Final Guess At Minnesota Vikings 53-Man Roster

The Minnesota Vikings play the Tennessee Titans in Preseason Game #3 on Friday. Soon after the final practice game, the roster will be reduced to 53 players. In advance of the real roster-trimming, here’s a final guess at the Vikings 53-man roster. 

Final Guess At Minnesota Vikings 53-Man Roster

Offense (24)

Quarterbacks (3)

J.J McCarthy

Sam Howell

Max Brosmer

Until now, I tried to manufacture an extra roster spot by keeping only two quarterbacks and keeping, at least, a third quarterback on the practice squad. I never thought that was wise. I just hoped to add an extra player at another position. Due to his play in the preseason, I don’t think undrafted rookie Max Brosmer can be snuck onto the practice squad. 

Running Backs (3)

Aaron Jones

Jordan Mason

Zavier Scott

The first two are set. Based only on preseason observations, I believe that Zavier Scott has outplayed Ty Chandler for RB3.  

Fullback (1)

C.J. Ham

Receivers (5)

Justin Jefferson

Jalen Nailor

Tai Felton

Lucky Jackson

Myles Price

Suspended for three games: Jordan Addison

The Vikings have four receiver locks. Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, Jalen Nailor, and Tai Felton. Unfortunately, Addison is suspended for the first three games. Despite a shaky showing in the second preseason game, I feel that Lucky Jackson has played his way to a roster spot. My offseason hope was that Rondale Moore would grab an offensive role and the punt return job. Those hopes were dashed when he was lost for the season to a knee injury in the first preseason game. That opened a return opportunity for Myles Price. He makes the roster as a returner. The Vikings will be forced to reassess that when Addison returns to the roster. 

Tight Ends (3)

T.J. Hockenson

Josh Oliver

Ben Yurosek

Like the running backs, the top two tight ends are set. Ben Yurosek played his way to TE3.

Offensive Line (9)

Christian Darrsisaw

Donovan Jackson

Ryan Kelly

Will Fries

Brian O’Neill

Justin Skule

Blake Brandel

Walter Rouse

Michael Jurgens

The biggest question with the offensive line is whether to keep nine or ten. I’m going with nine and hoping the Vikings can stash undrafted rookies Logan Brown and Joe Huber on the practice squad. 

Defense (26)

Defensive Line (6)

Jonathan Allen

Harrison Phillips

Javon Hargrave

Jalen Redmond

Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins

Levi Drake Rodriguez

I believe that the most difficult roster decisions will be with the defensive line. There’s about nine players in this position group that I want to see on the roster. Undrafted rookie Elijah Williams may have forced the Vikings to somehow keep seven defensive linemen. 

Outside Linebackers (5)

Jonathan Greenard

Andrew Van Ginkel

Dallas Turner

Gabriel Murphy

Bo Richter

This is going to be a fun group. 

Inside Linebackers (4)

Ivan Pace Jr.

Blake Cashman

Eric Wilson

Kobe King  

The four have been pretty set since Brian Asamoah II was released last week. 

Cornerbacks (6)

Byron Murphy Jr.

Isaiah Rodgers

Mekhi Blackmon

Jeff Okudah

Dwight McGlothern

Zemaiah Vaughn

As with the defensive line, there will be some tough roster decisions at cornerback. 

Safeties (5)

Harrison Smith

Josh Metellus

Theo Jackson

Jay Ward

Tavierre Thomas

It’s easy to see the first four on the roster. Tavierre Thomas makes the roster for his special teams play. 

Special Teams (3)

Kickers (1)

Will Reichard

Punter (1)

Ryan Wright

Long Snapper (1)

Andrew DePaola

The only question among the specialists is whether Ryan Wright can keep the punting job over the challenge of rookie Oscar Chapman.