​The Vikings’ o-line is experiencing some rare continuity.Both of LT1 Christian Darrisaw and RT1 Brian O’Neill appear healthy moving into 2026 training camp. Kicking inside means seeing the sophomore season for LG1 Donovan Jackson and the second season as a Viking for RG1 Will Fries, both of whom will be looking to take a step forward after solid rather than sizzling seasons. What remains to be seen is who will take over for Ryan Kelly as the C1.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe leader in the clubhouse is Blake Brandel, the five-in-one player who consistently earns praise from the coaching staff. He’s going toe-to-toe with Michael Jurgens, the late-round lineman from the 2024 NFL Draft.Vikings o-line coach Keith Carter appeared to spill the beans while chatting with Tatum Everett of The Vikings Entertainment Network. Coach Carter largely discussed the competition as being one that consists of just Brandel and Jurgens. Not a major surprise, Carter’s reflections nevertheless establish some parameters for a position battle going into training camp.Many speculated about opting for a center solution in the 2026 NFL Draft. What occurred instead was a move for Gavin Gerhardt in the 7th, a decision that was about enhanced depth rather than acquiring a Week 1 starter.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementQuite possibly, the Bears threw a wrench into the Vikings’ plans.Many believed that the undersized and athletic Logan Jones could get chosen by Minnesota. The theory had plenty of merit given the typical profile of centers who intrigue the Vikings’ front office. The great issue was that Chicago opted for Mr. Jones at No. 57, well ahead of what many prophets and prognosticators believed.Minnesota Vikings guard Michael Jurgens (65) gathers with teammates in a pregame huddle before facing the Atlanta Falcons at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minn., Sep. 14, 2025. Jurgens stands near the center of the circle as the offensive unit prepares for kickoff in the early-season NFC matchup between Minnesota and Atlanta. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images.So, Minnesota has pivoted. Coach Carter thinks that the competition is coming down to a pair of players.“Again, we’re fortunate,” Carter responded to a question about what’s taking place at center, “we have Blake [Brandel] who has played and started I think now every position up front, which in this league is unheard of.” Not long afterwards, Carter says “and then you’ve got Jurgens who is getting better and better.”AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementCarter then said the competition between these two is making the Vikings better: “To have those two guys competing, I think we’re lucky.”In full fairness, Keith Carter does bring Gavin Gerhardt into the mix shortly thereafter. Still, though, there’s the reality of his answer: beginning the discussion with Blake Brandel alongside Michael Jurgens. He then pauses to reflect on those two players to comment on how t