With their first preseason game in the books here's another, too early, stab at the Minnesota Vikings 53-man roster. There's still a month full of practices and four preseason games. A lot can change between now and roster decision time.
Quarterbacks
Teddy Bridgewater
Shaun Hill
Taylor Heinicke
I think that there's a possibility that the Vikings third quarterback is at the top of their practice squad. That would open up a roster spot for another position. Until that happens for sure, I'll stick with three on the 53-man roster.
Running backs
Adrian Peterson
Jerick McKinnon
Matt Asiata
Will the Vikings keep a fullback on the roster? I'd like to see DuJuan Harris make the team but I don't think that he'll move ahead of Asiata.
Receivers
Mike Wallace
Charles Johnson
Jarius Wright
Cordarrelle Patterson
Stefon Diggs
Adam Thielen
Those six players will force the Vikings to keep six receivers rather than the more economical five. This is a very underrated and diverse group. Very fast too.
Tight ends
Kyle Rudolph
Rhett Ellison
MyCole Pruitt
Chase Ford did a terrific job filling in for an injured Rudolph last year. Pruitt, a rookie fifth-round draft pick, is making it real difficult for Ford to keep his roster spot.
Offensive line
Matt Kalil
Brandon Fusco
John Sullivan
Mike Harris
Phil Loadholt
Joe Berger
David Yankey
T.J. Clemmings
Tyrus Thompson
Carter Bykowski might replace Thompson on the 53-man roster.
Defensive line
Everson Griffen
Sharrif Floyd
Linval Joseph
Brian Robison
Scott Crichton
Danielle Hunter
Tom Johnson
Shamar Stephen
B.J. DuBose
Justin Trattou played well in the first preseason game. He could replace DuBose.
Linebacker
Anthony Barr
Eric Kendricks
Chad Greenway
Gerald Hodges
Audie Cole
Edmond Robinson
Brandon Watts
CFL import Brian Peters is making the final spot a tough decision. The Vikings remake of the linebacker position has been quick and remarkable. There's some talent here.
Defensive backs
Xavier Rhodes
Terence Newman
Trae Waynes
Captain Munerlyn
Jabari Price
Harrison Smith
Robert Blanton
Antone Exum Jr.
Anthony Harris
Andrew Sendejo
Price is suspended for the first two games so there will be some roster juggling to start the season. Josh Robinson is on the PUP list with a pectoral injury. He may remain on that list into the season. The position versatility of Shaun Prater could earn him a roster spot over one of the safeties.
Specialists
Blair Walsh-K
Jeff Locke-P
Cullen Loeffler-LS
Walsh and Locke are set in their spots. Loeffler is in a position battle with Kevin McDermott. A battle in which he is probably holding a slight lead.
The final position battles will be found on the offensive line and each level of the defense. There are usually surprises.
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