A 2023 Vikings 53-Man Roster Projection: The June Edition
OTAs are in full-swing across the NFL, and with that, we begin the process of evaluating which players will make the final roster when training camp rolls around later this summer. With that, here is the June version of a 2023 Vikings 53-man roster projection.
Offense
Quarterback (3)
- Kirk Cousins
- Nick Mullens
- Jaren Hall
- Who’s Out: N/A
Running Back (3)
- Alexander Mattison
- Ty Chandler
- DeWayne McBride
- Who’s Out: Kene Nwangwu, Dalvin Cook
Fullback (1)
- C.J. Ham
- Who’s Out: Zach Ojile
Wide Receiver (5)
- Justin Jefferson
- Jordan Addison
- K.J. Osborn
- Jalen Nailor
- Brandon Powell
- Who’s Out: Jalen Reagor, Blake Proehl, Cephus Johnson, Trishton Jackson, Malik Knowles, Lucky Jackson, Thayer Thomas, Garrett Maag
Tight End (3)
- T.J. Hockenson
- Josh Oliver
- Johnny Mundt
- Who’s Out: Ben Sims, Nick Muse
Left Tackle (2)
- Christian Darrisaw
- Blake Brandel
- Who’s Out: Vederian Lowe, Sam Schlueter
Left Guard (2)
- Ezra Cleveland
- Alan Ali
- Who’s Out: N/A
Center (2)
- Garrett Bradbury
- Austin Schlottmann
- Who’s Out: Josh Sokol
Right Guard (2)
- Ed Ingram
- Chris Reed
- Who’s Out: N/A
Right Tackle (2)
- Brian O’Neill
- Oli Udoh
- Who’s Out: Jacky Chen
There are very few surprises on the offensive side of the ball, but one cut could result in big changes for the special teams. With the recent rule change for 2023, a star kick returner isn’t necessarily a huge need for this team, so Kene Nwangwu sees his time in Minnesota come to an end. Additionally, Jalen Reagor misses out in the wide receiver room with the recent rise from Jalen Nailor.
Defense
Outside Linebacker (5)
- Danielle Hunter
- Marcus Davenport
- Patrick Jones
- Luiji Vilain
- Andre Carter
- Who’s Out: D.J. Wonnum, Benton Whitley, Curtis Weaver
Defensive Line (6)
- Harrison Phillips
- Khyiris Tonga
- Dean Lowry
- James Lynch
- Jaquelin Roy
- Esezi Otomewo
- Who’s Out: Ross Blacklock, Jonathan Bullard, Sheldon Day, T.J. Smith, Calvin Avery, Junior Aho
Inside Linebacker (4)
- Jordan Hicks
- Brian Asamoah
- Troy Reeder
- Ivan Pace
- Who’s Out: Troy Dye, William Kwenkeu, Abraham Beauplan, Wilson Huber
Cornerback (6)
- Byron Murphy
- Andrew Booth
- Akayleb Evans
- Mekhi Blackmon
- Joejuan Williams
- Tay Gowan
- Who’s Out: Kalon Barnes, C.J. Coldon, John Reid, NaJee Thompson, Jaylin Williams
Safety (4)
- Harrison Smith
- Lewis Cine
- Josh Metellus
- Jay Ward
- Who’s Out: Cam Bynum, Theo Jackson
The Vikings have made a concerted effort to make their defense younger this year, particularly along the front. We’re projecting this to continue during the roster cutdown phase this August with Andre Carter making the roster over D.J. Wonnum as well as Jaquelin Roy and Esezi Otomewo joining the defense rather than Jonathan Bullard.
Special Teams
Kicker (1)
- Greg Joseph
- Who’s Out: Jack Podlesny
Punter (1)
- Ryan Wright
- Who’s Out: N/A
Long Snapper (1)
- Andrew DePaola
- Who’s Out: N/A
Things on the special teams go down very chalky. Unless there can be a significant improvement over the players already in place (such as Ryan Wright coming in as the punter last year), it makes very little sense to switch things up too much. Expect the same trio to handle the kicking and punting duties as last year.
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.