Defensive Line
Jonathan Allen
Harrison Phillips
Javon Hargrave
Jalen Redmond
Levi Drake Rodriguez
Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins
Taki Taimani
Elijah Williams
Alexander Musch Williams
Jonathan Harris
Travis Bell
If it were up to me, I’d try finding a way to keep nearly all of these players on the roster. After an aggressive offseason that saw the Vikings add Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave, I’ve been thrilled with the depth of this group. An interesting aspect of the defensive linemen, after starters Allen, Hargrave, and Harrison Phillips, they are all late-round and no-round picks. Despite being somewhat disrespected during their respective drafts, each brings intriguing skills. In my opinion, the defensive line competition is the most interesting of training camp. When it’s all said and done this summer, I believe the top six will be the six on the roster. I find that frustrating because I really want to see Taki Taimani, Elijah Williams, and Alexander Williams on the roster.
Outside Linebacker
Jonathan Greenard
Andrew Van Ginkel
Dallas Turner
Bo Richter
Gabriel Murphy
Tyler Batty
Chaz Chambliss
Brian Flores said in a training camp press conference that the Vikings have three starting outside linebackers in Jonathan Greenard, Andrew Van Ginkel, and Dallas Turner. Many Vikings observers were disappointed in Turner’s rookie season. He didn’t get the snaps many hoped for a simple reason. Greenard and Van Ginkel. I believe Turner’s second season will be a revelation. Those skeptical observers will see the player they hoped to see as a rookie. Actually, they’ll see a player much better than the one they expected. Bo Richter and Gabriel Murphy are the easy favorites to complete the group but Tyler Batty could make the final decision difficult.
Inside Linebacker
Blake Cashman
Ivan Pace Jr.
Eric Wilson
Kobe King
Brian Asamoah II
Austin Keys
Dorian Mausi
The biggest linebacker question is whether the Vikings keep five. The top four are pretty much locks. Can Brian Asamoah II force the team to keep a fifth?
Cornerback
Byron Murphy Jr.
Isaiah Rodgers
Jeff Okudah
Mekhi Blackmon
Dwight McGlothern
Zemaiah Vaughn
Reddy Steward
Ambry Thomas
Kahlef Hailassie
Keenan Garber
Cornerback is right behind defensive line among the Vikings most interesting training camp competitions.
The top four feel secure. Dwight McGlothern continues to prove that his performance last summer as an undrafted rookie was no fluke. Last year, he was competing for a roster spot. This year, he’s competing for playing time. Undrafted this year, Zemaiah Vaughn is doing what McGlothern did last year. These two unheralded youngsters are doing their best to blow up the pre-training camp worries over the Vikings cornerback depth. As for the top of the depth chart, Byron Murphy Jr. and Isaiah Rodgers are the starters. I’m often overly optimistic when it comes to the Vikings but I wouldn’t be surprised if Murphy and Rodgers emerge as one of the league’s best corner duos. With this Vikings defense and these Vikings coaches, Jeff Okudah has perhaps his best opportunity to become the player he was drafted to be. After being the third overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, Okudah is now with his fourth team. Mekhi Blackmon entered training camp last year competing for a starting role. He tore his ACL in the first practice. He’s healthy now and again competing for significant playing time. So many have questioned this group. I really like the group’s potential.
Safety
Harrison Smith
Joshua Metellus
Theo Jackson
Jay Ward
Tavierre Thomas
Gervarrius Owens
Mishael Powell
The Vikings safety group is pretty easy to project. The first four are locks and make the group a versatile strength. Tavierre Thomas was signed this offseason for his work on special teams. He makes the roster with that as his primary role. Anything he provides on defense is extra.
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