With 53-Man Rosters on the mind how about a swing at an All-Time 53-Man Roster for the Minnesota Vikings. It's just a little something to pass the time while 32 teams prepare/don't prepare for their final preseason game in advance of some roster-whittling.
Quarterbacks
Fran Tarkenton
Daunte Culpepper
Joe Kapp
Joe Kapp is on the team for no other reason but for his leadership and fiery personality. He'll probably be thrown in the game at fullback or tight end simply to get him off of the sidelines. He'll be driving everyone nuts if he's standing still.
Running Backs
Adrian Peterson
Chuck Foreman
Robert Smith
Darrin Nelson
The first three are automatics. Darrin Nelson is a change of pace and third down back.
Fullback
Tony Richardson
Tony Richardson was only with the Vikings for two seasons but he was an excellent lead blocker and leader in general.
Receivers
Cris Carter
Randy Moss
Anthony Carter
Ahmad Rashad
John Gilliam
Cris Carter and Randy Moss are two of the best receivers in league history. Anthony Carter was a big play waiting to happen. He'll also be the punt returner. I've always felt the Ahmad Rashad would be in the Hall of Fame if he'd played his entire career with the Vikings. John Gilliam will also return kicks.
Tight Ends
Steve Jordan
Joe Senser
Kyle Rudolph
Jim Kleinsasser
Three pass catchers and one of the best blocking tight ends ever.
Tackles
Ron Yary
Gary Zimmerman
Grady Alderman
Korey Stringer
A couple of Hall of Famers and a couple of excellent backups.
Guards
Randall McDaniel
Steve Hutchinson
Ed White
Randall McDaniel is honored in Canton. Steve Hutchinson will join him. Perhaps as well as next year. One could make the argument that Ed White should be there as well.
Centers
Mick Tingelhoff
Matt Birk
Another Hall of Famer in Mick Tingelhoff.
Defensive Ends
Carl Eller
Chris Doleman
Jim Marshall
Jared Allen
Everson Griffen
Meet at the quarterback.
Defensive Tackles
Alan Page
John Randle
Keith Millard
Kevin Williams
Pat Williams
Linval Joseph
Alan Page, John Randle, Keith Millard, and Kevin Williams get into the backfield a lot. Pat Williams and Linval Joesph would form a wall against the run.
Linebackers
Matt Blair
Jeff Siemon
Chad Greenway
Scott Studwell
Anthony Barr
Eric Kendricks
It's a bit early for Anthony Barr and Eric Kendricks but they have the talent to be the best linebackers in franchise history.
Cornerbacks
Carl Lee
Antoine Winfield
Xavier Rhodes
Bobby Bryant
No Hall of Famers and many outside of Minnesota might not be too familiar with them but I really like this group.
Safeties
Paul Krause
Joey Browner
Harrison Smith
Karl Kassulke
Paul Krause intercepted more passes than anyone in league history. Joey Browner and Harrison Smith can play and make game-changing plays from anywhere on the field.
Kicker
Ryan Longwell
Punter
Chris Kluwe
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