Summary

Brian O’Neill was selected in the 2nd Round (#62 Overall) in the 2018 Draft out of University of Pittsburgh. A multiple-time Pro Bowler, O’Neill is a high‑level right tackle whose strengths lie in his excellent pass‑protection performance, athleticism, mental approach, and reliability when healthy. His main limitations — injury risk, occasional run‑block dominance questions, and dependency on line cohesion — are manageable but real. If he can stay healthy and the Vikings’ line remains stable, he remains a foundational piece and among the better tackles in the game.

Strengths

Here are some of his standout attributes:

• Pass‑Protection Excellence: O’Neill is recognized as one of the more reliable right tackles in the league when healthy. In a detailed article, he was noted to have allowed “just three QB hits” over a stretch of games and was praised for his technique, preparation and consistency. Purple Insider

• Athleticism & Quickness for His Size: At 6′7″ and ~310 lbs, he moves better than many at his position. Reports mention his superb footwork, balance, and ability to handle both speed and power rushers. Purple Insider

• Mental Approach & Technique: His coaches and teammates compliment his preparation, study habits, and how he adapts to different types of pass rush. “He never panics,” one coach said. Purple Insider

• Run‑Blocking Improvement & Versatility: While pass protection is his bread‑and‑butter, he has also worked to improve his run‑blocking, and his physical frame gives him a foundation for both phases of the offense. Several evaluations note his movement ability when asked to pull or reach block.

• Dependability & Value: Given his contract (long‑term extension signed in 2021) and starting role, he is viewed as a cornerstone piece on the Vikings’ offensive line when healthy.

Weaknesses

Even top‑level tackles have areas where they can grow or mitigate risk:

• Injury Concerns: O’Neill has had significant health setbacks. Most notably, he underwent surgery for a partially torn Achilles tendon after being placed on IR in January 2023. In the 2025 season, he suffered an MCL sprain in his knee that sidelined him. Daily Norseman Durability is a risk for him and for the team.

• Occasional Technique breakdowns in run‑game or heavy power matchups: While his overall technique is strong, some pre‑draft notes (from 2018) flagged things like “lack of play strength,” “oversetting,” or “too much waist‑bend.” Minnesota Vikings These issues can surface against very powerful run defenders or when required to dominate in downhill run blocking.

• Dependence on health/line cohesion: Like many offensive linemen, his performance is tied to the units around him (guards, center) and the coordination of the line. When the Vikings’ interior struggled or there was inconsistency in the line, the edge (including O’Neill’s side) was exposed. Zone Coverage

• Weight / functional strength relative to some elite defensive ends: Though athletic, earlier evaluations noted his linear build and questioned whether he had the same raw power as some of the larger edge defenders he would face. (Again referencing pre‑draft reports) Minnesota Vikings

Fit & Outlook

O’Neill is ideally suited for a team that values elite pass protection on the right side of the line, especially in an offense that will make heavy use of the quarterback’s time and needs stability at the tackle spot. The Vikings’ investment in their line (including O’Neill) underscores this. If he remains healthy and the surrounding offensive line (interior and left tackle) holds up, O’Neill has the potential to continue being a top‑tier right tackle in the NFL for several years. His ceiling is high for being among the best at his position.