Charlie

Johnson

The Vikings were able to trade down a spot and still get the player they’ve been most consistently linked to since the draft order was finalized. This year’s consensus top tackle prospect, Kalil clocks in at a mountainous 6-foot-7, 295 pounds, and could immediately be a top-ten left tackle. Protecting potential 2013 No. 1 pick Matt Barkley, Kalil didn’t allow a single sack his final season at USC. Now moving to left guard, Charlie Johnson’s days of manning the blindside in Minnesota are over.

It’s a no-brainer. Kalil is a prototypical blindside protector while Johnson struggled to keep edge rushers away from Christian Ponder last season. Johnson is adequate on the interior, but he’s still a downgrade from Steve Hutchinson.

He sounds open to it. “As long as I’m in the lineup and playing on Sunday and helping this team win it doesn’t matter,” said Johnson. Johnson is a well below-average left tackle, but was much better at left guard in 2008 with the Colts. Moving Johnson would allow the Vikings to target a blind-side upgrade in the draft or free agency. The Vikes should have a shot at USC LT Matt Kalil with the No. 3 overall pick in April’s draft.

Herrera continues to be plagued by injuries, missing four games and getting dominated up front in several more. Turning 32 in June, Herrera is due $2.75 million in salary and bonuses. The Vikes could turn to Brandon Fusco or move Charlie Johnson from tackle.

“They’re not gonna go back with Charlie Johnson at left tackle,” Lombardi insisted. “They’ll pass on a receiver in order to get the left tackle. They can’t block anybody.” Christian Ponder has been oft-injured dating back to college, and the Vikings are well positioned to get Matt Kalil or Riley Reiff, the latter of whom is Mike Mayock’s top-rated left tackle for 2012. Lombardi points out that Jeff Fisher and Mike Shanahan are “very close,” and if there is a trade in the top five, he expects it to involve the Redskins and the Rams.

The Vikings aren’t going to ease the No. 4 overall pick in. After not allowing a single sack as a junior at USC last season, Kalil will stabilize Christian Ponder’s blind side. Last year’s left tackle, Charlie Johnson, should have a bounce-back year at his more natural left guard spot.

Johnson went down in the fourth quarter of last week’s loss in Kansas City and couldn’t return. The Vikings kicked the tires on free agent Max Starks, but it looks like Donovan McNabb’s blindside protector is going to be fine. Regardless, Johnson remains a poor bet to be effective.

Johnson suffered the injury late in the fourth quarter. “I tried to come back, but I couldn’t do it,” he said. “I think I’ll be o.k.” Johnson may miss some practice this week, but sounds like he should be active against the Cardinals next Sunday. It’s good news for a sluggish Arizona pass rush.