The Vikings believe they already have the answer to one of the bigger questions on their roster

OTAs are not just exciting because they're the official start of football activities for all players - it's also when we start finding out how coaches plan on utilizing the guys on their roster. 

Will a defensive lineman/EDGE kick inside on obvious passing downs? Will someone play center or try guard, first? Is a receiver an X, Z, or slot player? Getting an idea of how all of that might work, plus more, is almost intoxicating as we progress through the next few weeks.

The Minnesota Vikings have plenty of figuring out to do themselves, albeit at some really important positions, as well. One position group that is nearly figured out is the offensive line, but there is still a question mark at the left guard position.

That's only because the presumed and current starter, Blake Brandel, is entering his fifth year in the league and has played a total of 503 offensive snaps over his first four seasons. For context, Cleveland Browns guard Wyatt Teller led his respective position with 1,374 offensive snaps during the 2023 regular season, per Pro Football Focus.

The lack of experience isn't something the Vikings are thinking about, though. They shouldn't be, either, since that's all in the past. What matters most, now, is how Brandel handles himself and from the sound of things - he's doing a good job.

"I'm really excited about Blake," Vikings offensive coordinator Wes Phillips told reporters Tuesday. "I feel like he gets bigger every time I see him. He's just a massive man on the inside, in there. But he's in great shape. He's always been very coachable. You talk about technique fundamentals, footwork, hand placement - all the things that are critical for the o-line. You know, one false step for an o-lineman could be a catastrophe. So it's been very encouraging so far with him stepping into that starting spot on the left, there.

"And I think it'll only grow from there, [with] the more experience [and] the more reps he gets. He's been a guy that, anytime he's been put in a game at several positions, has come through for us. And we haven't forgotten that and I think he's earned this opportunity."