With a single preseason game in mind, here’s another look at a Minnesota Vikings 53-Man roster projection.
Another Minnesota Vikings 53-man Roster Projection
Offense (24)
Quarterback (3)
8 Kirk Cousins
12 Nick Mullens
16 Jaren Hall
In his first NFL experience on Thursday, Jaren Hall struggled. His offensive line did him no favors but he didn’t look ready for the league. Perhaps he’s destined for the practice squad. For now, I have the Vikings keeping three quarterbacks.
Running Back (3)
2 Alexander Mattison
32 Ty Chandler
26 Kene Nwangwu
Ty Chandler solidified his status on Thursday as RB2. With Kene Nwangwu working his way back from an injury, it’s become Chandler’s job to lose. Before training camp and preseason games, I didn’t think that seventh-round rookie DeWayne McBride would make it to the practice squad. The running traits he showed in college were too intriguing to stash on the practice squad for a year. Now, I’m not so sure. It’s one preseason game but I think the practice squad might be his best option for his first season in the league.
Fullback (1)
30 C.J. Ham
Wide Receiver (5)
18 Justin Jefferson
17 K.J. Osborn
3 Jordan Addison
83 Jalen Nailor
19 Brandon Powell
I still believe that the top four receivers are pretty much a lock but Jalen Nailor must return from the injury he suffered early in training camp. After that it’s an interesting battle. I think Brandon Powell might have an edge over Jalen Reagor. If he can return soon from an injury, Trishton Jackson is in the mix. So is recently signed N’Keal Harry. The Vikings don’t have a receiver with Harry’s size. That might work in his favor.
Tight End (3)
87 T. J Hockenson
84 Josh Oliver
86 Johnny Mundt
Nick Muse might force the Vikings to keep four tight ends or challenge Johnny Mundt for the third spot.
Offensive Linemen (9)
71 Christian Darrisaw
72 Ezra Cleveland
56 Garrett Bradbury
67 Ed Ingram
75 Brian O’Neill
64 Blake Brandel
65 Austin Schlottman
62 Chris Reed
79 Vederian Lowe
Defense (26)
Defensive Line (6)
94 Dean Lowry
95 Khyiris Tonga
97 Harrison Phillips
93 Jonathan Bullard
90 Esezi Otomewo
78 Jaquelin Roy
The season-ending knee injury to James Lynch jumbled this group a bit. Projected starters Dean Lowry, Khyiris Tonga, and Harrison Phillips are safe. I believe second-year Esezi Otomewo and rookie Jaquelin Roy are safe. Otomewo has played some on the edge in practices and in Thursday’s preseason game. That leaves a battle between Jonathan Bullard and Ross Blacklock for the sixth spot.
Outside Linebacker (5)
99 Danielle Hunter
0 Marcus Davenport
91 Patrick Jones
98 D.J.Wonnum
55 Andre Carter II
This group’s giving me problems. Danielle Hunter, Marcus Davenport, Patrick Jones II are set as the top three edge rushers. Luiji Vilain has only improved every day since he was signed as an undrafted free agent last year. He was constantly in the Seahawks backfield on Thursday. I think that he’s played his way onto the roster. Andre Carter’s potential and freakish talent are too great to cut. It might take a bit to become the player he has the talent to be but it’s worth the wait. He had some nice moments on Thursday. Maybe the Vikings keep six outside linebackers but D.J. Wonnum could be traded or a surprise cut.
Inside Linebacker (4)
33 Brian Asamoah
58 Jordan Hicks
40 Ivan Pace Jr.
45 Troy Dye
Brian Asamoah and Jordan Hicks are set. Ivan Pace Jr has been a star of training camp. He added to that in the first preseason game. If I was defensive coordinator Brian Flores and inside linebacker coach Mike Siravo, I’d be so tempted to run with Asamoah and Pace as the starters this season. The top three are set. After that, it’s a battle between the Troys, Dye and Reeder. William Kwenkeu might be in the mix but his penalties on Thursday didn’t help his case.
Cornerback (6)
7 Byron Murphy Jr.
21 Akayleb Evans
11 Mekhi Blackmon
29 Joejuan Williams
23 Andrew Booth Jr.
36 Najee Thompson
My biggest concern with the cornerbacks has been the play of last years second-round pick, Andrew Booth Jr. Injuries have been his biggest problem. Many fans have already deposited him in the bust bin. I’ve been slow to agree with those fans. His blown coverage on Thursday handed the Seahawks a touchdown. He’s too talented to let a receiver like Jake Bobo turn him around like that. For now, I still have Booth on the roster. He’s too talented but patience has to be getting thin with him. Tay Gowan and Jaylin Williams are on his heels. Najee Thompson was signed as an undrafted free agent this year for his special teams skills. He showed those skills on Thursday. I’m sure that special teams coordinator Matt Daniels is pounding the table, floor, and ceiling for Thompson. His two plays in punt coverage were two of the game’s highlights.
Safety (5)
22 Harrison Smith
24 Camryn Bynum
6 Lewis Cine
44 Josh Metellus
20 Jay Ward
This group is pretty straightforward. It’s also very deep in talent. The top four will see snaps on defense. Jay Ward’s position versatility could put him on the field for some packages. I remember years in which sixth safety Theo Jackson would’ve been one of the Vikings starting safeties. With this group, he feels destined for the practice squad.
Special Teams (3)
Kicker (1)
1 Greg Joseph
Punter (1)
14 Ryan Wright
Long Snapper (1)
42 Andrew DePaola
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