The Minnesota Vikings are firmly entrenched in OTAs and are progressing toward training camp at TCO Performance Center. This will be the third season under head coach Kevin O'Connell and general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah while also being a turning point in the future of the organization.
To prepare for the pivotal 2024 season, we will break down each player on the 90-man roster leading up to training camp. In this series, we will look into their background, scheme fit, best and worst case scenario along with what to expect from each player. It will also help gain more insight on each player going into the year, especially with players who haven't gotten much fanfare.
Can Michael Jurgens push for a starting job?
Background
Jurgens was a three-star prospect out of Damascus, Maryland who committed to Wake Forest in the 2018 recruiting class. During his time with the Demon Deacons, Jurgens played both center and guard. He played in 61 total games at Wake Forest while being a three-time captain during 2021, 2022 and 2023. During his final season, Jurgens played guard and posted the fourth-highest Pro Football Focus grade in the nation. He was the fourth selection out of Wake Forest and the first since 2010 when the Vikings took guard Chris DeGeare.
Scheme fit
The Vikings like to be multiple in the running game but focus mainly on zone concepts. Jurgens fits very well in that, especially with his excellent explosion scores. Jurgens can climb to the second level and seal off linebackers which is a necessity for interior blockers.
Best case scenario
With major questions on the interior, Jurgens lives up to general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah's belief that he can be a starter early by outshining his contemporaries. Jurgens doesn't quite win a starting spot but becomes the first offensive lineman off the bench.
Worst case scenario
Despite being very athletic for a center, Jurgens shows major struggles handling power on the interior. While he can climb to the second level and pull with ease, the lack of sand in his pants ends up costing him a roster spot and he winds up on the practice squad.
What to expect in 2024
The Vikings have a wealth of intrigue on the interior of the offensive line. There are players who can make an impact on the interior but who will do so is still up in the air prior to training camp. Blake Brandel, Ed Ingram and Dalton Risner are going to be fighting for the starting guard spots but Jurgens could make some noise.
The most likely scenario with Jurgens is that he earns a spot on the 53-man roster but will stay behind Dan Feeney in getting into the game. Jurgens has a future with the Vikings but it won't be as a rotational player quite yet.
Previous player profiles
Devron Harper | Ty James | Trey Knox | Gabriel Murphy | Dwight McGlothern | Dallas Gant | Doug Nester | Jeshaun Jones | Taki Taimani | Jeremy Flax | Spencer Rolland | Tyler Manoa | Bo Richter | Jaren Hall | Lucky Jackson | K.J. Cloyd | Levi Drake Rodriquez
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