Offense (24)
Quarterback (3)
Sam Darnold
J.J. McCarthy
Jaren Hall
I go back and forth on this one. The safe route would be to keep Nick Mullens as the backup to Sam Darnold. The Vikings could probably safely stash Jaren Hall on the practice squad. After injuries forced an insane QB merry-go-round last season perhaps the safe route is the best route. If the Vikings could get a late-round 2025 draft pick for Mullens, I’m currently going the above three quarterbacks.
Running Back (3)
Aaron Jones
Ty Chandler
Kene Nwangwu
Three is a little light but I’d rather use the roster spot elsewhere.
Fullback (1)
C.J. Ham
Receiver (5)
Justin Jefferson
Jordan Addison
Brandon Powell
Jalen Nailor
Trent Sherfield Sr.
It’s a top heavy group. Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison are one of the best receiving duos in the league. The competition for WR3 will be one of the most intriguing in camp. Brandon Powell is probably penciled in for the role but I like Jalen Nailor to take it. He just has to avoid injuries. Trent Sherfield Sr. will have significant special teams roles. I’m curious to see what he can provide on offense. The Vikings are his fifth team in five years. When given offensive opportunities, he’s produced. After Jefferson and Addison, nothing is nailed down, There are roster opportunities for a variety of young receivers.
Tight End (3)
Josh OIiver
Johnny Mundt
Robert Tonyan
Until T.J. Hockenson returns from the knee injury, I’m going with three tight ends.
Offensive Line (9)
Christian Darrisaw
Blake Brandel
Garrett Bradbury
Ed Ingram
Brian O’Neill
David Quessenberry
Dalton Risner
Walter Rouse
Michael Jurgens
Nine might be light. With his ability to play center and guard, Dan Feeney is a tough cut. With the above players, seventh-round rookie Michael Jurgens would be the backup center. So, it’d be best if Garrett Bradbury can play 17+ games.
Defense (26)
Defensive Line (5)
Harrison Phillips
Jerry Tillery
Jonathan Bullard
Jaquelin Roy
Levi Drake Rodriguez
Defensive line is probably the defense’s most suspect position group. Harrison Phillips is easily the most established and accomplished player. As a one-time first-round pick, Jerry Tillery is a wildcard. I like Jaquelin Roy as a breakout candidate. Seventh-round rookie Levi Drake Rodriguez is on the most intriguing players on the team. He’ll be fun to watch. It’s more likely that the Vikings keep six defensive linemen, with James Lynch and Jonah Williams as top candidates, but I’m going with five for this too early exercise.
Outside Linebacker (6)
Jonathan Greenard
Andrew Van Ginkel
Dallas Turner
Patrick Jones II
Andre Carter II
Gabriel Murphy
With apologies to the safeties, I think that the outside linebackers will emerge as the strength of the Vikings defense. Six is a little heavy but I’m going with the thinking that Jonathan Greenard and Patrick Jones II, maybe others, might factor in with the defensive front in certain situations.
Inside Linebacker (4)
Ivan Pace Jr.
Blake Cashman
Brian Asamoah
Kamu Grugier-Hill
This is a tough one. Ivan Pace Jr. and Blake Cashman are easy. They’ll be the heartbeat of the defense. I want to keep three linebackers to open up an extra roster spot for the secondary. When I do that, three doesn’t feel enough. Kamu Grugier-Hill is currently the top backup. His starting experience is comforting. Brian Asamoah has special teams roles. I want to see him make an impact on defense. So far, he hasn’t. Injuries have been a hurdle. If he can stay healthy through training camp perhaps he’ll finally get those defensive opportunities.
Cornerback (5)
Byron Murphy Jr.
Shaquill Griffin
Akayleb Evans
Andrew Booth Jr.
Dwight McGlothern
I still can’t believe Khyree Jackson isn’t part of this group. RIP31. On the first day of training camp, Mekhi Blackmon was lost for the season with a torn ACL. A questionable position group now has more questions. It’s probably a good thing that Duke Shelley was brought back. Right now, I have undrafted rookie as a dark horse candidate to make the team. I could see six corners on the roster. Perhaps at the expense of my heavy outside linebackers.
Safety (6)
Harrison Smith
Camryn Bynum
Josh Metellus
Theo Jackson
Jay Ward
Najee Thompson
This group is loaded. Najee Thompson makes the team for his outstanding special teams play. Missing here is Lewis Cine. The 2022 first-round pick is competing for his roster life.
Special Teams (3)
Kicker (1)
Will Reichard
Punter (1)
Seth Vernon
Long Snapper (1)
Andrew DePaola
I’m so glad these roster decisions aren’t mine to make.
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