Blake Brandel, starting center for your Minnesota Vikings
Cap hit for 2026: $4.46 million. 6'6+", 320 lbs. Everyone ok with Blake? Free agent after this season, might be playing for a new contract.
Weak link on the line or dude ready to be the center for the next 3-4 years?
Mattyman wrote:
Yes. He'll get a year in the weight room to work on his lower body and short burst/power. He won't have to worry about staying with an edge rushers speed at tackle, or foot speed to be a pulling guard. Instead it'll be all power
he'll be allowed to train in a way he never has.
Encouraging. I hope Brandel rocks it. He'd be the biggest center in the NFL at that height and new weight.
I’m wondering if we are going to move towards more man, gap, duo blocking? That’s a lot of beef in the middle.
“Hell is empty and all the devils are here”
Shakespeare
What a pleasant surprise it would be for Brandel to work out in 2026 and sign a 3 to 4 year manageable contract at center.
Brandel started his first game at center in Week 5 last season in London against the Cleveland Browns. He commanded the operation. He cleared paths in the ground game. Stunts caused problems for him on the interior, but they tormented the team all season. Two weeks later, he returned to the position against the Philadelphia Eagles. Philadelphia’s defensive linemen rarely pushed him directly into the lap of quarterback Carson Wentz. That may explain Minnesota’s faith in him.
Is Brandel going to be a Pro Bowler? Unlikely. Will interior pass rushers find a way to the edge of his frame? Yes. Will he keep the picture fairly clear for Murray (if Murray indeed wins the job)? Probably.
“Hell is empty and all the devils are here”
Shakespeare
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