Minnesota Vikings Roster Locks

The Minnesota Vikings wrap up their three-game preseason schedule tomorrow against the Arizona Cardinals. It’s the last big opportunity for the players that are on the roster bubble. On Tuesday, the Vikings will reduce the 91-man roster to the final 53. Here’s a guess at the players that have little-to-no worries heading into cutdown day. The roster locks:

Quarterback (2)

Kirk Cousins

Nick Mullens

Running Back (2)

Alexander Mattison 

Ty Chandler

Fullback (1)

C.J. Ham

Wide Receiver (4)

Justin Jefferson

K.J. Osborn

Jordan Addison

Jalen Nailor

Tight End (3)

T. J Hockenson

Josh Oliver

Johnny Mundt

Offensive Linemen (9)

Christian Darrisaw

Ezra Cleveland

Garrett Bradbury 

Ed Ingram

Brian O’Neill

Blake Brandel

Austin Schlottman

Oli Udoh

Vederian Lowe

Defensive Line (4)

Dean Lowry

Harrison Phillips

Khyiris Tonga

Jaquelin Roy

Outside Linebacker (3)

Danielle Hunter

Marcus Davenport

Patrick Jones II

Inside Linebacker (3)

Brian Asamoah

Jordan Hicks

Ivan Pace Jr. 

Cornerback (6)

Byron Murphy Jr.

Akayleb Evans

Mekhi Blackmon

Joejuan Williams

Andrew Booth Jr.

NaJee Thompson

Safety (5)

Harrison Smith

Camryn Bynum

Josh Metellus

Lewis Cine

Kicker (1)

Greg Joseph

Punter (1)

Ryan Wright

Long Snapper (1)

42 Andrew DePaola

That’s 45 roster locks. At least, it’s one person’s opinion on the roster locks. If accurate, that leaves 8 roster spots that are up for grabs. One could argue that it’s a stretch to consider cornerback/special teams Najee Thompson a roster lock. His performance as a gunner in the first two preseason games is all I need to see. He’s on the roster. 

Eight open spots? Rookie quarterback Jaren Hall, linebacker Troy Dye, and outside linebacker Luiji Vilain are probably safe. That leaves five open spots. Outside linebacker D.J. Wonnum is a wildcard for me. He’s probably safe but I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s traded or possibly even cut. I believe that the Vikings want to get undrafted free agent Andre Carter II on the roster. His play hasn’t warranted a roster spot but his talent and potential is so great. 

Needs for the remaining five:

1 Running back (Kene Nwangwu)

1/2 Receivers (Brandon Powell, Jalen Reagor, Trishton Jackson, Thayer Thomas)

1/2 Defensive lineman (Esezi Otomewo, Jonathan Bullard, Ross Blacklock)

1 Outside linebacker (D.J. Wonnum, Andre Carter II)

Safety Theo Jackson

If Kene Nwangwu is healthy, he’s on the roster as the third running back and kick returner. At receiver, Brandon Powell has probably played his way onto the roster. On the defensive line, I like Esezi Otomewo but Jonathan Bullard has probably been the more consistent/reliable player. Five defensive linemen is light. Marcus Davenport should probably provide some interior versatility. Perhaps the Vikings can afford to go a little light. As for outside linebacker, I’m probably leaning Andre Carter II due to his freakish potential but D.J. Wonnum is the safer choice for the present. 

If all of this is accurate, the most interesting roster decision might be a sixth receiver vs a sixth safety. That decision might be Jalen Reagor vs Theo Jackson. 

Some of these tough roster decisions might force the Vikings into hoping that they can get Jaren Hall on the practice squad. 

Again, I’m glad these decisions aren’t mine.