3 Position Battles the Vikings Will Run Into This Summer

Josh Frey |

May 7, 2023

Aug 20, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Jordan Mason (41) runs while Minnesota Vikings cornerback Akayleb Evans (21) defends during the fourth quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports

The Minnesota Vikings have quickly turned their roster into one of the younger groups in the NFL, and as a result, there are a number of positions that could go through big changes in terms of who sees playing time this season. Here are three position battles that the Vikings will run into this summer.

Cornerback

Things have been a bit up in the air at the cornerback spot for a few years now in the Vikings organization. Between injuries and some underwhelming play from veterans, it has been a rough go of things for Minnesota in the secondary.

Now, in 2023, the Vikings will head into the season without Cam Dantzler, Patrick Peterson, Duke Shelley, and Chandon Sullivan, who all played over 350 defensive snaps for Minnesota last year. Byron Murphy is likely the CB1 of the team this year, but the door for the CB2 spot is wide open between Mekhi Blackmon, Andrew Booth Jr., Akayleb Evans, and even Joejuan Williams.

EDGE

Dec 10, 2022; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Army Black Knights outside linebacker Andre Carter II (34) reacts after a play against the Navy Midshipmen during the first half of the 123rd Army-Navy game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Danny Wild-USA Today Sports

The status of Za’Darius Smith is still up in the air, Marcus Davenport has some injury concerns, and Danielle Hunter is still around, but the depth spots behind these three get fuzzy really quick. Patrick Jones II had a strong second NFL season in 2022, but Luiji Vilain and UDFA Andre Carter II are athletic freaks that look poised to compete for playing time this season.

We also have to take D.J. Wonnum into account, who is entering a contract year this season and will be extra motivated to play well. Especially if Smith is playing elsewhere in 2023, the door opens greatly to one of these younger players taking on a larger role in the Vikings defense this season.

Running Back

3 Position Battles — Jan 15, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Alexander Mattison (2) reacts after losing a wild card game against the New York Giants at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports

Despite so many trade rumors swirling for Dalvin Cook, the veteran running back remains on the Vikings roster for now. In all likelihood, though, he won’t be playing in a Vikings uniform this upcoming season, especially with the re-signing of Alexander Mattison.

As a result, the contenders for touches out of the backfield likely will be Mattison along with Ty Chandler, Kene Nwangwu, and seventh-round pick DeWayne McBride. Mattison will probably win the starting role of this group, but again, the RB2 spot looks rather open for the taking.

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Josh Frey is a Class of 2020 graduate of The College of Idaho and managing editor of PurplePTSD.com. When he’s not writing about the NFL, Josh enjoys running, gaming, or rooting for the Milwaukee Brewers and Bucks. Check out his Twitter account: @Freyed_Chicken.