This year, Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell secured the Coach of the Year trophy. Before him, the last Minnesotan to earn NFL honors was Justin Jefferson, who received the Offensive Player of the Year award following the 2022 campaign.
Once again, Jefferson and O’Connell are candidates to steal some silverware, although O’Connell should be considered a long shot because it’s unusual to win Coach of the Year in consecutive years. J.J. McCarthy will watch the Comeback Player of the Year race closely.
The five guys in front of him, the offensive line, will monitor a different award. The NFL has implemented a Protector of the Year accolade, the league announced Wednesday.
The NFL wrote, “A new Protector of the Year Award will honor the best offensive lineman each season beginning in 2025. The award, which will be presented annually at NFL Honors to the best offensive lineman of the season, symbolizes protection, durability, and the unsung heroics of the players who shield their teammates and drive their teams forward.”
In theory, all five starting Vikings linemen have a chance. From left to right, the brand-new line should be: Christian Darrisaw, Donovan Jackson, Ryan Kelly, Will Fries, and Brian O’Neill.
Jackson will have to unseat last year’s starter, Blake Brandel, first, and sometimes, rookies need a few weeks on the sidelines. It remains to be seen whether that will be the case here.
Future Hall of Fame tackle Andrew Whitworth, an old friend of O’Connell, said: “This award means everything to the big guys up front, The Protector of the Year isn’t just about stats – it’s about the mindset, grit, and leadership it takes to be the foundation of a football team. It’s time the men who lead, protect, and never ask for credit are recognized as the backbone of this game.”
Indeed, blockers never get any consideration for awards. MVP is a quarterback trophy, anyway, and Offensive Player of the Year usually goes to a quarterback or another weapon like a wideout or running back.
The NFL even named the criteria:
- Skill Metrics: pass-block win rate, run-block win rate, penalties allowed, sacks allowed, helmet contact
- Impact: contribution to the team’s offensive success (e.g., total rushing yards, QB protection stats)
- Leadership: display of leadership, teamwork, and consistency on and off the field
- Durability: minimum number of snaps, games played
- Strength of Opponent: Success vs. high-performing defenders
The most likely Viking to win the award in the near future is tackle Darrisaw, and he has already been snubbed from accolades a few times. He has yet to be nominated for an All-Pro team or the Pro Bowl.
One obstacle for him this year is his knee injury. He’s still recovering from the torn ACL he suffered in an October contest against the Los Angeles Rams. If he can make it in time for Week 1 or shortly thereafter, he still has a chance. Of course, immediately playing at an elite level isn’t a given either.
O’Neill, his counterpart on the right side, has two Pro Bowls on his resume and was quietly fantastic last season. The veteran is not a flashy player, even for an offensive lineman, and he’d undoubtedly have to play the best season of his career to get some consideration.
Because tackles usually get more attention, they should be favored over interior linemen. However, the Vikings made a sneaky guard signing in free agency when they acquired Fries from the Colts. He got some buzz prior to getting injured last year and could be a rising star this season.
Rookie guard Jackson and aging center Kelly, a four-time Pro Bowler, are unlikely to play at the required level.
Six former NFL linemen will choose the winner. The favorites include Lions tackle Penei Sewell, 49ers tackle Trent Williams, Eagles tackles Lane Johnson and Jordan Mailata, Buccaneers tackle Tristan Wirfs, Chiefs center Creed Humphrey, and Colts guard Quenton Nelson.
