Jeff

Baca

A 45-game starter for UCLA, Baca split time between guard and tackle. He projects as a left guard or center for the Vikings. Baca showed well at the Combine, posting 28 bench-press reps to go along with a 5.03 40-yard dash and 1.68 ten-yard split, but won’t be more than a reserve interior lineman as a rookie.

Baca (6-foot-3 3/8, 302) made 45 starts for the Bruins, 25 at guard and 20 at tackle. His best pro position projects as left guard or center. Baca performed 28 bench reps at his Pro Day, after demonstrating impressive athleticism with a 5.03 forty and 1.68 ten-yard split at the Combine. His 7.43 three-cone drill was the best among offensive linemen in Indy. One medical flag on Baca was a 2012 concussion that cost him two games, although he’s been fully cleared medically and scored a 34 on the Wonderlic. The Vikings need guard help.

LG Charlie Johnson’s contract voided following the season, making him a free agent. He wouldn’t be expensive to re-sign, but the Vikings could choose to allocate their money elsewhere. Baca was the 196th pick in last April’s draft after starting 45 games at UCLA. He played just four offensive snaps as a rookie.

OG Michael Huey, a participant in the Veteran Combine, was signed in a corresponding roster move. A 2013 sixth-round pick of the Vikings, Baca made four appearances as a rookie, but zero in 2014.

Baca is taking the roster spot of P Mike Scifres, who was placed on injured reserve with a broken clavicle. Already on their fifth center, the Chargers will hope Baca is not needed Week 17 against the Chiefs.