days later, Kline inked a deal with the Vikings that will actually pay him more next season than he would have received with the Titans, earning $15.75 million over three years with Minnesota. “Money, I mean, it helps out,” Kline said. “But I’m just worried about being in this winning culture. (As for) what happened in Tennessee, I don’t know. You’d have to ask Jon Robinson, their GM, but we just had to part ways.” Kline landed with the Vikings, a team in desperate need of interior offensive lineman help. He’s the only guard on the Vikings’ roster that has started more than three NFL games and one of two who has ever even played in one (Danny Isidora the other). But as the Vikings switch to a new offense led by Kevin Stefanski and Gary Kubiak, Kline may have an advantage in knowing the system that his new teammates don’t even have. With the Titans, who he played with the past three seasons, Kline was in an offense very similar to what the Vikings will use. “Outside zone-oriented, and it’s got that West Coast feel,” Kline said. “The terminology is the same, basically verbatim, so it’s really going to help out with the transition from Tennessee to Minnesota.” As the Vikings continue seeking offensive line help, we take a look at what the 29-year-old Kline brings to his new team. His role: Even if he didn’t want to just come out and say it, Kline was signed to be the Vikings’ starting right guard, a spot formerly held by Mike Remmers, released earlier this month. He’s started 46 straight games at the position and the Vikings aren’t about to have him switch to the left side, especially when they have no obvious answer for who will play there. “Of course, you have to earn everything you get in this league,” Kline said. “I wouldn’t say I’m the starter right away, but you’ve got to act like you are. You’ve got to work your tail off in this league no matter what. They’re always trying to replace you, so you’ve always got to keep on working hard, no matter what anyone says.” Kline’s addition provides a bit more clarity to what the Vikings’ starting offensive line could look like, though there’s still some uncertainty and likely more additions on the way. Pat Elflein will likely remain at center with Kline at right guard. If the Vikings draft a guard in the first round, they’ll likely keep Riley Reiff at left tackle and Brian O’Neill at right tackle. If they draft a tackle in the first round, they could slide O’Neill to left tackle and Reiff to left guard, opening a spot for the new addition at right tackle. Kline becomes the second player on the Vikings roster who has won a Super Bowl, joining Linval Joseph for that honor. Kline won Super Bowl XLIX with the New England Patriots after the 2014 season, but doesn’t look at himself as a vocal addition to the locker room. “I prefer to lead by example and by actions,” Kline said. “I’m not someone who really speaks up unless I have to. I just want to be a team player and just help this team out any way I can. If that’s my actions showing the younger guys how I’m working and what I’m doing as a good teammate, that should help out. If I have to pull some younger guys aside and give them some perspective then I’ll have to, but we’ll see what comes with that because I haven’t met any of the offensive linemen yet. It’s going to be a great room from what I hear and from what I saw on tape.” Streaking: Kline has started 46 straight games, more than any other active guard in the NFL. He hasn’t missed a game since Week 2 of the 2016 season.

PUBLICATION: The Athletic DATE: 3/22/19

“Everyone pretty much plays hurt throughout the season and injured,” Kline said. “I just try to pride myself on being there as much as possible for the team as I can. If you have to get a cortisone shot or two, then you have to, but I think it’s what was instilled in me as a child growing up — be a hard-nosed and tough player no matter what happens.” Kline had shoulder surgery a couple of years ago. “But that’s normal,” he said. “A lot of guys do that after the season. That’s just the nature of the game.” Hockey guy: Kline — and his fellow Titans offensive linemen — gained notoriety last year for their beer-chugging, catfish-carrying antics during the Nashville Predators’ playoff run. Embedded video Hockey Daily @HockeyDaily365 THE @Titans ARE BACK AND BETTER THAN EVER! DRINKING FROM THE CATFISH AND CHUGGING A FEW BEERS JUST FOR FUN! THIS PREDATORS CROWD IS ELECTRIC!#StandWithUs 47 6:55 PM - Apr 29, 2018 23 people are talking about this Twitter Ads info and privacy But if the Wild reach the playoffs, they could face the Predators — however unlikely it may seem — something that would set up an interesting dilemma for Kline. Would he root for his new hometown team or the old one he had so much fun cheering on? “My heart would be torn because they might throw me out of the state if I go for Nashville,” Kline said. “It really doesn’t matter to me. I’m up there to play football, so, you know what, if I have to root for the Wild, I’ll root for the Wild because they might throw me out of the stadium (if I don’t).” An outdoorsman: Kline’s first move with a new contract? A hunting trip in South Texas on Monday. “We’re going turkey hunting in the morning and hog hunting at night,” he said. “I enjoy the outdoors. That was another draw of why I went to Minnesota as well. It’s definitely an outdoors state. I love walleye fishing. I used to go up to (Lake) Erie every summer and go walleye fishing up there with my dad and brother. That’s something I enjoy.” Film breakdown Kline may actually prove to be an upgrade at right guard over the departed Nick Easton, despite commanding a salary that costs less. While Kline is coming off of a poor 2018 campaign, the aggregate of his last three years actually speaks well to his ability, especially when compared to the Vikings. We can compare Kline to the Vikings’ recent history at the position — both with and without the solid Joe Berger — by looking at Pro Football Focus’s overall, pass-blocking and run-blocking grades, as well as in pass-blocking efficiency, a statistic that measures how often an offensive lineman keeps the quarterback clean — 100.0 is perfect, while 94.0 is the worst in the league. Player (2016-18) PFF grade Pass grade Run grade PBE Josh Kline 66.1 (38th) 75.3 (23rd) 59.5 (55th) 97.4 (29th) Vikings RGs 63.7 (49th) 64.7 (54th) 61.7 (43rd) 96.9 (46th) Non-Berger RGs 61.3 (56th) 60.9 (67th) 60.4 (51st) 96.4 (64th) When compared to the league population (out of 86 guards), Kline grades well above average in pass protection and a little below average as a run blocker, generally marking him as an above-average but not spectacular guard. For now, it seems like Vikings fans will take that as the blessing it is, though in the long-term they may want to look for an upgrade late in the draft to go along with whomever they select to replace the other guard position. Though Kline remarked that he’s familiar with the offense, there’s not a lot on film in the past two years to showcase many of the things the Vikings will ask him to do in the run game — despite the fact that former Titans offensive coordinator Matt Lafleur prefers zone blocking in his systems. Part of this has to do with the innovative run design that head coach Mike Mularkey implemented in 2017 with offensive line coach and Hall of Fame lineman Russ

Grimm — the Titans showcased more zone blocking in 2018, but not much — and very often inside zone runs without the dash to the sideline that have characterized Rick Dennison’s offensive lines. Instead, look to Kline’s history further back — with Dante Scarnecchia and Dave DeGuglielmo in New England, where they occasionally ran the track-running style zone that we’ll likely see in Minnesota this year. Still, the same principles for a lot of the playside runs in Tennessee and inside zone, in general, will apply to outside zone work. In the inside zone play below, Kline still has to adapt his zone-blocking rules to account for the front change and who he has to block as a result. He still needs to show the technical and athletic skill to work up to the second level while keeping his shoulders square to the line of scrimmage. He hasn’t been remarkably successful on those zone runs, but sometimes that has more to do with how his assignments pass off to his teammates, like in the clip below against Washington. That play design called for the right tackle, Dennis Kelly, to pick up the defensive lineman. But because Kelly couldn’t reach Daron Payne in time, Kline was stuck to his assignment and couldn’t move up to the second level. As a result, Washington linebacker Shaun Dion Hamilton ends up making the tackle. His run-blocking clips over the years show that Kline — though he passed the Vikings’ traditional quickness thresholds at guard (he ran the short shuttle at 4.59 seconds at his pro day, faster than the 4.76 average for the position) — isn’t an overly athletic guard, though he isn’t slow by any means either. He’ll fit any system, though it’s likely that zone systems fit him better given how rarely he demonstrates power on base blocks, rarely driving opponents downfield, instead winning with seal blocks and hoping not to allow defensive linemen to squeeze the lane. For what it’s worth, he had issues as a pulling guard, and not because of power. He would often demonstrate tunnel vision and block his assignment instead of adapting to his assignment as the play develops. Some offensive line coaches prefer this approach, however, so that’s not necessarily on Kline. Still, it would have been nice to see him clean up running lanes by taking on the free defensive tackle instead of aiming for a linebacker further downfield. As a pass protector, he shines — and that’s where the big upgrade for the Vikings comes. In particular, he showcases recovery and balance, as well as recognition against the blitz. His intelligence is likely why the Patriots signed him as an undrafted free agent in 2013, and it’s something that’s made him a consistent asset to offenses. That stunt recognition will be an important asset for the Vikings given how often they saw defensive line stunts in an attempt to confuse the offensive line and create pressure. The pressure quarterback Kirk Cousins will see in 2019 will likely impact the Vikings far more than any issues Kline might bring in the running game. Most importantly, Kline — whose hand placement and technique are overall generally good, but sometimes don’t fire quickly enough to win the rep — can recover extremely well in pass protection. He was helped a little bit by quarterback Marcus Mariota, who could float in the pocket a little bit easier than Cousins can, but for the most part did a good job making sure lost reps weren’t lost for good. He also can demonstrate control. Instead of oversetting against moves he sees the most often, he makes sure to keep an inside hand on the rushing defensive tackle to prevent counter moves from ruining the quarterback’s day. Because he sits balanced in his passing set, he can corral free-running defensive tackles who will attempt to generate leverage by forcing offensive linemen to lunge or get out of position. Instead, Kline’s passing set allows him the space and power to protect on either side without giving up ground. That said, winning by recovery isn’t enough — it’s better not to have to recover in the first place. And because his hands aren’t quite as fast as many defensive tackles, he’ll find himself out of position quickly despite good technique, which is often how he’ll lose passing reps. Even more of a problem might be the fact that his strength can be overwhelmed by bigger defensive tackles (or in the case of J.J. Watt, a smaller defensive end who happens to be unreasonably powerful). Below, he loses a bull rush to Watt and gets driven into the pocket. He often can reset and drop his anchor to force those rushers down, but he doesn’t always do it, creating some problems. Nevertheless, Kline provides a huge upgrade in the passing game and has the tools to be consistent enough to keep the running game going. It might be the case that he wasn’t ever in the right system as a run blocker and he could be unlocked in the unique system the Vikings run.

Grading the move: Anthony Barr changes course at last minute, will stay with Vikings instead of going to Jets By Sheil Kapadia It's the time of year when the Vikings and the NFL play tag--as in franchise tags for top pending free agents. The Vikings have several premier players in this category of heading towards free agency when the 2019 NFL league year opens on March 13, and they could use the franchise or transition tag on four-time Pro Bowl linebacker Anthony Barr or their fine defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson. The franchise tag involves a one year contract tender at the average of the top five players at the position, while the transition tag is at the average of the top 10 players. Don't count on either tag being used on Barr or Richardson as both players should hit the free agent market. The franchise tender for either player is an estimated $15.7 million. Start with the reality that the Vikings currently have just $5-7 million of room under the 2019 salary cap. They will free up $10-20 million dollars of cap room in the next couple weeks by cutting several players (most likely to include safety Andrew Sendejo, guard Mike Remmers), and trading, releasing or seeking pay cuts from high-salaried players such as defensive end Everson Griffen, cornerback Trae Waynes and wide receiver Laquon Treadwell. A trade involving two-time Pro Bowl corner Xavier Rhodes also is possible as he's coming off an injury-filled down season (but not likely with the result being a $7.2 million dead money hit against the cap). Barr is a talented player. But I see a guy who should make more plays on a consistent basis before he is worth a long term deal or a one year deal at that high franchise number. He also has battled hamstring problems that caused him to miss three games last season. Richardson should be easier to sign on a cap-friendly deal after making $8 million last season. And he helps make the Vikings defensive line one of the league's best, even if Griffen is no longer there and an emerging player in Stephen Weatherly becomes the starter opposite Pro Bowler Danielle Hunter (as he did very effectively during Griffen's extended absence last season for mental health reasons). The bottom line is that Barr is a luxury the Vikings can't afford when they need to address the beleaguered offensive line in free agency with a major signing (along with a likely first round draft pick at offensive tackle or guard plus perhaps a second or third rounder). That's what a team must do when they have invested in a $28 million per year quarterback in Kirk Cousins who had an up and down first season in Minnesota due in large part to his lack of protection and inconsistent running game. And speaking of Cousins, his recent Tweet about the great weather in Miami was probably not the best idea as Minnesotans are buried in a record February snowfall and his up and down first season with the Vikings is still very fresh. Cousins said "In 2010, I was mad at @KingJames (LeBron) for leaving Cleveland...but I've been in Miami for a total of 5 min and now I totally understand." Hmmm--it's perhaps the wise choice to stay off social media for awhile unless you're promoting charity causes, Kirk. Around the NFL Observations: Draft season and pre-free agency hits high gear next week with the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis February 26-March 4. More on what goes on at the Combine in next week's column, but it will be a busy week for Vikings GM Rick Spielman as he talks contracts with agents for Vikings potential free agents and contract extension candidates, while also whispering in the ears of the agents for pending free agents from other teams (hopefully to include some quality offensive linemen). These conversations on potential free agent signings are one of the key activities for GMs at the Combine even though it's technically not allowed until the legal tampering period--love that description--begins on March 11. Spielman and his player personnel/scouting staff along with Mike Zimmer and his assistant coaches will be attending workouts of the top 300 or so college players entering the April draft, and interviewing those players in the evenings.

PUBLICATION: The Athletic DATE: 3/22/19

Meanwhile the team's doctors and athletic trainers will be closely examining all the Combine attendees to assess their physical status. A very long and busy week in Indy for the 32 NFL teams and the incoming rookie class.

Reports: Saints reach deal with ex-Viking Sherels By Mike Triplett METAIRIE, La. -- The New Orleans Saints have agreed to a deal with longtime Minnesota Vikings punt returner Marcus Sherels, a source confirmed. The agreement was first reported by the St. Paul Pioneer Press, which said it was a one-year deal. Terms have not been disclosed. Sherels, 31, was the Vikings' primary punt returner for the past eight years with an average of 10.6 yards per return and a total of five touchdowns. He averaged 12.0 yards per punt return last season to finish in the NFL's top five for the third time in the last six years. Sherels was also used as a kickoff returner on occasion. And he was a backup cornerback who started six games on defense earlier in his career. Originally undrafted out of the University of Minnesota in 2010, Sherels was tied as the longest-tenured player on the team. New Orleans, meanwhile, could use some punt-return help after ranking in the NFL's bottom 10 in that category each of the past two years and letting return specialist Tommylee Lewis leave for the Detroit Lions in free agency. The Saints have also used key offensive players Alvin Kamara and Ted Ginn Jr. as punt returners. Sherels also continues a trend this offseason for the Saints, who have signed three former Vikings in free agency (also running back Latavius Murray and center Nick Easton). That's in addition to former Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater and former Vikings fullback Zach Line, who joined the Saints over the past two years.

PUBLICATION: ESPN DATE: 3/22/19

New Guard Josh Kline Comfortable with Outdoors, Outside Zone By Eric Smith EAGAN, Minn. — The newest addition to the Vikings offensive line is an outdoorsman who is ready to get rolling in Minnesota’s outside-zone running scheme. The Vikings signed guard Josh Kline to their roster on Wednesday, adding a veteran who has started 46 straight games, the longest active streak among players at his position. Minnesota’s offensive flavor in 2019 under Vikings Offensive Coordinator Kevin Stefanski and Assistant Head Coach/Offensive Advisor Gary Kubiak could suit Kline well, as he said Thursday on a conference call with the Twin Cities media that it’s comparable to the system he was in with Tennessee in 2018. “The scheme is similar to the scheme I had with the Titans this past year,” Kline said. “Outside-zone oriented, and it has that West Coast feel. “It’s the same, the terminology is basically verbatim, so it’s really going to help out with the transition from Tennessee to Minnesota,” Kline added. Off the field, Kline should fit in nicely up north as he is an avid hunter and fisherman who is looking forward to exploring his new state of Minnesota. “I love to hunt and fish. I actually have a hunting trip scheduled in South Texas on Monday, so we’re going to go turkey hunting in the morning and hog hunting at night,” Kline said. “I enjoy the outdoors, and that was another draw [for] Minnesota as well, is because it’s definitely an outdoor state. “I love walleye fishing; I would go up to [Lake] Erie every summer and go walleye fishing with my dad and brother,” Kline added, “so that’s something I enjoy.” An undrafted free agent out of Kent State, Kline is an Ohio native who spent part of the 2013 season on New England’s practice squad before being activated to the 53-man roster for good in November. He made 18 starts and appeared in 33 total games with the Patriots from 2013-2015, and dressed but did not appear in Super Bowl XLIX against Seattle after the 2014 season. Kline then landed in Tennessee, where he helped the Titans ranked in the top half of the league in rushing — and finished in the top 10 twice — in the three seasons that Kline started for Tennessee. The Titans released Kline last week, and the 29-year-old said he was happy to have quickly found a new home. “What drew me there the most was the family-first culture that Coach [Mike] Zimmer and Rick Spielman gave me as soon as I walked in the building,” Kline said. “Everyone … all the coaching staff around there … and from the training staff and the equipment staff … everyone in the building was just super nice. “They were super welcoming and had that Midwest feel I’m accustomed to since I’m an Ohio boy,” Kline added. Kline, who has appeared in 79 career games in six seasons and has made 64 starts, could now be tasked with protecting Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins as Minnesota has some possible job openings on the interior of its offensive line. Mike Remmers and Tom Compton, the Vikings primary starters at guard in 2018, are no longer with the team. Prior to Kline’s signing, Minnesota had Danny Isidora and Aviante Collins at that position.

PUBLICATION: Vikings.com DATE: 3/22/19

Kline said Thursday that will approach the season with the mentality of having to earn a starting spot in the trenches. “You have to earn everything you get in this league,” Kline said. “I wouldn’t say I’m the starter right away, but you have to act like you are. “You have to work your tail off in this league no matter what [because] they’re always trying to replace you,” Kline said. “You always have to keep on working hard, no matter what anyone says.” Kline could benefit from the fact that he knows Stefanski’s scheme already, and has played in offenses that are similar to what Kubiak is expected to bring on board in Minnesota. Kline noted that guards in this system have to be tough, physical and somewhat athletic in order to create holes in the running game and protect the quarterback. He also outlined what he expects going forward within the Vikings offense. “There’s little things that are different, but everything is pretty much the same,” Kline said. “There’s a lot of aspects for any offense throughout the league that have similar aspects but different terminology. “In this system, the terminology is basically the same, so it’s going to help out, because a lot of football, with me as a player, I actually have to go out and do it. You can draw it up on the board all you want, but for me as a learner, I have to go out and do it,” Kline added. “Starting early here with Minnesota, having an entire offseason with the team is going to help me out a lot, from a fit aspect, my right tackle and center, the offensive line as a whole and the offense as a whole.” Kline will get his chance to acclimate with his new team next month, as the Vikings voluntary offseason workout program begins in less than a month. “I can’t wait to get up there on April 15 and start working,” Kline said.

Lunchbreak: Kiper Re-Grades Vikings 2018 Draft Class By Eric Smith Thursday marks five weeks from the 2019 NFL Draft as the buzz and excitement around one of the league’s top offseason events begins to grow. The Vikings currently have eight selections in the draft, starting with the 18th overall pick, as Vikings General Manager Rick Spielman and his staff will look to improve Minnesota’s roster over a three-day window in late April. Yet as the days dwindle until the draft, ESPN draft expert Mel Kiper, Jr., recently took a look back to a year ago and analyzed how the Vikings did in the 2018 edition. Kiper gave the Vikings a ‘B’ grade immediately following the 2018 draft, and then gave them the same grade in his recent re-evaluation. Kiper, who projected Minnesota will focus on its offensive line next month, wrote: The Vikings' biggest need in the 2018 draft ... is the Vikings' biggest need in the 2019 draft. Their offensive line was so poor in front of Kirk Cousins that it's tough to evaluate his debut season in Minnesota. GM Rick Spielman tried to address the tackle spot in Round 2, taking Pitt's Brian O'Neill, who ended up starting 11 games. He was inconsistent, but that was to be expected for a raw converted tight end, and O'Neill has probably locked in a starting spot on the right side. The guard spots, however, are still iffy. Top pick Mike Hughes had a promising debut with a pick-six in the season opener but tore his ACL in October and was lost for the season. If he can make it back to full strength, he'll be a solid No. 2 or 3 corner in Minnesota. Spielman and Mike Zimmer might have found another steal in corner Holton Hill, who went undrafted and ended up playing quite a bit. There's not much else here for the Vikings, and there were two notable misses on Day 3. Kicker Daniel Carlson -- who cost the team a fifth-round pick -- was cut after two games, then latched on with the Raiders and had a good year. Sixth-round pick Colby Gossett didn't make the team, was picked up by the Cardinals, then started four games. He could have been the developmental guard to help Minnesota down the road. With Hughes' high ceiling and O'Neill a likely starter, this class has a chance to be good in 2019 and beyond. Hughes chatted with the Twin Cities media in late December and gave the most-recent update on his health. O’Neill started 11 games at right tackle and played 76 percent of Minnesota’s offensive snaps. Sloter ready to compete for Vikings backup QB gig The Vikings currently have a pair of quarterbacks on their roster after Trevor Siemian agreed to a deal with the Jets earlier this week. Siemian was Minnesota’s backup behind Kirk Cousins in 2018, but was ahead of Kyle Sloter on the depth chart. Sloter now appears to have a chance to seize the backup job, and he spoke with Chris Tomasson of the Pioneer Press about the potential opportunity. Tomasson wrote: Sloter, entering his third season, never has taken a regular-season snap. He was active for six games as a rookie in 2017 when Sam Bradford and Teddy Bridgewater had injuries but didn’t get into any games with Case Keenum having been the starter.

PUBLICATION: Vikings.com DATE: 3/22/19

Sloter last season played behind Cousins and Siemian. He wasn’t active for any games. “It’s never a given, it’s always earned,” Sloter said of the backup job. “I’m going to have to prove that I can do it first, and if that’s something they want to put on my plate, I’m ready to tackle it.’’ Sloter was one of Minnesota’s top performers in the preseason in 2018. He compiled a passer rating of 114.1 while completing 41 of 56 passes (73.2 percent) for 366 yards with four touchdowns and no interceptions in four games of work. The Vikings picked up Sloter after he was released by Denver following the 2017 preseason.

Prospect Profile: Wisconsin G Michael Deiter By Lindsey Young Guard | Wisconsin | Senior Height: 6-foot-5 | Weight: 309 pounds College Stats 2018: Started all 13 games at left guard; helped a rushing attack that led the conference and ranked sixth in FBS, averaging 273.4 yards per game; blocked for First-Team All-American RB Jonathan Taylor, who led the nation in rushing with 2,194 yards Career: Made a school-record 54 starts for the Badgers over four seasons – 14 at left tackle, 24 at left guard and 16 at center; his 54 starts ranked No. 2 all-time in the Big Ten behind Ohio State’s Billy Price (55 starts from 2014-17); part of a senior class that went 42-12 and 4-0 in bowl games Profile Summary: Deiter attended Genoa Area High School in Genoa, Ohio, where he played both offensive and defensive line. As a senior, he ranked second on the team with 42 solo tackles, 17 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks; on offensive line that season, he earned the Associated Press District IV Lineman of the Year and Great Lakes Region Lineman of the Year honors. He redshirted at Wisconsin in 2014 and became a full-time starter for the Badgers in 2015, making seven starts at left guard and six at center. Deiter played a reliable role on an injury-ridden line that used seven different starting combinations during the 2015 season. Deiter excelled over the next three seasons at Wisconsin. He was named First-Team All-America and was the 2018 Rimington-Pace Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year. NFL.com analyst Lance Zierlein praised Deiter’s work ethic, saying he is a “durable, lunch-pail guy who answers the bell each week.” Among his strengths were that he has “good leg drive into double teams and down blocks,” and “finishes with vigor once he gets the upper hand.” “Dieter’s experience in a variety of pro-style rushing schemes and his overall technique work are in his favor, while his experience across the line offers flexibility that could lock him into an NFL roster as an early backup with the potential to step in and start if needed,” Zierlein said. Click here to read Deiter’s full profile on NFL.com. Stacking up: The Athletic’s Dane Brugler ranked Deiter as this year’s top interior offensive lineman but was not ranked by NFL Media analyst Bucky Brooks. Wisconsin reputation: While at the 2019 NFL Scouting Combine, Deiter was asked about Wisconsin’s reputation that its offensive linemen “seem to transition so well” to the pros. “We run the same offenses usually, pro-style stuff. Talking with teams, a lot of the same techniques, a lot of times the same verbiage, we’re already comfortable getting there,” Deiter said. “Obviously, you still have to perform, you still have to play against the best competition. But you already have a leg up. There’s a bunch of other teams, too. It’s just kind of our bread and butter. We still run the pro-style offense, and I think it helps on the mental side.”

PUBLICATION: Vikings.com DATE: 3/22/19