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Vikings roster countdown: No. 65 Austin Schlottmann — interior depth

Originally posted on FanNation Inside The Vikings
By Will Ragatz | Last updated 7/26/23

Ahead of the Vikings' 2023 preseason, we'll be taking a look at every player on the 90-man roster, counting down from 99 to 0 (excluding the UDFAs, who we've already profiled). For every player, we'll look at the best and worst-case scenarios and their realistic outlook for the upcoming season.

No. 65: Austin Schlottmann, G/C

Age: 28 | Size: 6'6", 300

Austin Schlottmann is a reasonably solid player to have on the roster as a backup interior offensive lineman. The Vikings signed him to a one-year deal in 2022 and saw enough to re-sign him on another one-year, veteran's minimum contract this spring. Assuming he makes the roster, he'll provide depth at both center and guard while seeing some a few snaps on the field goal unit.

After going undrafted out of TCU in 2018, Schlottmann signed with the Broncos and spent his rookie season on their practice squad. He then made the active roster in his second season and played roughly 260 snaps in both 2019 and '20, seeing action at both guard spots. Last year, Schlottmann followed Denver offensive line coach Chris Kuper to Minnesota and found himself starting at center in Week 14 because Garrett Bradbury was hurt. He started four consecutive games there, but only played five snaps against the Packers before injuring his ankle.

In five NFL seasons, Schlottmann has appeared in 58 games with 11 starts. His PFF metrics have been consistently below average, suggesting he's unlikely to ever be more than a backup in the league.

Best-case scenario: Schlottmann makes the roster and is available as depth at all three interior spots. The Vikings hope he never has to see the field.

Worst-case scenario: He gets beat out by younger players in training camp and ends up being cut.

Outlook for 2023: Schlottmann seems likely to make the roster because of his experience and versatility, but it would be bad news for the Vikings if he ever has to start for an extended period of time.

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