A Vikings camp-opening 53-man roster projection
Welcome to Minnesota Vikings training camp, folks. This week the team will hit the practice fields at TCO Performance Center and begin a number of fascinating battles for positions and roster spots. So let’s take our best swing at how the 53-man roster will look when the dust settles before Week 1…
Quarterback (3)
Kirk Cousins, Nick Mullens, Jaren Hall
Toughest decision: Will Hall make them keep three QBs?
Since 2016 the Vikings have only kept three quarterbacks on the active roster one time on cutdown day. Drafting Jaren Hall in the fifth round could change that trend if the rookie shows some promise during training camp and preseason games. If the BYU product doesn’t make much noise, they may try to sneak him onto the practice squad and use the roster spot elsewhere.
Running back (4)
Alexander Mattison, Kene Nwangwu, Ty Chandler, CJ Ham
Toughest decision: Will anyone else be added to the mix?
The Vikings gave Mattison a solid contract to return as RB1 and have spent draft picks on all the other running backs jockeying for position in the backfield. The biggest question is whether Nwangwu and Chandler will prove to the coaching staff and front office that they don’t need anything else to support Mattison. If they are underwhelmed, we might see them dip into free agency. At the moment we’re projecting DeWayne McBride to land on the practice squad but he has a chance to change that with quality play right off the bat.
Wide receiver (5)
Justin Jefferson, KJ Osborn, Jordan Addison, Jalen Nailor, Brandon Powell
Toughest decision: Keep six? Who wins the No. 5 spot?
There is a deep group of receivers battling for the back end of the depth chart. Powell and Jalen Reagor should be fighting for the punt returner role and whether the Vikings see a sixth receiver as needed might be up to those players. Trishton Jackson, who has impressed in practices in the past, and the other hopefuls like Thayer Thomas, Lucky Jackson, Garett Maag etc. will need to go above and beyond to prove worthy of the 53.
Tight end (3)
TJ Hockenson, Josh Oliver, Nick Muse
Toughest decision: Do the Vikings prefer youth to the veteran Johnny Mundt?
Adding another blocking tight end when there was already one on the roster may not have been the best sign for the veteran Mundt. The team drafted Nick Muse and saw some flashes of development, which may lead to him sticking on the 53. If his development isn’t there yet, they could always stick with the vet.
Offensive line (9)
Christian Darrisaw, Ezra Cleveland, Garrett Bradbury, Ed Ingram Brian O’Neill
Austin Schlottman, Chris Reed, Oli Udoh, Vederian Lowe
Toughest decision: Will Blake Brandel’s experience matter more than Lowe’s potential?
It was clear the Vikings liked what they saw from Brandel in a fill-in role at times last year but will that be enough for him to keep a stronghold on a roster spot over the player they drafted last season?
Defensive line and outside linebacker (11)
Danielle Hunter, Dean Lowry, Harrison Phillips, Marcus Davenport
DJ Wonnum, Patrick Jones, Khyiris Tonga, James Lynch,, Esezi Otomewo, Jaquelin Roy, Luiji Vilain
Toughest decision: Can Blacklock and Bullard beat out Lynch and the younger players?
The Vikings acquired Blacklock in a trade last year and brought back Bullard this offseason, which would seem to indicate they want both to stick but Lynch was a reliable run stuffer last year and the youths Otomewo and Roy would seem to have the most upside. The fight for depth outside linebacker positions is particularly intriguing with Vilain making the 53 last year and players like Andre Carter II, Curtis Weaver and Benton Whitley hoping to make some noise.
Linebacker (5)
Jordan Hicks, Brian Asamoah, Troy Reeder, Troy Dye, William Kwenkeu
Toughest decision: Can one of the UDFA linebackers make a push?
There’s some excitement over undrafted free agent Ivan Pace Jr. because of his high PFF grades across the board but the Vikings also brought in some others who have a shot at pushing for roster spots, including his teammate Wilson Huber, who is an impressive physical specimen at 6-foot-4, 240 pounds. Could they force the Vikings to keep six LBs? Or could any of them outplay the 2022 camp star Kwenkeu?
Cornerback (6)
Byron Murphy Jr., Akayleb Evans, Mekhi Blackmon, Andrew Booth Jr., Jay Ward Joejuan Williams
Toughest decision: Will the veteran Williams hold off the field?
Joejuan Williams has had a tough run in the NFL, only playing a handful of snaps during his time in New England after being picked in the second round. Will he thrive under Brian Flores or could we see a less experienced player like Tay Gowan, Kalon Barnes, NaJee Thompson or Jaylin Williams emerge. Or will they only keep five?
Safety (4)
Harrison Smith, Cam Bynum, Josh Metellus, Lewis Cine
Toughest decision: N/A
There isn’t much to be decided here as far as the roster spot goes. The depth chart, on the other hand…
Specialists (3)
Greg Joseph, Ryan Wright, Andrew DePaola
Toughest decision: Will there be legitimate competition for Joseph?
The Vikings will enter with two kickers, Joseph and Jack Podlesny. Things could heat up if Podlesny makes things interesting throughout the summer but Joseph is by far the favorite for the job.
