Loadholt An Early Favorite For RT?

Mike Wobschall (Vikings.com Blog) predicts for tackle Phil Loadholt to “run with the 1st team early in camp, and perhaps not ever relinquish those duties“. Loadholt is expected to battle with veteran tackles Ryan Cook and Artis Hicks throughout training camp and through pre-season for the starting right tackle position.

Cook and Hicks split time at right tackle last season, but that position was unimpressive and filled with lackluster play and injuries.

“Loadholt looked solid during minicamps and OTAs this spring and summer. At 6-8, 343 pounds, he has the size and strength to be a mauling run blocker, which is what’s typically asked of NFL RTs. But he also has a large wingspan and good pass protecting skills, which he honed while playing LT for the Oklahoma Sooners.”

I’m sure this outcome is what coach Brad Childress and his staff had imagined when they decided to draft the large tackle in the second round. The starting job looks like it will be Loadholt’s to lose.

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