Vikings Roster Countdown: No. 74 Oli Udoh — Versatile OL Depth

Udoh is a former starting guard who is best suited as a swing tackle option.

Author:
Will Ragatz
Publish date:
Jul 19, 2023 3:59 PM EDT

In this story:

Ahead of the Vikings' 2023 training camp beginning in late July, we'll be taking a look at every player on the 90-man roster, counting down from 99 to 0 (excluding the UDFAs, who we've already profiled). For every player, we'll look at the best and worst-case scenarios and their realistic outlook for the upcoming season.

No. 74: Oli Udoh, OL

Age: 26 | Size: 6'6", 320

Aug 27, 2021; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Minnesota Vikings offensive tackle Oli Udoh (74) stretches before the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. — Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

The Vikings drafted Oli Udoh out of Elon in the sixth round of the 2019 draft, taking a flier on a raw player with great size and athleticism. After playing just a handful of snaps as a backup tackle in his first two seasons, Udoh was moved to right guard and ended up as a Week 1 starter for the Vikings in 2021. He started 16 games that season (14 at RG, 2 at LT) and mostly struggled after a solid start. Udoh finished with a 54.4 PFF grade, including an abysmal 39.0 pass blocking grade, 45 pressures allowed, and 16 penalties.

Last season, in the final year of his rookie deal, Udoh returned to the swing tackle role that seems to be a better fit for him at the NFL level. He mostly played on special teams until Brian O'Neill's injury in Week 17 forced him into action. Udoh stepped up, playing well at right tackle in the final two regular season games and the playoff loss to the Giants. That performance likely helped him earn a one-year contract to remain with the Vikings for 2023, where he'll once again be in the mix to make the roster as a backup offensive lineman.

Best-case scenario: Udoh fills his role well as a backup lineman who can play tackle or guard. The best-case scenario for the Vikings is that he doesn't play a snap all season.

Worst-case scenario: Udoh gets beaten out by younger players and doesn't make the 53-man roster. This seems unlikely, but it's not impossible.

Outlook for 2023: Brought back on a one-year deal this offseason, Udoh should be a safe bet to make the roster and provide valuable depth at multiple spots.

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