I am so glad that the real decisions aren't mine. The Minnesota Vikings' decision-makers will have some really tough decisions to make in about three weeks. My decisions are just for fun.
Quarterbacks
Sam Bradford
Case Keenum
Taylor Heinicke
Teddy Bridgewater-PUP
The only alternative quarterback depth chart would be if the Vikings decide to keep only two quarterbacks. In that case, Taylor Heinicke might be on the outside looking in. He struggled in the first preseason game and Case Keenum played well. There's also the possibility that Teddy Bridgewater is suddenly ready to return to the field and then we have a whole other quarterback story.
Running backs
Dalvin Cook
Latavius Murray
Jerick McKinnon
C.J. Ham-fullback
This is probably close to being set. Some fans and talking heads toss out the possibility that the Vikings could still decide not to carry a fullback. It seems kinda late in the process to go that route but some tough roster decisions at other positions (defensive line and linebacker) could force it.
Receivers
Stefon Diggs
Adam Thielen
Laquon Treadwell
Jarius Wright
Stacy Coley
Rodney Adams
On the bubble: Cayleb Jones
Michael Floyd will be off the roster at the start of the season as he serves a four-game suspension. That puts off a tough decision for four weeks. It also gives Stacy Coley and Rodney Adams an extra four (real) games to state their case. Or Cayleb Jones. He's been as impressive, if not more so, than the two rookie draft picks in training camp. Perhaps the yougsters even make veteran Jarius Wright expendable. Who knows? I don't. Again, I'm glad that these aren't my decisions to make in reality.
Tight ends
Kyle Rudolph
David Morgan
Bucky Hodges
On the bubble: Kyle Carter, Nick Truesdell, Josiah Price
The Vikings could go with four tight ends but that feels excessive with some of the decisions at other positions.
Offensive line
Riley Reiff
Alex Boone
Pat Elflein
Joe Berger
Mike Remmers
Rashod Hill
Danny Isidora
Nick Easton
Willie Beavers
On the bubble: T.J. Clemmings, Jeremiah Sirles, Zac Kerin, Aviante Collins, Reid Fragel. Freddie Tagaloa, Austin Shepherd
This offensive line group doesn't look much like last year's group. That's a good thing. Here's hoping that the season-long health is different as well.
Defensive line
Everson Griffen
Linval Joseph
Tom Johnson
Danielle Hunter
Brian Robison
Datone Jones
Jaleel Johnson
Shamar Stephen
Stephen Weatherly
Sharrif Floyd-PUP
On the bubble: Ifeadi Odenigbo, Tashawn Bower, Will Sutton, Dylan Bradley
This is the most talented position group on the team. As a result the final cuts will be tough. Probably the toughest on the team. I'm leaning toward keeping a young defensive end (Tashawn Bower or Ifaedi Odenigbo, probably Bower) over veteran 3-technique Tom Johnson. No matter how I shape this position group it doesn't feel right. There are too many players on the outside that are too talented to be there.
Linebackers
Anthony Barr
Eric Kendricks
Edmond Robinson
Kentrell Brothers
Ben Gedeon
Eric Wilson
On the bubble: Emmanuel Lamur, Eijah Lee
If this projection holds, Emmanuel Lamur moves from potential starter at weak-side linebacker to off the roster. That's due more to my projecting the Vikings keeping youngsters than Lamur's abilities. I'd like to keep seven linebackers but I don't think that will fit in the final numbers game. Kentrell Brothers has been out with a hamstring injury for nearly the entirety of training camp. Perhaps he gets placed on injured reserve. That would open the door for Lamur or rookie Elijah Lee.
Cornerbacks
Xavier Rhodes
Trae Waynes
Mackensie Alexander
Terence Newman
Marcus Sherels
On the bubble: Jabari Price, Horace Richardson, Terrell Sinkfield, Tre Roberson
Xavier Rhodes and Trae Waynes are the outside corner pair. Mackensie Alexander takes over at nickel. Terence Newman backs up all three spots. Marcus Sherels will likely be the punt and kick returner. He can step in on defense if needed. Safety Antone Exum, Jr. has been working at nickel throughout training camp so he provides some extra corner depth.
Safeties
Harrison Smith
Andrew Sendejo
Jayron Kearse
Jack Tocho
Antone Exum, Jr.
On the bubble: Anthony Harris
5 safeties seem like a luxury but Exum provides some emergency depth at corner. Keeping one of the young defensive ends over five safeties might be the better option.
Kicker
Marshall Koehn
On the bubble: Kai Forbath
Punter
Taylor Symmank
On the bubble: Ryan Quigley
Long snapper
Kevin McDermott
There it is.
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