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5 bold predictions for Vikings in 2019

By Rucker Haringey

CHICAGO, IL - NOVEMBER 18: Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) looks on from a huddle in action during a NFL game between the Chicago Bears and the Minnesota Vikings on November 18, 2018 at Soldier Field, in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - NOVEMBER 18: Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) looks on from a huddle in action during a NFL game between the Chicago Bears and the Minnesota Vikings on November 18, 2018 at Soldier Field, in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – FEBRUARY 28: N.C. State offensive lineman Garrett Bradbury answers questions from the media during the NFL Scouting Combine on February 28, 2019 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, IN. (Photo by Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – FEBRUARY 28: N.C. State offensive lineman Garrett Bradbury answers questions from the media during the NFL Scouting Combine on February 28, 2019 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, IN. (Photo by Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

3. Garrett Bradbury will go to the Pro Bowl

The Vikings didn’t spend a first round draft pick on a center for him to spend his rookie season on the bench. Bradbury is going to go right into Zimmer’s starting lineup. He’s just the sort of versatile technician this offense needs to neutralize defenses at the point of attack.

The former NC State star isn’t going to overwhelm defensive tackles with his brute strength. Instead, look for him to use leverage and terrific hand placement to steer defensive lineman away from the action. Pancake blocks aren’t going to be Bradbury’s specialty, but he will still be a very effective interior force.

Just bringing order to the line of scrimmage for the Vikings offense will pay big dividends for Cousins and his skill players. Bradbury’s presence will obviously create better running lanes for Dalvin Cook. Expect him to see a lot more opportunities to reach the second level without encountering meaningful resistance running behind his rookie center.

The passing game will also enjoy more success by keeping pressure out of Cousins’ face. That was a real problem for the Vikings in 2018. Bradbury will get a lot of credit for how well the Vikings offense will function. That’ll be enough to earn him a trip to the Pro Bowl.

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