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Minnesota Vikings free agency 2017: Top 5 targets

By Brad Berreman

Aug 18, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) walks the sidelines during a preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field. The Vikings won 18-11. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 18, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) walks the sidelines during a preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field. The Vikings won 18-11. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mandatory Credit: Ray Del Rio-Getty Images
Mandatory Credit: Ray Del Rio-Getty Images /

1. OT Riley Reiff

Reiff may never live up to his status as a first-round pick (No. 23 in 2012) by becoming a top offensive tackle, and he was bumped over to right tackle last season by Lions’2016 first-round pick Taylor Decker. Over his first four seasons, Reiff played left tackle for Detroit and started 55 games at that spot.

Reiff’s agent will surely market him as a left tackle in free agency, which makes sense since the market value for that position is higher. Even as a highly average offensive tackle, via the eye test and the advanced grading from Pro Football Focus, Reiff is in line for a very nice contract this offseason.

Next: NFL free agency 2017: 5 best offensive lineman available

Quarterback Sam Bradford somehow survived last season without a major injury, even with replica turnstile T.J. Clemmings playing a lot of left tackle. Reiff is an automatic upgrade to that situation, with the ability to play right tackle should other offseason moves make that viable or necessary heading into next season. If the price is right, obviously and of course, Reiff could spend some more time playing for a team in the NFC North.

Honorable Mentions:
LT Andrew Whitworth
RG T.J. Lang
OG Ronald Leary
OT Matt Kalil
OG Jahri Evans
RB Eddie Lacy
WR Michael Floyd
RB Danny Woodhead
OT Ryan Clady

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