Summary

Will Fries was selected in the 7th Round (#248 Overall) in the 2021 Draft out of Penn State. Fries is a promising and improving NFL guard who has overcome being a late‑round pick to become a trusted contributor and get a major contract. His strengths include his size, improvement trajectory, low error/blown‑block rate, and starting experience. His key challenges are health/availability, further refinement to dominate rather than just perform, and stepping up to elite guard status. If all goes well, he has the potential to anchor an interior offensive line for years; if not, he still offers strong value as a starter.

Strengths

Here are some of Will Fries’ key strengths:

• Progressive improvement and starting experience: After being a late‑round pick, Fries worked his way into a full-time starting role with the Colts, showing upward trajectory.

• Low blown‑block rate / dependable performance: Reports indicate that in the seasons he played most, his “blown block” rate was among the better guards in the league, demonstrating reliability. Daily Norseman

• Size and physical profile: At 6′6″ and 320+ lbs, he has the frame needed for an NFL interior lineman, which helps in both run‑ and pass‑blocking duties. Pro Football Reference

• Versatility and adaptability: Coming from a strong college program and then winning a starting job, Fries has shown the ability to develop, adapt to NFL speed, and take on key responsibilities. Horseshoe Heroes

• Contract value / recognition: His new deal with the Vikings reflects that teams view him as a high‑value interior lineman, which underscores his perceived upside and reliability. Over the Cap

Weaknesses

Even as Fries has many positive traits, there are also areas where further improvement is needed:

• Injury history / availability concerns: In 2024, he suffered a fractured tibia that limited his season early. Availability will be a key for his long‑term value. FOX Sports

• Experience relative to elite guards: Though improved, Fries still has fewer seasons as a full‑time starter compared to the very top guards, meaning refinement in technique and consistency is still in progress.

• Technique under elite pass rushers / power blockers: While his blown‑block rate is strong, the step from good to elite often involves dominating matchups — breaking more blocks, creating edges in the run game — areas where Fries can continue to elevate.

• Run‑drive dominance / finish‑blocks: Some interior linemen separate themselves by not just holding blocks but driving defenders back, opening big lanes in the run game; that's a potential growth area for Fries to become a truly dominant interior force.

Fit & Outlook

Fries appears well‑suited for a team that needs a solid starting guard who can anchor one side of the interior line, particularly in a system that values movement, coordination with the center and tackle, and reliability. With the Vikings, pairing him alongside other experienced linemen and building a strong interior gives him a chance to flourish in a stable environment. If Fries remains healthy, continues refining his technique, and becomes more dominant especially in run‑blocking/clutch situations, his outlook is very positive — he could become one of the better guards in the league. On the flip side, if injuries or inconsistency creep in — or if he fails to elevate from very good to dominant — he may remain a reliable starter but stop short of elite status.