Another Minnesota Vikings 53-Man Roster Projection

The Minnesota Vikings played their preseason game on Saturday. A 13-10 win over the New York Giants on the shit surface of MetLife Stadium. The Vikings have joint practices with the Baltimore Ravens today and tomorrow at spectacular TCO Performance Center. Training camp and the preseason are moving right along. It’s a fine time to take a swing at another Vikings 53-man roster projection. This is the first one that doesn’t include the hoped-for return of safety Harrison Smith. When I was convinced that he was returning for his 15th season, I was certain that it would be at the start of training camp. I simply didn’t see him as one to stroll back to the teams after all the “hard” work is done. If he was coming back, it would be for all of it. While I still hope/believe that he returns, I don’t have Smith as part of this roster projection. 

Another Minnesota Vikings 53-man Roster Projection

Offense (25)

Quarterback (3)

Kyler Murray

J.J. McCarthy

Carson Wentz

Running Back (3)

Aaron Jones

Jordan Mason

Demond Claiborne

Not including Zavier Scott is difficult. 

Fullback (1)

Max Bredeson

Wide Receiver (6)

Justin Jefferson

Jordan Addison

Jauan Jennings

Tai Felton

Myles Price

Jeshaun Jones

Tight End (3)

T.J. Hockenson

Josh Oliver

Gavin Bartholomew

Offensive Line (9)

Christian Darrisaw

Donovan Jackson

Blake Brandel

Will Fries

Brian O’Neill

Ryan Van Demark

Caleb Tiernan

Michael Jurgens

Joe Huber

Defense (25)

Defensive Line (6)

Jalen Redmond

Levi Drake Rodriguez

Caleb Banks

Domonique Orange

Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins

Elijah Williams

After receiver, this might be my favorite position group on the team. 

Outside Linebacker (4)

Andrew Van Ginkel

Dallas Turner

Bo Richter

Chaz Chambliss

Many pundits still believe the Vikings will supplement the outside linebacker group with a veteran free agent. I’m beginning to believe that Brian Flores will dip into the linebacker group to support outside linebacker starters Andrew Van Ginkel and Dallas Turner. Eric Wilson and rookie Jake Golday will play some on the edge. Versatile defensive lineman Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins may also factor into the edge rotation. 

Linebacker (4)

Blake Cashman

Eric Wilson

Ivan Pace Jr.

Jake Golday

Cornerback (4)

Byron Murphy Jr.

Isaiah Rodgers

Chuck Demmings

James Pierre

Safety (6)

Harrison Smith

Josh Metellus

Jay Ward

Theo Jackson

Jakobe Thomas

Tavierre Thomas

Jacob Thomas

Special Teams (3)

Kicker (1)

Will Reichard

Punter (1)

Johnny Hekker

Until I’m convinced that undrafted rookie Brett Thorson can consistently snap the ball, I’m going with Johnny Hekker. 

Long Snapper (1)

Andrew DePaola