Offense (25)
Quarterback (3)
Sam Darnold
J.J. McCarthy
Jaren Hall
Until he played really well in the last two preseasons games, I thought that the Vikings might be able to sneak Jaren Hall on the practice squad. If they could keep their QB3 on the practice squad, it’d open a roster spot for another position. Now, I’m not so sure the Vikings can make Hall available to the other 31 teams.
Running Back (3)
Aaron Jones
Ty Chandler
Kene Nwangwu
This is pretty straight forward.
Fullback (1)
C.J. Ham
Receiver (6)
Justin Jefferson
Jordan Addison
Jalen Nailor
Brandon Powell
Trishton Jackson
Trent Sherfield Sr.
Because of needs elsewhere, I wanted to get the receiver number to five. I couldn’t.
Tight End (3)
Josh OIiver
Johnny Mundt
Nick Muse
Until T.J. Hockenson returns from the knee injury, I’m going with three tight ends. Nick Muse edges out Robert Tonyan. It’s a tough decision as I really like Tonyan on the roster until Hockenson returns.
Offensive Line (9)
Christian Darrisaw
Blake Brandel
Garrett Bradbury
Ed Ingram
Brian O’Neill
David Quessenberry
Walter Rouse
Michael Jurgens
Tyrese Robinson
The five starters, David Quessenberry, and Walter Rouse are easy. With his ability to play center and guard, Dan Feeney is a tough cut. Seventh-round rookie Michael Jurgens has had some rocky preseason moments. Right now, I’d rather go with the potential of youth. Jurgens also plays center and guard. Tyrese Robinson has been one of the surprises of the summer. He gets a roster spot over an injured Dalton Risner.
Defense (25)
Defensive Line (5)
Harrison Phillips
Jerry Tillery
Jonathan Bullard
Jonah Williams
Levi Drake Rodriguez
Defensive line is probably the defense’s most suspect position group. Harrison Phillips, Jonathan Bullard, and Jerry Tillery are the base starters. After that, it’s wide open. Jonah Williams looks like a lock. I believe that seventh-round rookie Levi Drake Rodriguez has played and worked his way onto the roster.
Outside Linebacker (5)
Jonathan Greenard
Andrew Van Ginkel
Dallas Turner
Patrick Jones II
Jihad Ward
With apologies to the safeties, I think that the outside linebackers will emerge as the strength of the Vikings defense. The first three are poised to be stars. Patrick Jones II and Jihad Ward proved experience and versatility. Until an injury, undrafted rookie Gabriel Murphy played well enough to earn a spot on the roster. I think he starts the season on injured reserve.
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. If he makes the 53 and stays healthy, maybe he finally gets the opportunity.
Cornerback (5)
Stephon Gilmore
Byron Murphy Jr.
Shaquill Griffin
Fabian Moreau
Dwight McGlothern
Due to tragedy and injury, the Vikings cornerbacks have seen a lot of changes this summer. Last week’s signing of Stephon Gilmore certainly makes the group more formidable. Fabian Moreau or Akayleb Evans are a toss-up for me. Undrafted rookie Dwight McGlothern has been a revelation the past month.
Safety (6)
Harrison Smith
Camryn Bynum
Josh Metellus
Theo Jackson
Jay Ward
Lewis Cine
This group is loaded. Lewis Cine gets another season to make an impact.
Special Teams (3)
Kicker (1)
Will Reichard
Punter (1)
Ryan Wright
Long Snapper (1)
Andrew DePaola
The special teams decisions have already been made.
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