NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero is reporting free agent offensive lineman Tyler Shatley will be in Eagan visiting the Vikings on Friday.
Shatley, a 27-year-old native of North Carolina, is listed at 6-foot-3 and 310 pounds. He’s played center and left guard in his career with the Jacksonville Jaguars, starting seven games in 2018 and four each in 2017 and 2016, respectively.
Pro Football Focus (PFF) ranked him 26th among centers in 2018 with an “average” grade of 55.9. He graded out as an “above average” pass blocker (21st among centers) and a “below average” run blocker (25th among centers).
PFF also has him guilty of allowing three sacks, six quarterback hurries and 10 pressures last season, in addition to five penalties compared to the three Pro Football Reference charges him with (two holding and one false start).
The #Vikings may not be done adding free agents on their O-line. Former #Jaguars C Tyler Shatley is in Minnesota for a visit today, source said. Started 15 games over past 3 seasons, also can play guard and still only 27.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 22, 2019
The Vikings already have Pat Elflein starting at center, so if Shatley signs he’ll either compete for the starting left guard job or provide depth on a line that lacks it.
Earlier this week the Vikings signed Josh Kline to a three-year, $15.75 million deal. Kline, a starter for the Tennessee Titans the last three seasons, is expected to start at right guard for the Vikings.
If the Vikings take a tackle in the first round of April’s NFL Draft, they could move Brian O’Neill from right to left tackle and slide Riley Reiff inside to left guard. If the Vikes take a guard in the draft, Reiff will undoubtedly stay at tackle.
Projected offensive line 1:
- LT: Riley Reiff
- LG: Danny Isidora or first-round draft pick (or Tyler Shatley if he signs)
- C: Pat Elflein
- RG: Josh Kline
- RT: Brian O’Neill
Projected offensive line 2:
- LT: Brian O’Neill
- LG: Riley Reiff
- C: Pat Elflein
- RG: Josh Kline
- RT: Rashod Hill or first-round draft pick
It’s all speculation at this point, but the Vikings are finally starting to piece together a position group that could make or break them in 2019.
