The Minnesota Vikings used their 2018 NFL draft pick to select Pittsburgh offensive tackle Brian O’Neill, but uncertainty looms over whether he will be the best fit for the upcoming season. Should O’Neill not meet expectations, Rashod Hill may find himself starting at right tackle, a position he finished the previous season in.
According to Minneapolis Star-Tribune’s Andrew Krammer, Hill has shed 12 pounds since his last season and is now in better physical condition after experiencing fatigue-related hospitalization towards the end of the previous year.
Hill mentioned, “I lost weight from last year to improve my agility. I felt fatigued in the fourth quarter of some games last season, like in the Philly and Saints games. It highlighted the importance of staying in shape for me.”
Having shown promise in his rookie season in 2016 after being signed from the Jacksonville Jaguars’ practice squad, expectations were high for Hill in 2017. Initially brought in to provide depth behind Mike Remmers and recently-signed Reiley Reiff, Hill stepped up to start multiple games at right tackle when Remmers was sidelined due to injuries. He also filled in for the team’s last three games at right tackle following Nick Easton’s broken ankle, which led to Remmers moving to left guard.
Hill has made changes to his diet, such as avoiding eating after 7:30 pm and cutting out external food like steaks and cheese, which were contributing factors to his fatigue. His commitment to these adjustments suggests he is determined to be in prime condition for the upcoming Training Camp.
