Minnesota Vikings Pre-Draft Roster
Offense
Quarterbacks
Kyler Murray
J.J. McCarthy
Carson Wentz
Max Brosmer
The Vikings completely remade their quarterback room this offseason. That happens when a team is forced to field at least three quarterbacks two of the last three seasons. Both seasons were derailed when the third quarterback couldn’t reach a mediocre bar. The Vikings now have three quarterbacks that can win games. Quarterback isn’t a draft need. Maybe a late-round or undrafted project to challenge Max Brosmer.
Running Backs
Aaron Jones
Jordan Mason
Zavier Scott
With Aaron Jones back for one more season, running back isn’t an immediate need but it is need. I’d be surprised if the Vikings don’t come out of Day 2 with a running back.
Receivers
Justin Jefferson
Jordan Addison
Tai Felton
Myles Price
Jeshaun Jones
Dontae Fleming
Joaquin Davis
In Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, the Vikings have the best receiving duo in the league. As a third-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Tai Felton was selected as the eventual replacement for Jalen Nailor as the Vikings WR3. Nailor left for the Las Vegas Raiders in free agency. Felton earned a signifiant special teams role but did little on offense. He needs to step up in his second season. Whether it’s Felton, an early draft pick, or a free agent, the Vikings need a third receiver to take some pressure off Jefferson and Addison.
Tight Ends
T.J. Hockenson
Josh Oliver
Gavin Bartholomew
Ben Yurosek
Bryson Nesbit
The Vikings tight end position is similar to the running back position. It’s not an immediate need but T.J. Hockenson’s contract was re-done to allow his free agency departure next offseason. The position will soon be a significant need. It might be best to get ahead of it with a talented prospect in this draft.
Tackles
Christian Darrisaw
Brian O’Neill
Ryan Van Demark
Walter Rouse
Caleb Etienne
The Vikings have strong bookend tackles in Christian Darrisaw and Brian O’Neill. Darrisaw struggled to stay on the field last season in his return from a 2024 ACL injury. If those struggles are behind him, the Vikings are set at tackle for as long as O’Neill plays. Hopefully, he has a handful of years remaining in him. Ryan Van Demark was a significant depth addition this offseason.
Guards
Donovan Jackson
Will Fries
Joe Huber
Henry Byrd
As a rookie, Donovan Jackson improved through the season. Coming off a significant leg injury in 2024, Will Fries did the same. They should form a formidable guard duo in their second season with the Vikings. As an undrafted rookie, Joe Huber played well in his single start last season. While not a significant need, a team should never pass up a chance to provide more depth to the offensive line.
Centers
Blake Brandel
Michael Jurgens
Vershon Lee
It feels like Blake Brandel is a placeholder at center. I expect the Vikings to find their franchise center on Day 2 of the draft. If that happens, Brandel would provide strong depth at all of the interior offensive line positions. If the Vikings can’t find their center in the draft, Brandel would be a solid option at the position. However, the offensive line depth would take a hit.
Defense
Defensive Line
Jalen Redmond
Levi Drake Rodriguez
Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins
Elijah Williams
Taki Taimani
Jaylon Hutchings
This is a very young and very interesting group. Jalen Redmond arrived last season. He’s a problem for offenses. Levi Drake Rodriguez emerged last season in a rotational role. Perhaps, he breaks out this season like Redmond did last season. The same could be true of Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins. Elijah Williams appeared in seven games as an undrafted rookie. He has intriguing potential. Taki Taimani is the only defensive lineman on the roster with nose tackle size. Jaylon Hutchings is a signing out of the Canadian Football League. While I really like the talent and potential of this young group, defensive line could be, and should be, addressed early in the draft.
Outside Linebackers
Jonathan Greenard
Andrew Van Ginkel
Dallas Turner
Bo Richter
Tyler Batty
Chaz Chambliss
With Jonathan Greenard, Andrew Van Ginkel, and Dallas Turner, outside linebacker is a Vikings strength. Perhaps the biggest challenge is finding enough snaps for the trio. Still, a team can never have enough pass rushers. And Van Ginkel, unfortunately, can’t play forever. I can see a pass rusher selected early in the draft.
Inside Linebackers
Blake Cashman
Eric Wilson
Ivan Pace Jr.
Josh Ross
Jacob Roberts
Blake Cashman is brilliant when he’s on the field. Eric Wilson was a revelation last year. They are a terrific duo. Cashman turns 30 this year. Wilson turns 32. I’d like to see the Vikings add a promising linebacker in the draft.
Cornerbacks
Byron Murphy Jr.
Isaiah Rodgers
James Pierre
Zemaiah Vaughn
Dwight McGlothern
With the free agency addition of James Pierre, the Vikings now have a solid corner trio. Byron Murphy Jr. is 28. Isaiah Rodgers is 28. Pierre will be 30 at the start of the season. The Vikings could use a talented rookie. Perhaps a first-round corner.
Safeties
Joshua Metellus
Theo Jackson
Jay Ward
Tavierre Thomas
Kahlef Hailassie
Perhaps Harrison Smith as well.
Harrison Smith has yet to announce his retirement. I believe the longer it takes, the more likely it is that he returns. He’s only 37. With or without Smith, safety is a need. There’s a reason safety is the position most frequently mocked to the Vikings.
Special Teams
Kicker
Will Reichard
Will Reichard is the best kicker in the league.
Punter
Johnny Hekker
The Vikings signed Johnny Hekker this offseason. I wish that they were getting Hekker of about ten years ago. He’s still a solid punter and excellent holder.
Long Snapper
Andrew DePaola
At 38, Andrew DePoala is still the best long snapper in the league.
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