:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/54524875/usa_today_9689742.0.jpg)
After using their first round selection on Florida State running back Dalvin Cook, the Minnesota Vikings shifted focus to the guys up front that will be blocking for him, and got a guy they can build around for a long time.
Pat Elflein
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/8430933/usa_today_9544169.jpg)
Date of Birth: 1994 (don’t have exact date)
College: Ohio State University
Drafted: Third round, #70 overall
Height: 6’3”
Weight: 300 pounds
Career achievements: First-Team All-American (2016), 2016 Rimington Trophy Winner
Twitter handle: @elflein65
After making another trade up, this one for nine spots, the Minnesota Vikings have selected Ohio State University center Pat Elflein.
Elflein was the 2016 Rimington Award winner as the nation’s top center, and was also a First-Team All-American. He also has some positional flexibility, as he started games at right guard for the Buckeyes before shifting over to the center spot.
That’s pretty important for the Vikings, as they have an immediate need at the right guard spot. They also have Joe Berger at center this year, and he’s in the final year of his contract. So, if Berger moves on after this year, Elflein could move into the center spot.
Just like the Cook pick, this is another great selection for the Vikings. They get an immediate starter in the third round, and they get a guy that can be a long-term foundation for their offensive line going forward.
Welcome to Minnesota, Pat Elflein!
Poll
How would you grade the Minnesota Vikings’ selection of Pat Elflein?
This poll is closed
-
56%
A
(941 votes) -
20%
A-
(339 votes) -
13%
B+
(230 votes) -
5%
B
(96 votes) -
0%
B-
(16 votes) -
0%
C+
(15 votes) -
0%
C
(10 votes) -
0%
C-
(2 votes) -
0%
D+
(3 votes) -
0%
D
(4 votes) -
0%
D-
(3 votes) -
0%
F
(9 votes)