Vikings Release Unofficial Week 1 Depth Chart vs. Tampa Bay: Analysis
The Vikings have released an unofficial depth chart ahead of their regular season opener against the Buccaneers at U.S. Bank Stadium on Sunday.
As always, these are worth taking with a grain of salt. They're labeled as "unofficial" for a reason. Still, let's take a look and give some thoughts.
Offense
Quarterbacks
- Starter: Kirk Cousins
- Backups: Nick Mullens; Jaren Hall
Running backs
- Starter: Alexander Mattison
- Backups: Ty Chandler; Myles Gaskin
Fullback
- Starter: C.J. Ham
Wide receivers
- Starters: Justin Jefferson and K.J. Osborn
- Backups: Jordan Addison and Jalen Nailor; Brandon Powell
Tight ends
- Starter: T.J. Hockenson
- Backups: Josh Oliver; Johnny Mundt; Nick Muse
Tackles
- Starters: Christian Darrisaw (LT) and Brian O'Neill (RT)
- Backups: David Quessenberry (LT) and Olisaemeka Udoh (RT)
Interior offensive linemen
- Starters: Ezra Cleveland (LG), Garrett Bradbury (C) and Ed Ingram (RG)
- Backups: Austin Schlottmann (C) and Blake Brandel (RG)
Offensive analysis
The Vikings chose to use 21 personnel (two backs, one tight end) here, but that's obviously not going to be their most common grouping. 11 and 12 personnel will be more common, with Addison and Oliver, respectively, replacing Ham in those lineups. There will also be four-WR sets with either Nailor or Powell on the field and even some three-TE looks with Mundt playing.
I'm curious to see what the playing time breakdown looks like between Osborn and Addison. For as valuable of a player as Osborn is, Addison's performance in training camp suggested it's going to be difficult to leave him off the field in two-WR sets. It could be a situation where Osborn out-snaps the rookie to start the season but it gradually flips over time.
On the O-line, Quessenberry replaces Vederian Lowe as the backup LT and Brandel figures to be the primary backup at both guard spots.
Defense
Defensive ends
- Starters: Jonathan Bullard and Dean Lowry
- Backup: Jaquelin Roy
Nose tackle
- Starter: Harrison Phillips
- Backup: Khyiris Tonga
Outside Linebackers
- Starters: Marcus Davenport and Danielle Hunter
- Backups: Pat Jones II and D.J. Wonnum; Andre Carter II
Linebackers
- Starters: Brian Asamoah II (MLB) and Jordan Hicks (WLB)
- Backups: Troy Dye (MLB) and Ivan Pace, Jr. (WLB)
Cornerbacks
- Starters: Akayleb Evans and Byron Murphy, Jr.
- Backups: Andrew Booth, Jr., and Mekhi Blackmon; NaJee Thompson
Safety
- Starters: Camryn Bynum and Harrison Smith
- Backups: Lewis Cine and Josh Metellus; Theo Jackson and Jay Ward
Defensive analysis
Similarly, this is a base 3-4 look, which will be less common than the nickel package with Blackmon on the field as a third cornerback. There are also going to be a lot of dime packages with Metellus playing as the third safety. Brian Flores is going to be versatile and multiple with his looks.
Up front, expect to see plenty of Tonga in rotation with Phillips, Bullard, and Lowry. Roy probably mixes in a bit as well, with the potential for his role to grow as the season progresses. Jones and Wonnum will also see the field at times, particularly on obvious passing downs.
At inside linebacker, Asamoah being listed as a starter may or may not mean anything. I still wouldn't be remotely surprised if Pace is out there alongside Hicks for the first defensive snap of the season.
Special teams
Kicker
- Starter: Greg Joseph
Punter/holder
- Starter: Ryan Wright
Long snapper
- Starter: Andrew DePaola
Kickoff returners
- Starter: Chandler
- Backup: Powell
Punt returners
- Starter: Powell
No surprises here. Kevin O'Connell said last week that Chandler will get the first crack at returning kickoffs while Kene Nwangwu is sidelined (which could be for a while). If he struggles, Powell could end up doing both.
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