Minnesota Vikings' 53-Man Roster?

I always hate projecting a Minnesota Vikings' 53-man roster in May. It just doesn't feel right to make roster decisions, even hypothetical decisions, on players before they even have a shot to show what they can do with this team and the team's coaches. But I can't help myself. After the draft, I can't help but think about what the Vikings' roster might look like in September. Currently, there are three open spots on the roster. If there had been the usual tryouts at a rookie mini-camp, those spots might've been filled by another undrafted free agent, or two or three. More likely, those spots will be filled by experienced NFL free agents. That's fine for training camp competition but unless that experienced NFL free agent is Everson Griffen or a solid guard I'm not sure that he or they make the 53-man roster. I don't think that an experienced free agent cornerback makes the final roster because I don't think that he'll start over Mike Hughes or Jeff Gladney or whichever youngster emerges. What's the point of adding an experienced backup at the position at the expense of young potential? If the young cornerbacks need experienced guidance perhaps it's the safeties Harrison Smith and Anthony Harris that provide it. I don't see another Terence Newman on the free agent market. Anyway, here's a very early guess at a potential Minnesota Vikings' 53-man roster.

Offense (25 Players)

Quarterbacks (2)
Kirk Cousins
Sean Mannion

Running Backs (4)
Dalvin Cook
Alexander Mattison
Mike Boone
Ameer Abdullah

I could see Ameer Abdullah being on the outs if a roster spot is needed for another position (defensive tackle/receiver/tight end).

Fullback (1)
C.J. Ham

Receivers (5)
Adam Thielen
Justin Jefferson
Olabisi Johnson
Tajaé Sharpe
K.J. Osborn

I've seen several in the Vikings universe say that K.J. Osborn shouldn't make the roster for punt returns alone. That wouldn't be an extraordinary move seeing as Marcus Sherels made the roster for years simply because he was a terrific punt returner. I think that Osborn can and will provide something as a receiver in addition to those punt returns. It's tough to leave Chad Beebe off the roster. If he can stay on the field maybe he earns a spot on the roster. I'm curious to see undrafted free agent Quartney Davis. He could be a wildcard.

Tight Ends (3)
Kyle Rudolph
Irv Smith Jr.
Tyler Conklin

With the team's use of multiple tight ends it wouldn't be a surprise if four tight ends make the roster. If a fourth emerges.

Offensive Line (10)
Ezra Cleveland
Riley Reiff
Garrett Bradbury
Dru Samia
Brian O'Neill
Rashod Hill
Pat Elflein
Dakota Dozier
Oli Udoh
Aviante Collins

If he's ready for the NFL, second-round pick Ezra Cleveland is the starting left tackle and the offensive line adjusts accordingly. I'm guessing that adjustment would involve Riley Reiff moving to left guard. Despite being one of the starting five for each of his three seasons in the league, Pat Elflein might be fighting for his roster life this summer.

Defense (25 Players)

Defensive Ends (4)
Danielle Hunter
Ifeadi Odenigbo
D.J. Wonnum
Kenny Willekes

If Everson Griffen returns, this changes.

Defensive Tackles (5)
Armon Watts
Michael Pierce
Jaleel Johnson
Jalyn Holmes
James Lynch

The defensive tackle competition might be the most interesting of training camp. Shamar Stephen is a disappointing cut here. Hercules Mata'afa is a tough cut. He's such an intriguing football player. I really like Armon Watts.

Linebackers (6)
Anthony Barr
Eric Kendricks
Ben Gedeon
Eric Wilson
Cameron Smith
Troy Dye

I can see Ben Gedeon reclaiming his starting job. Or getting cut. Concussions are always concerning. I'm concerned about his concussions. After watching Troy Dye for four years at Oregon, I can see him starting as a rookie. Linebacker is a position that could go light if there's a need at another position.

Cornerbacks (6)
Mike Hughes
Jeff Gladney
Holton Hill
Cameron Dantzler
Kris Boyd
Harrison Hand

The cornerback competition might be as interesting as the defensive tackle competition. I might be putting a lot of faith in rookie corners Jeff Gladney, Cameron Dantzler, and Harrison Hand but I really like their potential. Especially Gladney. Undrafted free agent Nevelle Clarke might force his way into the competition as well.

Safeties (4)
Harrison Smith
Anthony Harris
Josh Metellus
Brian Cole II

Roster opportunities are there for rookies Josh Metellus, Brian Cole II, and undrafted free agent Myles Dorn as Harrison Smith and Anthony Harris are the only veterans on the roster.

Special Teams (3 Players)

Kicker
Dan Bailey

Punter
Britton Colquitt

Long Snapper
Austin Cutting