A Too Early Minnesota Vikings 53-man Roster

More than a third of the players on the 91-man roster of the Minnesota Vikings have yet to take a snap for the team. There’s about zero reasons to whittle the roster down to 53 in May. For some twisted reason that’s exactly what fans do in May. Here’s a way too early shot at a 53-man roster of the Minnesota Vikings.

A Too Early Minnesota Vikings 53-man Roster

Offense (24)

Quarterbacks (2)

J.J McCarthy

Sam Howell

After what the Vikings went through in 2023, going with only two quarterbacks on the active roster is a combination of stupid and risky. I’m doing it here. In this stupid and risky scenario, QB3, and perhaps a QB4, is in the practice squad. 

Running Backs (3)

Aaron Jones

Jordan Mason

Tre Stewart

The first two are set. There will be an interesting training camp competition for RB3. I’m going with the undrafted rookie. 

Fullback (1)

C.J. Ham

Receivers (5)

Justin Jefferson

Jordan Addison

Jalen Nailor

Rondale Moore

Tai Felton

If one of the undrafted rookies win a return role, the Vikings could go with six receivers. I’m going with five and Rondale Moore or Tai Felton returning kicks. 

Tight Ends (3)

T.J. Hockenson

Josh Oliver

Gavin Bartholomew

Like the competition for RB3, there will be an interesting competition for TE3. I’m going with the tight end that was drafted over the two that were not. 

Offensive Line (10)

Christian Darrsisaw

Donovan Jackson

Ryan Kelly

Will Fries

Brian O’Neill

Justin Skule

Blake Brandel

Walter Rouse

Michael Jurgens

Logan Brown

The biggest question with the offensive line is whether to keep nine or ten. I’m going with ten and the intriguing, undrafted Logan Brown. 

Defense (26)

Defensive Line (6)

Jonathan Allen

Harrison Phillips

Javon Hargrave

Jalen Redmond

Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins

Elijah Williams

I believe that the most difficult roster decisions will be with the defensive line. There’s about nine players in this position group that I want to see on the roster. 

Outside Linebackers (6)

Jonathan Greenard

Andrew Van Ginkel

Dallas Turner

Gabriel Murphy

Bo Richter

Tyler Batty

This is going to be a fun group. I’m going heavy with six. I can’t lose any of Gabriel Murphy, Bo Richter, and Tyler Batty. 

Inside Linebackers (4)

Ivan Pace Jr.

Blake Cashman

Eric Wilson

Kobe King  

Perhaps Brian Asamoah can fend off the offseason additions of veteran Eric Wilson and sixth-round pick Kobe King.   

Cornerbacks (6)

Byron Murphy Jr.

Isaiah Rodgers

Mekhi Blackmon

Jeff Okudah

Dwight McGlothern

Tavierre Thomas

As with the defensive line, there will be some tough roster decisions at cornerback. Tavierre Thomas is on the roster for special teams. 

Safeties (4)

Harrison Smith

Josh Metellus

Theo Jackson

Jay Ward

It’s easy to see these four on the roster. 

Special Teams (3)

Kickers (1)

Will Reichard

Punter (1)

Ryan Wright

Long Snapper (1)

Andrew DePaola

The only question among the specialists is whether Ryan Wright can keep the punting job over the challenge of rookie Oscar Chapman.