Vikings 53-man Roster Projection

ESPN Staff Writer Ben Goessling is one of the better writers on the Minnesota Vikings beat. Here's his recent projection of the Vikings 53-man roster. As well as my thoughts on his decisions.

Quarterbacks (3): Teddy Bridgewater, Shaun Hill, Taylor Heinicke (cut: Joel Stave).

Flea Flicker thoughts: No objections here.

Running backs (3): Adrian Peterson, Jerick McKinnon, Matt Asiata (cut: C.J. Ham, Jhurell Pressley).

Flea Flicker thoughts: Approved.

Fullback (1): Zach Line (cut: Blake Renaud).

Flea Flicker thoughts: Absolutely.

Wide receivers (6): Laquon Treadwell, Stefon Diggs, Jarius Wright, Adam Thielen, Cordarrelle Patterson, Charles Johnson (cut: Moritz Böhringer, Isaac Fruechte, Marken Michel, Terrell Sinkfield, Troy Stoudermire).

Flea Flicker thoughts: The only question here is whether the Vikings keep 5 or 6 receivers and I agree with Goessling's projection of 6.

Tight ends (3): Kyle Rudolph, MyCole Pruitt, David Morgan (cut: Brian Leonhardt, Kyle Carter; PUP list: Rhett Ellison)

Flea Flicker thoughts: Rhett Ellison is recovering from a late season torn patellar tendon injury. His health for the season is the one thing that could alter this projection. If healthy, will the Vikings keep 4 tight ends? That's quite a luxury.

Offensive line (9): Matt Kalil, Alex Boone, John Sullivan, Brandon Fusco,Andre Smith, Joe Berger, Mike Harris, T.J. Clemmings, Willie Beavers (cut: Phil Loadholt, Nick Easton, Zac Kerin, Jeremiah Sirles, Austin Shepherd, Carter Bykowski).

Flea Flicker thoughts: I think that it's more likely that Phil Loadholt or Nick Easton makes the roster over Mike Harris.

Defensive line (8): Everson Griffen, Sharrif Floyd, Linval Joseph, Brian Robison, Danielle Hunter, Tom Johnson, Shamar Stephen, Justin Trattou.

Flea Flicker thoughts: There will be a few contenders for the fourth defensive end spot. I don't see Justin Trattou taking it. I think that competition will come down to Scott Crichton or Zach Moore. Maybe even rookie Stephen Weatherly. Although I think that he might be best served with a year on the practice squad.

Linebackers (7): Anthony Barr, Eric Kendricks, Emmanuel Lamur, Chad Greenway, Edmond Robinson, Audie Cole, Kentrell Brothers (cut: Brandon Watts, Jake Ganus).

Flea Flicker thoughts: I can see it playing out this way. The one thing that could alter this projection is if the Vikings go with six linebackers. If that's the case, Audie Cole might be looking for work.

Defensive backs (10): Xavier Rhodes, Terence Newman, Captain Munnerlyn,Trae Waynes, Mackensie Alexander, Marcus Sherels, Harrison Smith, Andrew Sendejo, Michael Griffin, Anthony Harris (cut: Melvin White, Tre Roberson, Keith Baxter, Jabari Price, Antone Exum, Jayron Kearse).

Flea Flicker thoughts: The only issues that I have here are at safety. If Michael Griffin wins the starting spot opposite Harrison Smith I can see it playing out this way. I actually think that Anthony Harris will be named the starter. If that does come to be, I don't think that Griffin makes the team. I think that the Vikings will keep a youngster like Antone Exum or rookie Jayron Kearse over the veteran Griffin. At 6'4" and terrific athletic ability for that size, it will be a real gamble to try and sneak Kearse onto the practice squad.

Specialists (3): Blair Walsh, Jeff Locke, Kevin McDermott.

Flea Flicker thoughts: This could change only if the Vikings bring in another punter to challenge Jeff Locke. And, if that challenger wins the job.

Just over a month until training camps open!