Minnesota Vikings Starters?

Training camp is often about positional competitions. On offense, the Minnesota Vikings starters are pretty straightforward. On defense, it’s a situational thing. The Vikings probably have more defensive starters than are allowed by the game’s rules. Here’s a look at the projected starters of the Minnesota Vikings. 

Offense

QB: 

J.J. McCarthy

RB: 

Aaron Jones

FB: 

C.J. Ham

WR: 

Justin Jefferson

Jordan Addison

TE:

T.J. Hockenson

LT:

Christian Darrisaw

LG:

Donovan Jackson

C:

Ryan Kelly

RG:

Will Fries

RT:

Brian O’Neill

Despite a quarterback that’s yet to take a regular season snap, that’s a strong offensive side. 

Defense

DL:

Javon Hargrave

Harrison Phillips

Jonathan Allen

OLB:

Jonathan Greenard

Andrew Van Ginkel

Dallas Turner

LB:

Blake Cashman

Ivan Pace Jr.

CB:

Byron Murphy Jr.

Isaiah Rodgers

Jeff Okudah

S:

Harrison Phillips

Joshua Metellus

Theo Jackson

That’s a few more than the 11 that are allowed to be on the field at the same time. There’s a reason for that. Brian Flores and his coaches have crafted a versatile, situationally evolving defense. More than 11 players receive starter-level snaps. Flores is entering his third season as the Vikings defensive coordinator. In his first season, he was able to get production that far exceeded the talent he was provided. Headlined by linebackers Jonathan Greenard, Andrew Van Ginkel, and Blake Cashman, Flores was provided improved talent in year two. Year three feels like a revelation. The defense is now stacked with talent. With Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen, the Vikings finally have a defensive front that can wreck an offense. With Greenard, Van Ginkel, and Dallas Turner, Flores says that he has three starting edge rushers. The Vikings front will be a menace. 

J.J. McCarthy gets so much attention. The quarterback always does and always will. I’m excited to witness the start of the McCarthy era. I might be even more excited to see this Vikings defense. 

While there might not be competitions among offensive and defensive starters, the Vikings have several special teams opportunities that are up for grabs. In particular, there’s a punting competition. Incumbent Ryan Wright vs rookie Oscar Chapman. That’s fun stuff. There’s also a scintillating return competition taking place. Special teams coordinator Matt Daniels would be thrilled if he can pry starting corner Isaiah Rodgers from Flores for the kick return role. Receivers Tai Felton, Rondale Moore, Silas Bolden, Myles Price, and Dontae Fleming populate the return competition. While it’s a wide-open competition, Bolden appears to be leading the race for the punt return role. 

This is easily the most talented Vikings team since the 2009 team.