The Vikings second trade on Friday night yielded the selection of offensive lineman Pat Elflein out of Ohio State.
A native of the Columbus suburb of Pickerington, Ohio, Elflein (pronounced Elf-line) opted to stay close to home for college.
Here are five things to know about Elflein:
1. Mr. Rimington
Elflein handled a position switch, moving from guard to center as a fifth-year senior, with aplomb, starting all 13 games for the Buckeyes, garnering the Rimington Trophy as the nation's top center and helping Ohio State make the College Football Playoff semifinals. Elflein also was one of three finalists for the Outland Trophy and won the Pace Big Ten Offensive Linemen of the Year. He was First-Team All-Big Ten in each of his final three seasons.
2. Leadership aplenty
Elflein was one of only two starters returning in 2015 and served as a captain. He graduated with a communications degree and finished his career as a graduate student. Elflein also was a two-time captain for his high school football team (Pickerington North).
View images of Vikings new OL Pat Elflein from his days at Ohio St.
3. High school star
As a senior, Elflein was named First-Team All-State in Ohio Division I. He earned 12 total letters in football, wrestling and track. He was named Wrestler of the Year as a senior in the Ohio Capital Conference, qualifying for the state and national tournament. Elflein was ranked as the No. 22 guard prospect in the nation by ESPN U and No. 31 by Scout.
During summers, Elflein worked on concrete crews.
4. In command
Asked what he most likes about playing center during an interview at the NFL Combine, Elflein said, "Being in control. Being the guy. I think center is like a marquee position. So it's kind of that swagger that goes along with the position that's pretty cool."
5. No stranger to big games
When he did play guard for the Buckeyes, Elflein started 13 games for a squad that finished 12-1 and won the Fiesta Bowl to cap the 2015 season. He also started all 15 games (three at left guard, 12 at right guard) for the Ohio State team that won the first College Football Playoff to end 2014.
As a freshman, Elflein appeared in all 14 games, playing in the final three quarters against Michigan and earning his first start in the 2013 Big Ten Championship.
