Another Minnesota Vikings 53-man Roster Projection

Yesterday brought another day off at Minnesota Vikings training camp. The idle day allowed thinking about 53-man roster projections. 

This projection includes a projection that Harrison Smith returns to continue his brilliant career. All offseason I was convinced that he was coming back. I was also convinced that he would be present at the start of training camp. I just didn’t see Smith as one of those players that would skip the preseason work and just stroll into the regular season. If he was coming back for another season of football, he’d be coming back for all of it. Anyway, I’m still hoping that he returns. I’m not ready for a Vikings defense that doesn’t include #22. 

Another Too Early Minnesota Vikings 53-man Roster Projection

Offense (25)

Quarterback (3)

Kyler Murray

J.J. McCarthy

Carson Wentz

Running Back (3)

Aaron Jones

Jordan Mason

Demond Claiborne

Not including Zavier Scott is difficult. 

Fullback (1)

Max Bredeson

Wide Receiver (5)

Justin Jefferson

Jordan Addison

Jauan Jennings

Tai Felton

Myles Price

After the signing of Jauan Jennings, the top five receivers felt pretty straightforward. Jones, Dontae Fleming, and perhaps Dillon Bell are changing that feeling. 

Tight End (3)

T.J. Hockenson

Josh Oliver

Gavin Bartholomew

Offensive Line (10)

Christian Darrisaw

Donovan Jackson

Blake Brandel

Will Fries

Brian O’Neill

Ryan Van Demark

Caleb Tiernan

Michael Jurgens

Joe Huber

Delby Lemieux

The five starters, Ryan Van Demark, Caleb Tiernan, and Joe Huber are easy. The competition for the final 2-3 spots looks wide open. 

Defense (25)

Defensive Line (6)

Jalen Redmond

Caleb Banks

Domonique Orange

Levi Drake Rodriguez 

Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins

Elijah Williams

This is becoming my favorite position group on the team. 

Outside Linebacker (4)

Andrew Van Ginkel

Dallas Turner

Bo Richter

Chaz Chambliss

Most pundits believe the Vikings will supplement the outside linebacker group with a veteran free agent. I’m beginning to believe that Brian Flores will dip into the linebacker group to support outside linebacker starters Andrew Van Ginkel and Dallas Turner. Eric Wilson and rookie Jake Golday will play some on the edge. Versatile defensive lineman Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins may also factor into the edge rotation. 

Linebacker (5)

Blake Cashman

Eric Wilson

Jamal Adams

Ivan Pace Jr.

Jake Golday

The late addition of Jamal Adams changes this group and perhaps the entire defense. 

Cornerback (4)

Byron Murphy Jr.

Isaiah Rodgers

James Pierre

Chuck Demmings

Safety (6)

Harrison Smith

Josh Metellus

Jay Ward

Theo Jackson

Jakobe Thomas

Tavierre Thomas

Still hoping for Harrison Smith’s return. 

Special Teams (3)

Kicker (1)

Will Reichard

Punter (1)

Johnny Hekker

Until I’m convinced that undrafted rookie Brett Thorson can consistently snap the ball, I’m going with Johnny Hekker. 

Long Snapper (1)

Andrew DePaola

Each Team’s Top Pro Football Hall of Fame Candidate

This weekend’s Pro Football Hall of Fame inductions has me thinking about future inductions. Here’s a look at a top Hall of Fame Candidate for each team. I tried to pick candidates that have been waiting for a while. Some have been waiting since the inductions started in 1963. 

NFC

Minnesota Vikings

Chuck Foreman, RB

A lot of Vikings fans probably have Jim Marshall at the top of the list. For me, Chuck Foreman is the most deserving and has been waiting the longest. If his career hadn’t been cut short by injuries, he would’ve made it to Canton long ago. His first five seasons were spectacular. I felt that he was the best back in the league for most of those five seasons. He was certainly the most versatile back. Foreman was the Lenny Moore and Marshall Faulk of his day. Moore and Faulk were easy Hall of Famers. For most of his seven years with the Vikings, Foreman was their equal. 

Green Bay Packers

Lavvie Dilweg, End

I often flip between Verne Lewellen and Lavvie Dilweg as the biggest Packers snub. Lewellen isn’t just one of the Packers biggest Hall snubs. He’s one of the league’s biggest Hall snubs. He should’ve made it to Canton in one of the first dozen Classes. I was stunned when he wasn’t a part of the Centennial Class. A reason for that giant Hall Class was to correct voter oversights (mistakes) like those that buried Dilweg for decades. He was one of the best football players of his era. His era being 1926-34 shouldn’t matter. The Packers won three titles during Dilweg’s run with the team. He was a big reason for that success. Imagine overlooking a star player from a three-time Super Bowl champion. Voters don’t know how to handle players with no highlights or stats. It’s called research. 

Detroit Lions

Buddy Parker, Coach

Most football talking heads consider Paul Brown one of football’s best coaches. Buddy Parker had Brown’s number. Parker routinely topped Brown in exhibition games, regular season games, and most importantly in the 1952 and 1953 title games. Legions of fans and talking heads bellyached for decades about Tom Flores not making Canton despite winning two titles. Parker has waited longer. Flores inherited a contender. Parker built one. I’m not saying that Flores doesn’t deserve to be in Canton. I’m saying that Parker deserves to join him there. 

Chicago Bears

Ken Kavanaugh, End

A long history and a lot of success give the Bears a few candidates. Rick Casares and Joe Fortunato among them. I’m picking Ken Kavanaugh due to his being among the best at his position during the era he played. He was a three-time champion (1940, 1941, 1946) and was named to the 1940s All-Decade Team. For his career, he averaged a ridiculous 22.4 yards per catch. 

New York Giants

Charlie Conerly, QB

Quarterbacks with an NFL title and a league MVP aren’t usually waiting for that Hall of Fame call. Charlie Conerly was one of the league’s elite players during the 1950s. Plus, he was the Marlboro Man! 

Philadelphia Eagles

Al Wistert, T

Al Wistert’s Hall of Fame absence is nearly as mind-numbing as Lavvie Dilweg’s absence. There were five players that I was certain would be part of the Centennial Class. Dilweg, Duke Slater, Wistert, Mac Speedie, and Alex Karras. Dilweg and Wistert are still waiting. They shouldn’t be waiting. 

Washington Football Team

Gene Brito, End

Gene Brito was one of the NFL’s first great pass rushers. He was overshadowed by the ends of his era that played on better teams, such as Gino Marchetti, Andy Robustelli, and Len Ford. 

Dallas Cowboys

Cornell Green, CB

The Dallas Cowboys have a few candidates, Harvey Martin and Darren Woodson among them. Cornell Green was a starting corner for the Cowboys from 1963-69. He went to three Pro Bows and named first-team All-Pro twice. He was second-team All-Pro in two of the seasons he didn’t go to a Pro Bowl. In 1970, he moved to safety and made two more Pro Bowls. Durning his career, the Cowboys defense evolved from a leaky, expansion unit to one of the league’s best. Green was a big reason for that improvement. 

New Orleans Saints

Pat Swilling, LB

If Pat Swilling’s entire 12-year career was more like the five middle seasons, he would’ve had a bust in Canton years ago. In the late 1980’s and early 1990’s, the New Orleans Saints had one of the most disruptive linebacker groups in league history. Sam Mills and Rickey Jackson are in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. At the group’s peak, Swilling was the most dominant of the group. He was Defensive Player of the Year in 1991. 2x First-team All-Pto. 2x Second-team All-Pro. Five Pro Bowls. I guess the voters see three linebackers from a single group as excessive. It’s the only explanation for Swilling’s exclusion. 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Simeon Rice, DE

Simeon Rice was a very good player during his five seasons with the Arizona Cardinals. Then he joined a Tampa Bay Buccaneers that was just getting started. He had 11 sacks in that first season. 15.5 sacks, First-team All-Pro, and a Pro Bowl in his second season as the defense led the Buccaneers to a Super Bowl title. Rice was the overwhelming pass rusher that defense needed to become special. 

Atlanta Falcons

Mike Kenn, OT

The Falcons candidate comes down to Tommy Nobis, George Kunz, Bill Fralic, and Mike Kenn. It was tough. I’m going with Kenn simply because I felt that he was among the league’s best at his position for a longer period than the other three players. 

Carolina Panthers

Steve Smith, WR

The first time Steve Smith touched the football in the NFL he returned a kick for a touchdown. Unfortunately, that was against the Minnesota Vikings. He was just getting started. Smith was one of the most fun receivers to watch in all my years of watching football. Receivers have a tough road to Canton. There’s always a logjam and it grows each year. Smith made need patience but he deserves to get there. 

San Francisco 49ers

Frankie Albert, QB

Frankie Albert is another player that’s a little more of a personal pick than an accurate one. Albert was one of my father’s favorites. I grew up to stories of Albert, the early 49ers, and the All America Football Conference. He was a magician with the football. 

Cleveland/Los Angeles/St. Louis Rams

Riley Matheson, OG/LB

Riley Matheson was named All-Pro on both sides of the ball. His blocking was integral to the Cleveland Rams 1945 NFL Championship.

Chicago/St. Louis/Arizona Cardinals

Marshall Goldberg, Back

Marshall Goldberg was a big part of the Cardinals’ great backfield of the late-1940s. A backfield that brought home the 1947 NFL title. He’s been on the doorstep of Canton as a finalist. Of any deserving Cardinals candidate, he’s been waiting the longest. 

Seattle Seahawks

Shaun Alexander, RB

Shaun Alexander’s five-year run from 2001-05 was Hall of Fame-caliber. It’ll probably be enough to eventually get him there. 

AFC

Baltimore Ravens

Jamal Lewis, RB

Jamal Lewis was All-Pro once and played in one Pro Bowl. Those accolades came in 2003 when he rushed for 2066 yards. Seeing as he had three more seasons with over 1300 yards and six other seasons with more than 1000 yards it’s surprising that he didn’t receive more season honors. A decade of rushing consistency, if not excellence, did earn him 2nd-team All-Decade for the 2000s. For his career, Lewis rushed for 10,607 yards. If he hadn’t missed the 2001 season to injury, he might’ve passed 12,000 yards. 

Pittsburgh Steelers

L.C. Greenwood, DE

The Hall of Fame voters should be able to find room for another member of the Steel Curtain. 

Cincinnati Bengals

Ken Anderson, QB

The voters sure seem to have an easy time overlooking Cincinnati Bengals players. With Ken Riley finally making it in 2023, Ken Anderson becomes the team’s new top snub. He was one of the league’s best, most accurate quarterbacks in the 1970s and into the 1980s. 

Cleveland Browns

Jim Ray Smith, G

The number of Browns players already in the Hall and a couple years lost to military service are probably the reasons that Jim Ray Smith isn’t already honored in Canton. Those aren’t very good reasons. 

New York Jets

Larry Grantham, LB

Larry Grantham is one of the AFL greats that’s slipped through the Hall of Fame cracks. 

Buffalo Bills

Mike Stratton, LB

Tom Sestak, Mike Stratton, George Saimes, Butch Byrd, Jim Dunaway. The Buffalo Bills defense of the mid-1960s was dominant. They are have a Hall of Fame argument. I’ll go with Stratton as the one first deserving of a bust.

New England Patriots

Bill Belichick

Come on. There wasn’t a single reason for Bill Belichick not making it in his first year of eligibility. Third in league history in wins. Six championships as a head coach. Two more as a defensive coordinator. If he isn’t a first-ballot Hall of Famer, no one is. The Hall voters often show suspect judgement. This snub isn’t about a player/coach slipping through the cracks of the process. It’s about the voters being petty or stupid, or both. 

Miami Dolphins

Bob Kuechenberg, OL

Bob Kuechenberg, Jake Scott, or Dick Anderson? I could make a Hall of Fame case for either Miami Dolphins safety. I’ll go with the one player that played on all five of the Dolphins Super Bowl teams. Kuechenberg was one of the best guards of the 1970s. 

Baltimore/Indianapolis Colts

Alan Ameche. FB

In an era of great fullbacks Alan Ameche may have trailed only Jim Brown. Ameche’s touchdown in the 1958 NFL Championship game may be the most replayed touchdown in league history. 

Houston Oilers/Tennessee Titans 

Charlie Hennigan, WR

Charlie Hennigan had a couple seasons in the early 1960s that would fit well in today’s pass-happy NFL. 82 catches for 1746 yards and 12 TDs in 1961. 1961! 101 catches for 1546 yards and 8 TDs in 1964. 1964!

Jacksonville Jaguars

Fred Taylor, RB

Excluding Chuck Foreman. Fred Taylor might be the most underrated running back of my lifetime. When he was healthy, he was one of the best running backs of his era. Navigating those injuries, Taylor still managed to put up seven 1000-yard seasons. And they weren’t Mike Evans-1000 yard season. Six of the seven were over 1200 yards. The one that wasn’t was 1146. 

Houston Texans

Arian Foster, RB

The Texans haven’t been around long enough to really have any Hall snubs. Andre Johnson was the only player eligible Texans player with a Hall argument and he quickly made it. J.J. Watt will make it as soon as he’s eligible. I guess Arian Foster is the closest to maybe having a Hall discussion. 

Oakland/Los Angeles/Las Vegas Raiders

Jim Plunkett, QB

Most quarterbacks with two Super Bowl wins have an easy path to a bust. There was nothing easy about Jim Plunkett’s NFL career. It started great as the first pick in the 1971 NFL Draft. The 1970s were a rocky ride and then he finally found a home with the Oakland Raiders in 1978. Super Bowl win in 1980. Another in 1983.  

Denver Broncos

Rich “Tombstone” Jackson

Rich Jackson is the pick here simply for his terrific nickname. If his entire seven-year career was the quality of his 1968-70 seasons, Tombstone would be in the Hall of Fame.

Kansas City Chiefs

Jim Tyrer, OT

As a player, Jim Tyrer should already have a bust in Canton. 

San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers

Earl Faison, DL

It’s a coin flip between Earl Faison and Ernie Ladd. Both were freakishly sized for their day and could probably play today. The early 1960s Chargers teams were known for their offense. With Faison and Ladd on the line, their defense was a force. 

Favorite Pro Football Hall of Fame Classes

The Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026 will be inducted on Saturday. 

Drew Brees

Larry Fitzgerald

Luke Kuechly

Adam Vinatieri

Roger Craig

That’s a fun class. Larry Fitzgerald and Luke Kuechly, in particular, were two of my favorite non-Vikings players of their era. The five players will boost the number of Hall of Famers to 387. This new Class of Hall of Famers has me thinking about some of my favorite Hall of Fame Classes. Separating Hall Classes from other Hall Classes is a foolish thing to do. They're all great. They're Hall of Famers. Anyway, I still managed to separate some of my favorite Hall Classes.

The first three on the list are separated from the rest simply because I was in Canton for them.

Class of 2013  

Larry Allen
Cris Carter
Curley Culp
Jonathan Ogden
Bill Parcells
Dave Robinson
Warren Sapp

Cris Carter finally made it to Canton. His induction inspired me to make my first trip to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. I have no idea why I'd never visited before. If I needed inspiration, Alan Page should've done it. Bud Grant should've done it. Apparently, it took Carter's induction. The increasing frustration that I felt each of the the previous five years that he didn't make it probably played a role. Whatever the reason, I finally made the trip to this magical place. It was more than I'd ever imagined.

And Carter was joined by an outstanding Class.

Class of 2018

Bobby Beathard
Robert Brazile
Brian Dawkins
Jerry Kramer
Ray Lewis
Randy Moss
Terrell Owens
Brian Urlacher

Randy Moss brought me back to Canton. I added the Sunday Round Table discussion to my Hall of Fame itinerary and it turned out to be a highlight of the weekend. Every future Enshrinement weekend visit will include it. This was a fun Hall Class. An added bonus was Owens' decision to do his own thing.

A curious aspect to my first two Hall of Fame Classes is this:
A Vikings receiver:
Cris Carter
Randy Moss

A Lombardi Packer:
Dave Robinson
Jerry Kramer

A Raven:
Jonathan Ogden
Ray Lewis

An Oilers defender:
Curley Culp
Robert Brazile

Class of 2019

Champ Bailey
Pat Bowlen
Gil Brandt
Tony Gonzalez
Ty Law
Kevin Mawae
Ed Reed
Johnny Robinson

In 2011, Les Richter became the first player from Cal to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Tony Gonzalez was the second. I was in the Memorial Stadium stands for every one of his home games. It's not like I watched his first baby steps because he was running from the moment he put on that Golden Bear uniform. But it feels like I've watched him grow into a Hall of Fame football player.

With Ogden, Lewis, and now Ed Reed, one might think that I was a Ravens fan by my Canton visits.

And now for the rest of my favorite Hall of Fame Classes:

Class of 1963  

Sammy Baugh
Bert Bell
Joe Carr
Dutch Clark
Harold "Red" Grange
George Halas
Mel Hein
Wilbur "Pete" Henry
Cal Hubbard
Don Hutson
"Curly" Lambeau
Tim Mara
George Preston Marshall
Johnny "Blood"McNally
Bronko Nagurski
Ernie Nevers
Jim Thorpe

Seeing as the Hall of Fame opened 43 years after the start of the APFA/NFL, the early Classes are ridiculous. The voters had some catching up to do. We have the NFL because of the above 17 people.

Class of 1965  

Guy Chamberlin
John "Paddy" Driscoll
Dan Fortmann
Otto Graham
Sid Luckman
Steve Van Buren
Bob Waterfield

Along with Dutch Clark (1963) and Jimmy Conzelman (1964), Guy Chamberlin, Paddy Driscoll, Dan Fortmann are some of my favorite lesser known legends from the league's early decades. Add in ridiculous game-winners like Otto Graham and Sid Luckman and this Class trails that of 1963 only in numbers. 

Class of 1967  

Chuck Bednarik
Charles Bidwill, Sr.
Paul Brown
Bobby Layne
Daniel F. Reeves
Ken Strong
Joe Stydahar
Emlen Tunnell

Paul Brown, Bobby Layne and Emlen Tunnell are the players that really make this Class one of my favorites.

Class of 1971  

Jim Brown
Bill Hewitt
"Bruiser" Kinard
Vince Lombardi
Andy Robustelli
Y.A. Tittle
Norm Van Brocklin

This Class isn't just one of my favorites it's one of the best by any measure.

Class of 1972

Lamar Hunt
Gino Marchetti
Ollie Matson
Clarence "Ace" Parker

This Class is a personal favorite because of Gino Marchetti and Ollie Matson. My father was at the University of San Francisco during that duo's incredible time there. He often chatted with Matson before one of their classes together. The Pro Football Hall of Fame is home to several USF players and a particular sports information director. Marchetti and Matson top the list.

Class of 1973  

Raymond Berry
Jim Parker
Joe Schmidt

For a tiny Class, this one's stacked.

Class of 1975  

Roosevelt Brown
George Connor
Dante Lavelli
Lenny Moore

Any Class that Lenny Moore was part of was going to be among my favorites. If I was born a decade earlier I'm certain that I would've been a Baltimore Colts fan. Johnny Unitas, Lenny Moore, Raymond Berry, Jim Parker, Gino Marchetti, Art Donovan. Those are some of my favorite from one of my favorite football decades.

Class of 1977  

Frank Gifford
Forrest Gregg
Gale Sayers
Bart Starr
Bill Willis

Gale Sayers and Bill Willis are the keys to this Class for me. Any of the five could highlight a Hall Class.

Class of 1979  

Dick Butkus
Yale Lary
Ron Mix
Johnny Unitas

Butkus and Unitas. Those names scream football.

Class of 1980  

Herb Adderley
"Deacon" Jones
Bob Lilly
Jim Otto

Deacon Jones and Bob Lilly. Nuff said.

Class of 1983  

Bobby Bell
Sid Gillman
Sonny Jurgensen
Bobby Mitchell
Paul Warfield

With Bobby Bell, Bobby Mitchell, and Paul Warfield this is another Class with personal favorites.

Class of 1985  

Frank Gatski
Joe Namath
Pete Rozelle
O.J. Simpson
Roger Staubach

For about eight years, this was one of the flashier Classes.

Class of 1986  

Paul Hornung
Ken Houston
Willie Lanier
Fran Tarkenton
Doak Walker

The Minnesota Vikings finally had a Hall of Famer. This Class would be among my favorites even if Fran Tarkenton wasn't part of it.

Class of 1988  

Fred Biletnikoff
Mike Ditka
Jack Ham
Alan Page

Alan Page. And then there’s Fred Biletnikoff, Mike Ditka, and Jack Ham. With Page finally making it, this is the Class that should’ve brought me to Canton. 

Class of 1993  

Dan Fouts
Larry Little
Chuck Noll
Walter Payton
Bill Walsh

Any Class with Walter Payton was going to rate high. Throw in Bill Walsh and Chuck Noll and this one's a keeper.

Class of 1994  

Tony Dorsett
Bud Grant
Jimmy Johnson
Leroy Kelly
Jackie Smith
Randy White

I'm really glad that my favorite Vikings were a part of terrific Hall Classes.

Class of 2000  

Howie Long
Ronnie Lott
Joe Montana
Dan Rooney
Dave Wilcox

This one's a Dream Class for all of my 49er friends. Dan Rooney feels out of place in this Bay Area-centric Class.

Class of 2004  

Bob Brown
Carl Eller
John Elway
Barry Sanders

This is a fun one. There's no denying that John Elway and Barry Sanders were the headliners of this Class. But Carl Eller, of course, and his on-field rival Bob Brown were the highlight for me. 

Class of 2005

Benny Friedman
Dan Marino
Fritz Pollard
Steve Young

The only negative to this wonderful Class was that it had taken so damn long for Fritz Pollard and Benny Friedman to be inducted. There isn't a single reason for them to not have been a part of one of the first 5-10 Hall of Fame Classes. They both certainly should've made it while they were alive.

On induction day, Grit Young sure took advantage of the fact that only two members of this Class were alive. The length of his presentation speech changed the way that presenters presented. In my recollection, Grit spoke longer than his son. 

Class of 2006

Troy Aikman
Harry Carson
John Madden
Warren Moon
Reggie White
Rayfield Wright

A wonderful Class. I just wish that Reggie White had lived to experience it.

Class of 2009

Bob Hayes
Randall McDaniel
Bruce Smith
Derrick Thomas
Ralph Wilson, Jr.
Rod Woodson

Despite a load of annual honors during his playing career I wasn't entirely sure that the voters would view Randall McDaniel's career as I had. He’s one of the best guards that I've ever seen. Rod Woodson, Bruce Smith, and Derrick Thomas are also among the best I've ever seen at their respective positions.

Class of 2010

Russ Grimm
Rickey Jackson
Dick LeBeau
Floyd Little
John Randle
Jerry Rice
Emmitt Smith

Jerry Rice and Emmitt Smith obviously headlined this Class but it was all about John Randle for me. As with McDaniel the year before, I wasn't entirely sure how the voters would view Randle's career. When asked their favorite all-time player, more Vikings fans respond Randle than perhaps any other player.

Class of 2011

Richard Dent
Marshall Faulk
Chris Hanburger
Les Richter
Ed Sabol
Deion Sanders
Shannon Sharpe

This Class is a favorite because Les Richter is the first Pro Football Hall of Famer from Cal. It only starts there. Marshall Faulk and Deion Sanders were two of the most fun players to watch in my lifetime. And then there's Ed Sabol. He made football better. And it's already pretty damn great in my book.

Class of 2015

Jerome Bettis

Tim Brown

Charles Haley

Bill Polian

Junior Seau

Will Shields

Mick Tingelhoff

Ron Wolf

MIck Tingelhoff finally made it. And he brought Fran Tarkenton with him. Tarkenton doesn’t come to Canton often. He did for his friend and on-field protector. 

Class of 2021

Alan Faneca

Tom Flores

Calvin Johnson

John Lynch

Peyton Manning

Bill Nunn

Drew Pearson

Charles Woodson

This Class makes the list mostly for Peyton Manning, Bill Nunn, and Charles Woodson. Manning and Woodson were two of my favorite players to watch during their long careers. The two were often linked as they were together for the1997 Heisman Trophy presentation, the top of the 1998 NFL Draft, and the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2021. 

Class of 2025

Eric Allen

Jared Allen

Antonio Gates

Sterling Sharpe

This Class is all about Jared Allen. He didn’t have a Carl Eller-like wait. He didn’t even have a Cris Carter-like wait. He did have to wait a couple years longer than he should’ve waited. None of that matters when they finally make it. Right?

If for no other reason than Steve Hutchinson being a part of it, the gigantic Centennial Class of 2020 should make this list. It doesn’t for the players the voters continue to ignore. Verne Lewellen, Lavvie Dilweg, and Al Wistert should’ve made it to Canton decades ago. It’s mind-boggling that none were part of that Class. 

For the players that are part of it, the Class of 2026 should make this list. It doesn’t for the insane omission of Bill Belichick. All of the voters that voted against his inclusion aren’t qualified for the job. 

46 Minnesota Vikings Starting Quarterbacks

Once they crawled out of their early expansion days, the Vikings have remarkably been a consistently contending team. Over the past seven decades, losing seasons have been few and winning seasons have been many. The consistent success is remarkable because the Vikings always seem to be looking for a franchise quarterback. The only franchise quarterback in team history was Fran Tarkenton. He was drafted in the third round of the 1961 NFL Draft, the first draft in franchise history. Tarkenton was great. He was so great that the Vikings traded him away after the 1966 season. It’s rare for a team with no titles to have “glory days” but the Vikings had some. Those great years started not so much with Tarkenton’s departure as Bud Grant’s arrival as head coach. Within three years, Grant had the Vikings in the Super Bowl. The late ‘60s, early ‘70s Vikings were among the best teams in the league. The only thing missing from those teams was a franchise quarterback. To fix that problem, the Vikings traded for Fran Tarkenton. The only franchise quarterback in team history guided the Vikings to three more Super Bowls. Tarkenton retired after the 1978 season. He retired as the holder of every league career passing record. He held those records longer than any quarterback ever has. He has a bust in Canton. The Vikings have been looking for their next franchise quarterback since Tarkenton retired in 1978. There have been some contenders for the role over the years. When it looked like they’d found that quarterback, an incredible run of bad luck took that quarterback away. 

Since their first season in 1961, the Vikings have selected five quarterbacks in the first round of the NFL Draft. 

Tommy Kramer (1977)

Daunte Culpepper (1999)

Christian Ponder (2011)

Teddy Bridgewater (2014)

J.J. McCarthy (2024)

Tommy Kramer was always fun and often great when he was on the field. He wasn’t on the field enough. Daunte Culpepper was on an upward trajectory until a knee injury ended his time in Minnesota. Christian Ponder was drafted to be a quarterback that he never had the talent to be. As with Culpepper, a horrible knee injury ended whatever future Teddy Bridgewater might’ve had with the Vikings. Each of the four quarterbacks was drafted to be the next great Vikings quarterback. Three showed great potential and the fourth was Ponder. Now, we come to J.J. McCarthy. He lost his rookie season to a torn meniscus last summer. At least publicly, the plan wasn’t for McCarthy to start as a rookie. At least publicly, the plan was for former high-pick, now journeyman Sam Darnold to be the starting quarterback in 2024. That was then. The plan last year was for J.J. McCarthy to be the Vikings 44th starting quarterback. Injuries turned it to a season of some highs and several lows. Injuries have forced the Vikings to play a at least three quarterbacks in half of Kevin O’Connell’s four seasons as head coach. That trend forced the team’s decision-makers this offseason to put together the deepest, strongest quarterback room possible. Kyler Murray was signed. Carson Wentz was retained. Murray and McCarthy are competing to be this year’s starting quarterback. If Murray wins the job, he’ll become the 47th starting quarterback in franchise history. In McCarthy wins the job, he’ll continue as the 46th starting quarterback. 

Considering that Tarkenton is the Vikings all-time franchise quarterback, it’s shocking that the team traded him away. At least the same decision-makers had the bright idea to bring him back five years later.

46 starting quarterbacks. Here are those quarterbacks.  

1961:

George Shaw (4)

Fran Tarkenton (10)

1962

Fran Tarkenton (14)

1963:

Fran Tarkenton (13)

Ron Vander Kelen (1)

1964:

Fran Tarkenton ((14)

1965:

Fran Tarkenton (14)

1966:

Fran Tarkenton (12)

Ron Vander Kelen (1)

Bob Berry (1)

1967:

Joe Kapp (11)

Ron Vander Kelen (3)

1968:

Joe Kapp (14)

1969:

Joe Kapp (13)

Gary Couzzo (1)

1970:

Gary Couzzo (12)

Bob Lee (2)

1971:

Gary Couzzo (8)

Bob Lee (4)

Norm Snead (2)

1972:

Fran Tarkenton (14)

1973:

Fran Tarkenton (14)

1974:

Fran Tarkenton (13)

Bob Berry (1)

1975:

Fran Tarkenton (14)

1976:

Fran Tarkenton (13)

Bob Lee (1)

1977:

Fran Tarkenton (9)

Bob Lee (4)

Tommy Kramer (1)

1978:

Fran Tarkenton (16)

1979:

Tommy Kramer (16)

1980:

Tommy Kramer (15)

Steve Dils (1)

1981:

Tommy Kramer (14)

Steve Dils (2)

1982:

Tommy Kramer (9)

1983:

Steve Dils (12)

Tommy Kramer (3)

Wade Wilson (1)

1984:

Tommy Kramer (9)

Wade Wilson (5)

Archie Manning (2)

1985:

Tommy Kramer (15)

Wade Wilson (1)

1986:

Tommy Kramer (13)

Wade Wilson (3)

1987:

Wade Wilson (7)

Tony Adams (3) - replacement games

Tommy Kramer (5)

1988:

Wade Wilson (10)

Tommy Kramer (6)

1989:

Wade Wilson (12)

Tommy Kramer (4)

1990:

Rich Gannon (12)

Wade Wilson (4)

1991:

Rich Gannon (11)

Wade Wilson (5)

1992:

Rich Gannon (12)

Sean Salisbury (4)

1993:

Jim McMahon (12)

Sean Salisbury (4)

1994:

Warren Moon (15)

Sean Salisbury (1)

1995:

Warren Moon (16)

1996:

Warren Moon (8)

Brad Johnson (8)

1997:

Brad Johnson (13)

Randall Cunningham (3)

1998:

Randall Cunningham (14)

Brad Johnson (2)

1999:

Jeff George (10)

Randall Cunningham (6)

2000:

Daunte Culpepper (16)

2001:

Daunte Culpepper (11)

Spergon Wynn (2)

Todd Bouman (3)

2002:

Daunte Culpepper (16)

2003:

Daunte Culpepper (14)

Gus Frerotte (2)

2004:

Daunte Culpepper (16)

2005:

Daunte Culpepper (7)

Brad Johnson (9)

2006:

Brad Johnson (14)

Tarvaris Jackson (2)

2007:

Tarvaris Jackson (12)

Kelly Holcomb (3)

Brooks Bollinger (1)

2008:

Gus Frerotte (11)

Tarvaris Jackson (5)

2009:

Brett Favre (16)

2010:

Brett Favre (13)

Tarvaris Jackson (1)

Joe Webb (2)

2011:

Donovan McNabb (6)

Christian Ponder (10)

2012:

Christian Ponder (16)

2013:

Christian Ponder (9)

Josh Freeman (1)

Matt Cassel (6)

2014:

Matt Cassel (3)

Teddy Bridgewater (12)

Christian Ponder (1)

2015:

Teddy Bridgewater (16)

2016:

Shaun Hill (1)

Sam Bradford (15)

2017:

Sam Bradford (2)

Case Keenum (14)

2018:

Kirk Cousins (16)

2019:

Kirk Cousins (15)

Sean Mannion (1)

2020:

Kirk Cousins (16)

2021:

Kirk Cousins (16)

Sean Mannion (1)

2022:

Kirk Cousins (17)

2023:

Kirk Cousins (8)

Jaren Hall (2)

Josh Dobbs (4)

Nick Mullens (3)

2024:

Sam Darnold (17)

2025: 

J.J. McCarthy (10)

Carson Wentz (5)

Max Brosmer (2)

2026:

?

46 Quarterbacks:

George Shaw

Fran Tarkenton

Ron Vander Kelen

Bob Berry

Joe Kapp

Gary Couzzo

Bob Lee

Norm Snead

Tommy Kramer

Steve Dils

Wade Wilson

Archie Manning

Tony Adams - replacement games

Rich Gannon

Sean Salisbury

Jim McMahon

Warren Moon

Brad Johnson

Randall Cunningham

Jeff George

Daunte Culpepper

Spergon Wynn

Todd Bouman

Gus Frerotte

Tarvaris Jackson

Kelly Holcomb

Brooks Bollinger

Brett Favre

Joe Webb

Donovan McNabb

Christian Ponder

Josh Freeman

Matt Cassel

Teddy Bridgewater

Shaun Hill

Sam Bradford

Case Keenum

Kirk Cousins

Sean Mannion

Jaren Hall

Josh Dobbs

Nick Mullens

Sam Darnold

J.J. McCarthy

Carson Wentz

Max Brosmer

Minnesota Vikings Depth

In the 2025 offseason, the Minnesota Vikings focused on improving the trenches, the offensive and defensive lines. The entire interior offensive line was overhauled. Center Ryan Kelly and right guard Will Fries were targeted in free agency. Left guard Donovan Jackson was selected in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. For the defensive line, the Vikings added Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave. That’s five high-end, at least in name, starters. The team’s decision-makers wanted to surround first-year starting quarterback J.J. McCarthy with talented starters across the offense and defense. The overhaul of the trenches was great on paper in the offseason. It wasn’t great on the field during the season. The Vikings rebuilt offensive line never really had a chance as injuries ripped the group apart. The disrupted offensive line resulted in injuries to the quarterbacks they couldn’t properly protect. The defensive line was sound mostly because the Vikings defense was so well schemed. Allen and Hargrave had some moments but they didn’t make the consistent impact that was hoped. Of the five trench players added, only two remain on the roster, the guards Fries and Jackson. Concussions forced Kelly to retire. Allen and Hargrave were released.

This offseason was a bit different. From the start, it felt like a roster reset. That was an easy assumption after the firing of general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah. The Vikings navigated the offseason without a full-time general manager as salary cap wizard was named interim GM. Especially after the focused offseason of 2025, this offseason felt more intentional. Perhaps it was simply because the team was so strapped by the salary cap. From free agency to the draft, it felt like the moves were made with the whole roster in mind. Whether intentional or not the Vikings depth was improved. 

It’s easy to start with the depth at quarterback and the offensive line. The Vikings 2025 season was torpedoed by injuries at quarterback and throughout the offensive front. For the second time in Kevin O’Connell’s four years as the head coach, injuries forced the Vikings to play three quarterbacks. In 2023 (Jaren Hall) and 2025 (Max Brosmer), a late-round or undrafted rookie was forced to play when they weren’t remotely ready for the NFL. It was brutal to watch. After the unfortunate 2025 season finally ended, O’Connell stressed the importance of improving the quarterback room, the entire quarterback room. That led to the bargain signing of Kyler Murray and the retention of Carson Wentz. Most talking heads seemed to forget O’Connell’s words and assumed that Murray was signed to start ahead of J.J. McCarthy. All of those talking heads seemed surprised, at least skeptical, by a quarterback competition. O’Connell clearly wants no part of another season wrecked by quarterback injuries. I believe that any of the Vikings three quarterbacks could lead the team to the playoffs, and beyond. Hopefully, that won’t be necessary and only one has to do it. 

The offensive line. The two guard additions in 2025 join bookend tackles Christian Darrisaw and Brian O’Neill to form a solid, perhaps much better, offensive line. Center is the question mark. Blake Brandel has been a valuable swing offensive linemen since he was selected in the sixth round of the 2020 NFL Draft. Injuries forced him to take the first center snaps of his football life last season. He’s penciled in as the starter this season. I’m an optimistic sort. Brandel might not be the team’s long-term answer at center but I do expect him to play at an above average level. The key offensive line addition this offseason have been restricted free agent tackle Ryan Van Demark and the selection of tackle Caleb Tiernan in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft. I can’t remember the last time the Vikings selected in an offensive lineman on Day 1 or Day 2 when that player wasn’t immediately needed. Van Demark and Tiernan give the team the most talented tackle depth I can remember. The hope, of course, is that they won’t be needed this season. 

With the release of Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave, the Vikings defensive line was immediately suspect. I was intrigued by the group that remained because each was underrated and under-appreciated.

Jalen Redmond

Levi Drake Rodriguez

Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins

Elijah Williams

Taki Taimani

As a 2025 fifth-round pick, Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins was the most heralded. Levi Drake Rodriguez was a 2024 seventh-round pick. The others weren’t drafted. Even with Allen and Hargrave on the field, Jalen Redmond was the Vikings defensive line star last season. He made an impact in his first year as a starter and is an emerging talent. I was so intrigued by the potential of this rag-tag group that I wasn’t completely sold on defensive line being a significant need in the draft. What did the Vikings do? They attacked the position in the draft. Caleb Banks was selected in the first round and Domonique Orange in the third round. As the draft unfolded, I was shocked. After, I was thrilled. The Vikings defensive line is a young group. It’s also a group that could be a real force. I can’t wait to see a potential starting trio of Redmond, Banks, and Orange. More than anything, the depth on the defensive line was improved. The group gives Brian Flores options he hasn’t had in his three years as the Vikings defensive coordinator. The rotation will be fun. 

The improved depth at quarterback, offensive line, and defensive line are the highlights. The Vikings also improved the depth at receiver with the signing of Juaun Jennings. Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison were one of the best receiving duos in the league. The Vikings now have the league’s best trio. The signing of James Pierre and drafting of Chuck Demmings greatly improves the cornerback room. The drafting of Demond Claiborne gives the Vikings a new running back dimension with his speed and quickness. It also creates an interesting competition with Zavier Scott for RB3. It might even force the Vikings to possibly keep four backs. 

While the Vikings have improved the depth at most positions, there are some positions with suspect depth. That starts with the outside linebackers. Andrew Van Ginkel and Dallas Turner are strong starters. The draft day trade of Jonathan Greenard was a hit to the depth. Turner is ready to replace Greenard as a starter. There’s now a bit of a void on the bench. On the current roster, some combination of second-round pick Jake Golday, off-the-ball linebacker Eric Wilson, and lineman Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins might fill that void. Otherwise, it’s a trio of undrafted players competing for roster spots and playing time. Tight end depth is another concern. T.J. Hockenson and Josh Oliver are a terrific duo. Second-year players Gavin Bartholomew and Ben Yurosek need to step up. 

Other than the quarterback, the Vikings roster additions were somewhat under-the-radar. A quarterback addition is always over-the-radar. Taken individually, the additions didn’t ring a lot of bells. Taken as a whole, they improved the overall depth of the roster. 

NFL Top 100

The Minnesota Vikings have a break from training camp today. That makes it a fine time to check on the NFL Top 100. Since the release has been so quiet, it’s easy to miss. As of Friday, the quiet release is through 41.

NFL Top 100 Players of 2026

100. Cameron Jordan, DE, New Orleans Saints

  99. Quenton Nelson, G, Indianapolis Colts

  98. Bryce Young, QB, Carolina Panthers 

  97. Ernest Jones, LB, Seattle Seahawks 

  96. Travis Etienne, RB, New Orleans Saints

  95. Demario Davis, LB, New York Jets

  94. Creed Humphrey, C, Kansas City Chiefs

  93. Carson Schwesinger, LB, Cleveland Browns 

  92. Azeez Al-Shaair, LB, Houston Texans

  91. Montez Sweat, DE, Chicago Bears 

  90. Derrick Brown, DL, Carolina Panthers 

  89. Kyren Williams, RB, Los Angeles Rams 

  88. Jack Campbell, LB, Detroit Lions

  87. Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Carolina Panthers

  86. Tuli Tuipulotu, Edge, Los Angeles Chargers

  85. Brock Purdy, QB, San Francisco 49ers 

  84. Byron Young, Edge, Los Angeles Rams 

  83. Jeffery Simmons, DT, Tennessee Titans 

  82. Jalen Ramsey, CB, Pittsburgh Steelers 

  81. Bobby Wagner, LB, Washington Commanders

  80. A.J. Brown, WR, New England Patriots 

  79. Travis Kelce, TE, Kansas City Chiefs 

  77. Baker Mayfield, QB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

  76. Jaycee Horn, CB, Carolina Panthers

  75. Budda Baker, Arizona Cardinals

  74. Josh Jacobs, RB, Green Bay Packers

  73. Zach Allen, DL, Denver Broncos

  72. Jordan Love, QB, Green Bay Packers

  71. Zay Flowers, WR, Baltimore Ravens

  70. Xavier McKinney, S, Green Bay Packers

  69. Lamar Jackson, QB, Baltimore Ravens

  68. Courtland Sutton, WR, Denver Broncos

  67. Jordyn Brooks, LB, Miami Dolphins

  66. Drake London, WR, Atlanta Falcons

  65. Roquan Smith, LB, Baltimore Ravens

  64. Chris Olave, WR, New Orleans Saints

  63. Kyle Hamilton, S, Baltimore Ravens

  62. Trevor Lawrence, QB, Jacksonville Jaguars

  61. Kevin Byard, S, New England Patriots

  60. Brock Bowers, TE, Las Vegas Raiders

  59. Bo Nix, QB, Denver Broncos

  58. Nico Collins, WR, Houston Texans

  57. Dion Dawkins, OT, Buffalo Bills

  56. Jalen Hurts, QB, Philadelphia Eagles

  55. CeeDee Lamb, WR, Dallas Cowboys

  54. Fred Warner, LB, San Francisco 49ers

  53. Davante Adams, WR, Los Angeles Rams

  52. Tristan Wirfs, OT, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

  51. Caleb Williams, QB, Chicago Bears

  50. Derwin James, S, Los Angeles Chargers

  49. Joe Thuney, G, Chicago Bears

  48. Josh Hines-Allen, DE, Jacksonville Jaguars

  47. Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Philadelphia Eagles 

  46. George Kittle, TE, San Francisco 49ers

  45. Zack Baun, LB, Philadelphia Eagles

  44. Joe Burrow, QB, Cincinnati Bengals

  43. Chris Jones, DL, Kansas City Chiefs

  42. Garrett Bolles, OT, Denver Broncos

  41. T.J. Watt, OLB, Pittsburgh Steelers

There’s the first 60 players of the NFL Top 100. Perhaps the most interesting thing about the 40 players is the impressive number of off-the-ball linebackers. 

Ernest Jones

Demario Davis

Carson Schwesinger

Azeez Al-Shaair 

Jack Campbell

Bobby Wagner

Jordyn Brooks

Roquan Smith

Fred Warner

Zack Baun

Nine of the 60 players so far are off-the-ball linebackers. The under-appreciated position is getting some appreciation. There’s old farts like Demario Davis and Bobby Wagner mixed with youngsters like Carson Schwesinger and Jack Campbell. Nick Bolton, Devin Loyd, Edgerrin Cooper haven’t shown but I can’t imagine them appearing ahead of Fred Warner and Zack Baun. That means this list has no off-the-ball linebackers among the top forty players. Injuries are to blame for Warner not being higher. He dropped 38 spots from last year’s list because he only played in six games last season. 

Speaking of drops, here are some of the players among the first 60 that dropped the furthest from last year’s list.

Lamar Jackson - 67 spot drop

A.J. Brown - 51 spot drop

Fred Warner - 38 spot drop

Travis Kelce - 42 spot drop

Budda Baker - 41 spot drop

Josh Jacobs - 41 spot drop

Xavier McKinney - 40 spot drop

Joe Burrow - 38 spot drop

Jalen Hurts - 37 spot drop

Brock Bowers - 36 spot drop

Chris Jones - 31 spot drop

T.J. Watt - 30 spot drop

Baker Mayfield - 27 spot drop

Nico Collins - 26 spot drop

Roquan Smith - 25 spot drop

Tristan Wirfs - 24 spot drop

CeeDee Lamb - 20 spot drop

On the flip-side, here are some of the players that jumped the most.

Drake London - 31 spot jump

Josh Sweat - 17 spot jump

Zach Allen - 17 spot jump

Josh Hines-Allen - 17 spot drop

Congratulations to the jumpers. Condolences to the droppers. 

The NFL Top 100 will quietly continue this week. 

Remembering Korey Stringer

Minnesota Vikings training camp always brings excitement for a new season. When July turns to August there’s a stumble. When August 1 hits, my breath is taken away. The excitement turns to frustration. It's been that way since 2001. That's when Korey Stringer gave more than he had in the Mankato heat. I can’t believe it’s been 25 years. 

The internet wasn't what it is today at the turn of the century. As a Vikings fan in California it was tough to gather updates as Stringer fought for his life. I knew that he was taken from practice to the hospital in serious condition. I went through the "no news is good news" process until there was news. Big K was gone.

I learned a lot about my passion for the Vikings that day. Korey Stringer's death hit me like I'd lost a loved one. I had. It's the only way to explain how I've felt every August 1 since, and many days in between. The players and coaches that populate the history of this damn team become family to me as soon as they put on the purple. They've always been more than people on a football field or faces on a card. I hadn't realized those feelings until one of them was taken far too soon. Some might think that’s an odd way to feel about people one has never met but I don't really care. Sometimes you just can't control how you feel.

On this day, I always remember the heart-wrenching press conference with Cris Carter, Randy Moss, and Dennis Green. Even in memory, Moss breaks me every single time. I also think of the beautiful article written by Chris Mortensen.

And I always think of Kelci and Kodie. The people that truly lost a loved one.

Every time I see #77 in video clips it brings great joy. Sometimes I watch highlights of the incredible 1998 season just to see Stringer. He's alive again even if it's only for a few moments. As long as people that miss him remember him, he'll always live. That's why I'll always remember Korey Stringer. Unfortunately, when July turns to August it's far easier to remember that sad day than his wonderful life. This day will always be hard. But, I'll always remember. 

RIP Big K