The Minnesota Vikings are in a strong position this season with a 4-0 record, which might lead them to consider making trades as the deadline approaches.
One player who has been mentioned by fans for over seven years is Arizona Cardinals guard Will Hernandez, who could be available for trade. According to Adam Patrick from The Viking Age, Hernandez could serve as a replacement for starting guard Ed Ingram, who has struggled with pass protection, ranking among the worst in the league in pressures allowed.
“Back before the 2018 NFL Draft, many Vikings fans hoped the team would select Will Hernandez with their first-round pick. Instead, they chose cornerback Mike Hughes,” Patrick noted on October 4.
With the Cardinals sitting at 1-3 and Hernandez in the final year of his contract, they might be looking to trade him for draft capital after not re-signing him. The Vikings executed a similar move last year with Ezra Cleveland, trading him midseason while on the last year of his rookie deal.
Hernandez would likely enhance the Vikings’ pass protection while maintaining similar run-blocking capabilities as Ingram.
“Hernandez excels in pass protection, while both players are on par with run blocking. Ingram ranks 65th out of 68 guards in pass-blocking this season, whereas Hernandez is 23rd,” Patrick added.
At 29, Hernandez might only require a fifth-round pick from the Vikings in next year’s draft.
A second-round selection by the New York Giants in the 2018 draft, Hernandez impressed at the combine, showcasing strength and speed that made him a sought-after player despite his small-school background. He was named to the Pro Football Writers of America All-Rookie Team after his first season.
Though he struggled with penalties early in his career, Hernandez has improved significantly, committing only one penalty in 1,109 snaps this season, according to Pro Football Focus (PFF). His reliability would be a boon for the Vikings, who have found success with a more balanced offensive approach.
Veteran guard Dalton Risner is nearing a return from an offseason injury, but he has limitations as a run-blocker.
Vikings Remain Committed to Ingram
The Vikings have emphasized continuity on their offensive line. Despite Ingram’s challenges since being drafted in the second round in 2022, the team has continued to support his development, allowing him to start every game since joining.
“We’re committed to helping Ed become the player we believe he can be because he’s crucial for our run game,” said general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah in August.
Ingram has faced criticism as a potential weak link but has also shown he can contribute effectively in the run game, with ongoing improvements in pass protection. While he may not be an elite performer, the Vikings are satisfied enough with his progress to keep him as a starter.
They correctly identified Blake Brandel, who has allowed only three pressures this season, as their starting left guard for 2024. The team deserves some patience as they continue to support Ingram’s growth.
“I feel I’ve improved significantly by understanding the defense better. In my first two years, I was just focused on blocking. Now I can recognize when pressures are coming,” Ingram shared.
