Another Too Early Minnesota Vikings 53-Man Roster

The Minnesota Vikings have held just over a week’s worth of training camp practices. Based on so little practice time, there’s about zero reasons to whittle the roster down to 53 now. For some twisted reason that’s exactly what fans do. Here’s another too early shot at a 53-man roster of the Minnesota Vikings.

Another 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

Zavier Scott

The first two are set. There has been, and will be, an interesting training camp competition for RB3. I’m going with the back that has perhaps the best receiver skills of the group. 

Fullback (1)

C.J. Ham

Receivers (6)

Justin Jefferson

Jordan Addison

Jalen Nailor

Rondale Moore

Tai Felton

Silas Bolden 

The need for some impact in the return game forces the Vikings to keep six receivers. Anything Silas Bolden adds on offense is extra. 

Tight Ends (3)

T.J. Hockenson

Josh Oliver

Ben Yurosek

Like the competition for RB3, there will be an interesting competition for TE3. The longer sixth-round Gavin Bartholomew is out the more likely Ben Yurosek takes the job. 

Offensive Line (9)

Christian Darrsisaw

Donovan Jackson

Ryan Kelly

Will Fries

Brian O’Neill

Justin Skule

Blake Brandel

Walter Rouse

Michael Jurgens

The biggest question with the offensive line is whether to keep nine or ten. I’m going with nine and hoping the Vikings can stash undrafted Logan Brown on the practice squad. 

Defense (26)

Defensive Line (6)

Jonathan Allen

Harrison Phillips

Javon Hargrave

Jalen Redmond

Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins

Levi Drake Rodriguez

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 (5)

Jonathan Greenard

Andrew Van Ginkel

Dallas Turner

Gabriel Murphy

Bo Richter

This is going to be a fun group. 

Inside Linebackers (4)

Ivan Pace Jr.

Blake Cashman

Eric Wilson

Kobe King  

Perhaps Brian Asamoah can force the Vikings to keep a fifth linebacker. 

Cornerbacks (6)

Byron Murphy Jr.

Isaiah Rodgers

Mekhi Blackmon

Jeff Okudah

Dwight McGlothern

Zemaiah Vaughn

As with the defensive line, there will be some tough roster decisions at cornerback. 

Safeties (5)

Harrison Smith

Josh Metellus

Theo Jackson

Jay Ward

Tavierre Thomas

It’s easy to see the first four on the roster. Tavierre Thomas makes the roster for his special teams play. 

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.