Quarterback
J.J. McCarthy
Brett Rypien
General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and head coach Kevin O’Connell came to Minnesota in 2022 with this day in mind. The roster work of the past three offseasons was focused on the day in which a talented, young quarterback on a rookie contract topped the position’s depth chart. Moving forward, J.J. McCarthy has the keys to the Vikings offense. I can’t wait for the start of this new era of Vikings football. Adofo-Mensah and O’Connell can talk up the traits of Brett Rypien all they want but the Vikings need a veteran quarterback supporting their young, inexperienced starter. That veteran quarterback was supposed to be Daniel Jones. Instead of supporting McCarthy, Jones decided to compete for a starting job with the Indianapolis Colts. No one can blame him for that. That disappointment leaves the Vikings sifting through the likes of Joe Flacco, Carson Wentz, and Ryan Tannehill.
Running Back
Aaron Jones
Jordan Mason
Ty Chandler
Zavier Scott
C.J. Ham - fullback
A few weeks ago, the Vikings possibly selecting a running back in the first round was a trendy topic. Then they acquired Jordan Mason from the San Francisco 49ers. That trade gave the Vikings a top notch running back duo. Running back could still be a late-round need as they could use a situational back with receiving skills. On that note, I’m curious to see Zavier Scott. The Vikings signed him to the practice just before the start of last season. No one’s seen him on the field, in a game, in a Vikings jersey. He played some receiver in college. Perhaps the team’s pass-catching back is already on the roster.
Wide Receiver
Justin Jefferson
Jordan Addison
Jalen Nailor
Rondale Moore
Thayer Thomas
Lucky Jackson
Jeshaun Jones
Tim Jones
The Vikings receiving duo of Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison is arguably the league’s best. Jalen Nailor is a speedy #3. The free agent addition of Rondale Moore gives the Vikings some unique options. Anytime he gets the ball in his hands he can create an explosive play. The only thing this receiver group is missing is a big, possession receiver. I’m not sure if the Vikings decision-makers are necessarily looking for one but I see a need for a 6’3”, or taller, receiver that’s excellent in contested catch situations. A receiver like Iowas State’s Jayden Higgins works.
Tight End
T.J. Hockenson
Josh Oliver
The departure of Johnny Mundt in free agency made tight end depth a significant need. T.J. Hockenson and Josh Oliver are very good to excellent in their roles but the Vikings need another tight end.
Offensive Line
Christian Darrisaw
Blake Brandel
Ryan Kelly
Will Fries
Brian O’Neill
Justin Skule
Walter Rouse
Michael Jurgens
Marcellus Johnson
Leroy Watson
Trevor Reid
Henry Byrd
Improving the interior of the offensive line was one of the biggest needs of the offseason. The Vikings addressed those needs with the signings of Ryan Kelly and Will Fries. A significant weakness in 2024 became a strength in 2025. The Vikings could continue the aggressive offensive line rebuild by adding another interior offensive lineman early in the draft. Blake Brandel is a solid player but an elite talent would bump him to a strong depth role. Ryan Kelly is also 32 and closer to the end of his career than the start. A player like North Dakota State’s Grey Zabel could start out at left guard and be the eventual replacement for Kelly at center. Whatever the team’s plans, I expect the offensive line to be further addressed in the draft. For the first time in more than a decade, the Vikings have the makings of a very good offensive line. They can’t allow a slide back past mediocrity by not continuing to address the group.
Minnesota Vikings offensive needs:
1. Backup Quarterback - free agency
2. Interior Offensive Line - draft
3. Backup Tight End - draft/undrafted
4. Big Receiver - draft/undrafted
5. Pass Catching Back - draft/might already be on the roster.
Tomorrow: Minnesota Vikings Defensive Needs
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