The Minnesota Vikings desperately need Trey Smith to bolster their offensive line, improving both protection and run game efficiency.

As the Minnesota Vikings continue to make strides toward becoming a perennial contender in the NFC, one area of persistent concern remains: their offensive line. Despite having numerous talented players and playmakers on both sides of the ball, the offensive line has been an area of weakness for the Vikings in recent years. With the team’s Super Bowl aspirations on the horizon, there is a pressing need to solidify this unit if they are to have any hope of competing with the league’s elite teams. A player like Trey Smith, the Kansas City Chiefs’ starting right guard, could be exactly what the Vikings need to take their offensive line play to the next level, making their offense more potent, and potentially propelling them into true championship contention.

In this article, we will explore why the Vikings need Trey Smith in the worst way. We’ll discuss the current state of the Vikings’ offensive line, how Smith could improve the team’s overall performance, and how his arrival in Minnesota could help both Kirk Cousins and Dalvin Cook thrive. Lastly, we’ll analyze what makes Smith one of the most valuable pieces to add to the Vikings’ roster and how his potential acquisition could help them contend for a Super Bowl in the near future.

The Current State of the Vikings’ Offensive Line

The Minnesota Vikings have long been known for their strong offensive play, particularly through star players like Dalvin Cook and Justin Jefferson. However, no matter how talented the skill positions are, success in the NFL starts up front. The offensive line is often referred to as the “engine” of the offense, as it is responsible for providing protection for the quarterback and creating lanes for the running back.

Over the past few seasons, the Vikings have struggled with inconsistent offensive line play. While there have been flashes of improvement, the Vikings have not yet built a truly dominant offensive front. The 2023 season, in particular, showed that the offensive line still had plenty of room for growth. Kirk Cousins was often under pressure, which limited his ability to find rhythm and make the big plays that would open up the game. At the same time, while Dalvin Cook continued to put up respectable numbers, his running lanes were often clogged, making it difficult for him to break off the explosive runs that he is known for.

As of now, the Vikings have invested heavily in certain positions, such as left tackle with Christian Darrisaw, a rising star, and center Garrett Bradbury, who had a solid season in 2023. However, the guard positions have remained a weaker link in their offensive line. With Ezra Cleveland at left guard and Ed Ingram at right guard, there is a clear gap in performance and consistency.

Despite Cleveland’s potential and Ingram’s rookie season showing promise, neither player has fully lived up to expectations. This inconsistency, especially at right guard, has put a strain on the Vikings’ ability to execute their offensive game plans effectively. The Vikings need a guard who can provide stability and power, especially against the formidable defensive fronts they face in the NFC. This is where Trey Smith comes in.

What Trey Smith Brings to the Table

Trey Smith is an imposing figure on the Kansas City Chiefs’ offensive line. Standing at 6-foot-6 and weighing 330 pounds, Smith possesses the size and strength to dominate defenders in the trenches. But size alone doesn’t make him an elite guard—his combination of power, technical skill, and awareness allows him to excel against some of the toughest defensive linemen in the league.

Smith’s effectiveness in both the run game and pass protection is what makes him so appealing for the Vikings. Let’s break down how his skill set would help improve the Vikings’ offensive line.

1. Run Blocking: A Major Upgrade for Dalvin Cook

One of the biggest areas where the Vikings need help is in their run-blocking schemes. Dalvin Cook is one of the best running backs in the NFL when given the right holes to run through. However, in 2023, Cook often found himself running into a wall of defenders right off the bat, forcing him to rely on his vision and elusiveness to make plays. As a result, Cook wasn’t able to hit the home runs that he’s capable of, and his yards per carry suffered.

Trey Smith’s presence would make a world of difference in the run game. Smith is known for his tenacity and strength as a run blocker. He uses his size and physicality to clear lanes for running backs and consistently moves defenders off the ball. Whether it’s in a power running scheme or zone blocking, Smith can drive defenders backward, giving Dalvin Cook the room he needs to find and hit open gaps.

Additionally, Smith has a great understanding of leverage and timing when it comes to blocking at the second level. He’s not just a road grader at the line of scrimmage—he’s able to get to the second level and take out linebackers, further opening up running lanes for Cook. Adding Smith to the right guard spot would immediately give the Vikings a more dynamic and explosive running game, making their offense more difficult to stop.

2. Pass Protection: Keeping Kirk Cousins Upright

While the Vikings’ offensive line struggles in the run game, they’ve also had their issues in pass protection. Kirk Cousins is a solid quarterback who can move the ball downfield and deliver strikes, but like any quarterback, he needs time in the pocket to make his reads and progressions. Unfortunately, Cousins often faced pressure during the 2023 season, which impacted his ability to be effective in critical moments.

Trey Smith would immediately improve the Vikings’ pass protection. As a pass blocker, Smith is not just strong but technically proficient. He has quick feet, strong hands, and a solid punch at the line of scrimmage that allows him to maintain leverage and keep defenders at bay. Additionally, Smith is adept at picking up stunts and twists in the pass rush, which is critical for protecting the quarterback against complex defensive schemes.

Having Smith in the interior of the offensive line would help provide a much-needed pocket for Cousins to step into, which would allow him to better survey the field and deliver accurate passes to his weapons like Jefferson, KJ Osborn, and T.J. Hockenson. With Smith at right guard, Cousins would have a much cleaner pocket to work from, and as a result, the entire passing game would benefit.

3. Versatility and Durability

Another key reason Trey Smith would be an excellent addition to the Vikings’ offensive line is his versatility and durability. Smith has proven to be remarkably consistent, rarely missing games and showing the kind of stamina that is crucial for a player in the trenches. He has experience in multiple offensive line schemes, and his ability to adapt to different blocking systems would make him a seamless fit in Minnesota’s offensive system under head coach Kevin O’Connell.

The Vikings’ current offensive line depth is shaky at best, with few reliable options off the bench. Adding a durable player like Smith would improve the overall depth of the offensive line and provide stability should injuries arise. With Smith’s reputation for playing through adversity and remaining on the field, the Vikings would be better equipped to handle the physical demands of an NFL season.

How Trey Smith Would Elevate the Vikings Offense

If the Vikings were to acquire Trey Smith, the immediate effects on their offense would be felt in both the run and pass game. Smith’s power in the run game would open up opportunities for Dalvin Cook to break off bigger runs, giving the Vikings a more potent and dangerous rushing attack. Additionally, the Vikings’ passing game would benefit from having a more stable interior offensive line, allowing Kirk Cousins to operate in a cleaner pocket and make better decisions.

Smith’s addition would also have a ripple effect on the overall offensive scheme. With stronger offensive line play, the Vikings could experiment with more aggressive play-calling and utilize a wider array of run-pass options. They could also provide more protection for deep passes, allowing Cousins to take more shots downfield, something that would greatly benefit their explosive weapons like Jefferson.

Furthermore, Smith’s presence would likely make the Vikings’ offensive line as a whole more cohesive. Offensive line play requires chemistry and communication, and adding a player of Smith’s caliber would instantly raise the bar for the entire group. The offensive line would not only be more effective in its individual assignments but would also perform better as a unit.