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. It’s a single practice against a blend of backups but J.J. McCarthy looked ready for a real game in his NFL debut against the Raiders. If the Vikings can get a late-round 2025 draft pick for Mullens, I’m currently going with 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
Jalen Nailor
Brandon Powell
Trishton Jackson
It’s a top heavy group. Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison are one of the best receiving duos in the league. Jalen Nailor has the talent to give the Vikings an impactful trio. He must stay on the field. After the top three, the receiver decisions will be very difficult. Punt returns probably insure Brandon Powell’s spot on the roster. Trent Sherfield Sr., Lucky Jackson, Thayer Thomas, Jeshaun Jones? Tough decisions. For now, I’m sticking with five receivers on the final roster. I can easily see six.
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
Dalton Risner
Walter Rouse
Michael Jurgens
Nine might be light. With his ability to play center and guard, Dan Feeney is a tough cut. Right now, I’d rather go with the potential of seventh-round rookie Michael Jurgens. He also plays center and guard.
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, Jonathan Bullard, and Jerry Tillery are on the team. After that, it’s wide open and I’m glad that the real decisions aren’t mine. I like Jaquelin Roy as a breakout candidate. Seventh-round rookie Levi Drake Rodriguez is one of the most intriguing players on the team. My hopes for Roy and Rodriguez are probably clouding my better judgement. Jonah Williams has had a training camp that puts him with Phillips, Bullard, and Tillery as roster certainties. Instead, I have him on the outside of the roster.
Outside Linebacker (6)
Jonathan Greenard
Andrew Van Ginkel
Dallas Turner
Patrick Jones II
Jihad Ward
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 Patrick Jones II, Jihad Ward, maybe others, might factor in with the defensive front in certain situations. Bo Richter is becoming a tough cut. I sure hope he gets to the practice squad.
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
Fabian Moreau
Dwight McGlothern
This group could change considerably in the coming days. Stephon Gilmore is in Minnesota for a visit with the Vikings. If signed, he’d join Byron Murphy Jr., Shaquill Griffin, and Akayleb Evans as roster certainties. It’s probably more likely that undrafted rookie Dwight McGlothern is destined for the practice squad. I really like his long-term potential. Even at this early stage of his career I worry that another team might see that potential as well. Expecting the practice squad as an option is always such a gamble. I could see six corners on the roster. Perhaps at the expense of my heavy outside linebackers. It helps that Jay Ward has safety/corner versatility.
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)
Ryan Wright
Long Snapper (1)
Andrew DePaola
I’m so glad these roster decisions aren’t mine to make.
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