Predicting the Vikings’ 16-Player Practice Squad
K. Joudry
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At this time of the year, roster projections can dominate the headlines. Minnesota’s fans and writers submit their best guess for the 53-man roster, but the Vikings’ 16-player practice squad doesn’t get the same attention.
Waiting until after the final preseason game has benefits and drawbacks. The deadline to trim rosters down to 53 is on August 29th but the cuts could be happening before then, so the basic rationale is to put forth a prediction before the cuts start occurring. Doing so leads to a more honest guess than one that has the benefit of seeing some of the subtractions already taking place. Alas, the Arizona game will be a critical piece of evidence that may prompt an adjustment or two in my opinion, but I’m taking the risk.
Basically anyone participating in this kind of exercise is merely putting forth an educated guess. Nothing more, nothing less. The prediction below is the result of following the Vikings throughout the offseason, listening to a pile of press conferences, and, of course, watching the games. By no means do I expect 100% accuracy but, hopefully, a take that betrays at least some understanding of the Vikings’ roster.
Kicking things off is a simple list of who I think will get onto the practice squad before a bit of commentary to explain my rationale. And, for the curious reader, a resource explaining more about the practice squad, courtesy of The 33rd Team.
The Vikings’ 16-Player Practice Squad
Submitted for your consideration, a prediction of who we’ll see on the Vikings practice squad:
- Aaron Dykes, RB
- DeWayne McBride, RB
- Thayer Thomas, WR
- Trishton Jackson, WR
- Ben Sims, TE
- Josh Sokol, iOL
- Chris Reed, iOL
- Alan Ali, iOL
- Andre Carter, EDGE
- Sheldon Day, DT
- Calvin Avery, NT
- Troy Reeder, LB
- Tay Gowan, CB
- Kalon Barnes, CB
- Theo Jackson, S
- ?
Sometimes, the words that aren’t said are as important as the ones that are. Up above, you’ll notice that Jaren Hall doesn’t have his name included. While the 5th-round rookie has a long way to go in his development, Hall will be able to do so while dressing for games as the QB3 (thanks in large part to the new rule allowing for the game day exemption). Hall is a 99% certainty for the final roster.
Furthermore, NaJee Thompson isn’t included. His truly remarkable play on special teams means that he’s going to snag a roster spot. The Vikings are a team with a crunch at several spots, but Thompson’s play is too good to ignore. He may have snatched a spot away from Tay Gowan.
Truthfully, I don’t know if there will be room for Jalen Reagor on the final roster, but sliding him to the practice squad seems unlikely. After all, we’re talking about someone who was drafted a spot ahead of Justin Jefferson just a few shorts years ago. Someone will take a chance on him, right?
Meanwhile, some of the notable talent at receiver — Jackson and Thomas — manage to stick around Eagan with practice squad assignments. If/when someone gets hurt, the Vikings will be well positioned to elevate a talented player(s).
Keeping Sokol, Ali, and Reed speaks to Minnesota’s depth issues along the iOL. Meanwhile, the pair along the iDL point toward some of the uncertainty along the defensive line. Reeder is a veteran with a coach connection going back to the Rams, Barnes has elite speed that can’t be taught, and Jackson is the victim of overcrowded talent at safety. Ditto for Ben Sims but for tight ends.
Aaron Dykes is a late addition to the team but he looked good against the Titans. Another strong day at the office on Saturday may point toward a chance to keep the NFL dream going in Minnesota. Meanwhile, McBride has had a clunky preseason, failing to live up to the optimism that characterized much of the offseason analysis. He may still sneak onto the roster but it’s far from a lock.
Similarly, Andre Carter has been underwhelming. He signed a huge deal as an UDFA but Luiji Vilain isn’t just giving away his roster spot. Someone may snatch away the Army alumnus.
Finally, there is the question mark. What are the chances that the Vikings make a 53-man roster and 16-man practice squad without stealing at least a bit of talent from around the NFL? Very small, folks. Good chance Kwesi has his scouts scouring the NFL’s roster fringes for players who may end up helping the Vikings. After all, that’s how the team found Duke Shelley and Khyiris Tonga last year, a pair of defensive stalwarts by the season’s end.
There’s near certainty that the practice squad projection is going to be off in several areas. Coaches are privy to opinions and insight that aren’t readily available to the outside observer. Maybe someone like corner C.J. Coldon or receiver Garett Maag have quietly impressed, but those kind of conclusions are hard to come to at this stage.
We’ll learn about team’s practice squad shortly after the team completes the painful but exciting process of finishing off their 53-man roster on August 29th.
