Another Minnesota Vikings 53-man Roster Projection
Offense (23)
Quarterback (2)
8 Kirk Cousins
12 Nick Mullens
Here’s hoping that fifth-round rookie Jaren Hall can make it to the practice squad.
Running Back (3)
2 Alexander Mattison
32 Ty Chandler
26 Kene Nwangwu
Alexander Mattison and Ty Chandler are set. Kene Nwangwu is a concern. He’s been out for about two weeks with an undisclosed injury. If Nwangwu doesn’t get back soon, seventh-round rookie DeWayne McBride or recent addition Aaron Dykes might take his roster spot.
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. Jalen Nailor returned yesterday from the injury he suffered early in training camp. He must stay on the field. After the top four, 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. The close competition could force the Vikings to keep six receivers. For this exercise, I have receiver numbers light in order to keep some players on defense.
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
74 Oli Udoh
79 Vederian Lowe
The offensive line feels fairly straightforward. Chris Reed has been on the Non-football injury list since the start of training camp. If he returns perhaps he’s in the interior offensive line mix.
Defense (27)
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. Fifth-round rookie Jaquelin Roy played well early in camp, missed some time with an injury, and has returned. He’s probably safe. I believe second-year Esezi Otomewo is safe as well. He’s played some on the edge in practices and in preseason games. His position versatility is a plus. That leaves a battle between Jonathan Bullard and Ross Blacklock for the sixth spot. This projection doesn’t provide a big-body backup to Tonga.
Outside Linebacker (6)
99 Danielle Hunter
0 Marcus Davenport
91 Patrick Jones
98 D.J.Wonnum
43 Luiji Vilain
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’s provided consistent pressure in preseason games. 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 against the Seahawks. I didn’t see similar moments against the Titans. Maybe the Vikings keep six outside linebackers but D.J. Wonnum could be traded or a surprise cut. He has a role on this team but I think I prefer youngsters Vilain and Carter.
Inside Linebacker (4)
33 Brian Asamoah
58 Jordan Hicks
40 Ivan Pace Jr.
45 Troy Dye
Brian Asamoah, Jordan Hicks, Ivan Pace Jr. are set. Pace has played his way past just being a backup. He’s earned regular snaps. 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. After that, it’s a battle between the Troys, Dye and Reeder.
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 against the Seahawks allowed 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 in both preseason games. I’m sure that special teams coordinator Matt Daniels is pounding the table, floor, and ceiling for Thompson. I believe that he’s earned a roster spot. He appears headed to special teams stardom.
Safety (5)
22 Harrison Smith
24 Camryn Bynum
6 Lewis Cine
44 Josh Metellus
20 Jay Ward
Like the outside linebackers, the safeties are giving me a lot of problems. I have Theo Jackson as a very difficult cut. He’s probably outplayed, in practice and preseason games, Lewis Cine and Jay Ward. Cine and Ward are first- and fourth-round picks of the current regime. Jackson has worked and played his way on to this roster. It’s painful, even in exercise, to not have him on it.
Special Teams (3)
Kicker (1)
1 Greg Joseph
Punter (1)
14 Ryan Wright
Long Snapper (1)
42 Andrew DePaola
I’m so glad that the real decisions aren’t mine.
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