Minnesota Vikings “Unofficial” Depth Chart
Offense (44 players)
Quarterbacks
Starter:
Kirk Cousins
Backups:
Nick Mullens, Jaren Hall
Running Backs
Starter:
Alexander Mattison
Backups:
Kene Nwangwu, Ty Chandler, DeWayne McBride, Abram Smith
Fullbacks
Starter:
C.J. Ham
Wide Receivers
Starters:
Justin Jefferson and K.J. Osborn
Backups:
Jalen Nailor and Jordan Addison
Jalen Reagor and Brandon Powell
Blake Proehl and Trishton Jackson
Lucky Jackson and Thayer Thomas
N’Keal Harry, Garrett Maag, and Jacob Copeland
Tight Ends
Starter:
T.J. Hockenson
Backups:
Josh Oliver, Johnny Mundt, Nick Muse, Ben Sims, Colin Thompson
Tackles
Starters:
Christian Darrisaw (LT) and Brian O’Neill (RT)
Backups:
Vederian Lowe (LT) and Oli Udoh (RT)
Jarrid Williams (LT) and Christian DiLauro (RT)
Jacky Chen (LT)
Interior Offensive Linemen
Starters:
Ezra Cleveland (LG), Garrett Bradbury (C), and Ed Ingram (RG)
Backups:
Josh Sokol (LG), Austin Schlottman (C), and Blake Brandel (RG)
Jack Snyder (LG), Alan Ali (C), and Chris Reed (NFI)
Defense (43 players)
Outside Linebackers
Starters:
Danielle Hunter and Marcus Davenport
Backups:
Patrick Jones II and D.J. Wonnum
Luiji Vilain and Benton Whitley
Andre Carter II and Curtis Weaver
Defensive Ends
Starters
Dean Lowry and Harrison Phillips
Backups:
Jonathan Bullard and Ross Blacklock
Jaquelin Roy and Esezi Otomewo
Sheldon Day and Junior Aho
Nose Tackles
Starters:
Khyiris Tonga
Backups:
T.J. Smith, Calvin Avery
Inside Linebackers
Starters:
Brian Asamoah II (MLB) and Jordan Hicks (WLB)
Backups:
Troy Dye (MLB) and Troy Reeder (WLB)
William Kwenkeu (MLB) and Ivan Pace Jr. (WLB)
Abraham Beauplan (MLB) and Wilson Huber (WLB)
Cornerbacks
Starters:
Byron Murphy Jr. and Akayleb Evans
Backups:
Andrew Booth Jr. and Joejuan Williams
Mekhi Blackmon and Kalon Barnes
Jaylin Williams and Tay Gowan
NaJee Thompson and C.J. Coldon Jr.
Safeties
Starters:
Harrison Smith and Camryn Bynum
Backups:
Lewis Cine and Josh Metellus
Jay Ward and Theo Jackson
Special Teams (4 players)
Kicker
Starter:
Greg Joseph
Backup:
Jack Podlesny
Punter/Holder
Starter:
Ryan Wright
Long Snapper
Starter
Andrew DePaola
Kickoff Returner
Starter:
Kene Nwangwu
Backups: Ty Chandler, Brandon Powell
Punt Returner
Starter:
Jalen Reagor
Backups:
Brandon Powell, Thayer Thomas
***
Teams have been doing it for years but it seems silly to have a team-released depth chart referred to as “unofficial.” I makes me think that some slappy intern throws the thing together. It rarely reflects what we are seeing on the practice field.
Here are some thoughts on the first “unofficial” depth chart of the Minnesota Vikings.
I was a little surprised to see Blake Brandel as the backup right guard. Last year, he was a solid backup to Christian Darrisaw at left tackle. Unfortunately, it happened a few times last year. I assumed that tackle was Brandel’s primary position. I’d heard some pundits mention that he was getting snaps at guard. I just figured that was the usual training camp experimentation. It appears there’s more to it. Brandel at guard also gets more snaps for second-year tackle Vederian Lowe.
I’m sure that it simplifies things for this “unofficial” depth chart but I don’t really like the players listed as pairs for some of the positions.
Rookie outside linebacker Andre Carter II was just cleared for practices. I hope that he starts a rapid climb up the depth chart.
Rookie inside linebacker Ivan Pace Jr has been one of the stars of training camp. His play has recently earned him some first team snaps. I’m surprised to see him with the third team. The same is true for rookie corner Mekhi Blackmon. From practice reports, Pace and Blackmon are both running with the 2s and 1s.
The “unofficial” depth chart is out. Now, it’s time for a game.
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