Viktor
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- Mar 19, 2019
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2020 Outlook
The Vikings did not return Kline at right guard, instead moving Elflein to the right side and entering Verizon Vikings Training Camp with a vacancy at left.
Throughout most of camp, Dozier and Aviante Collins split reps at left guard with the 1s, each vying for the new starting role in 2020. After being more of a swing guy in 2019, Dozier said it's been nice to focus in on one position throughout the offseason program.
"It's definitely a little bit more freeing, being able to focus on one spot, primarily," he said. "It lets you really dive in to the intricacies of that spot, whereas when you're playing both sides or guard and tackle, you have to really focus on so many things it's harder to hold on to everything, so I'm really enjoying that ability just to get to know left guard. 'Let's go out there and do everything I can to be the left guard.' "
If Dozier does, in fact, earn the starting role, he will help anchor a line once again bookended by tackles Riley Reiff (left) and Brian O'Neill (right) and with Garrett Bradbury in his second year at center.
Kubiak wasn't the Vikings play-caller last year, but his heavy influence on the offense under Kevin Stefanski has helped smooth the transition into a system that will look largely similar this season.
Dozier is well-acquainted with the Vikings scheme and believes it's a good fit for his skill set.
"I've really enjoyed being in this zone scheme, especially this offense. You look across our offensive line, you see a lot of athletic guys who can run and move around," he said. "I definitely think that I fit that scheme very well, so I'm excited to go out there and do it."
Dennison noted that Dozier's confidence has risen since first arriving in Minnesota last spring.
"I think he feels very comfortable," Dennison said. "He's really solidified and done a very good job of working with the guys."
Kubiak also offered praise for Dozier.
"Dakota's at a point in his career, he's a guy who's battled and battled and battled, and he knows he can do it, and he's out there every day really doing a hell of a job," Kubiak said. "Dakota's getting his work in and wanting to help this team win, and he's heading the right direction."