The Complete Vikings Depth Chart (w/ Commentary, Concern, & Scrutiny)
The complete Vikings depth chart is, in some senses, incomplete. After all, the roster is a shape-shifting monster, one that constantly beckons for more tweaks and adjustments.
Nevertheless, we’re once again coming back to the ever-important part of football: the actual players themselves.
The NFL Draft featured a half dozen players being selected by Kwesi Adofo-Mensah’s Minnesota Vikings. After the event conclude, the team brought in 15 UDFAs. They’ve all been tossed into the roster hierarchy below. There has also been separate additions at edge rusher and corner. Again, included below.
Readers interested in finding more information about the team’s depth chart and roster as a whole can do so on the team’s website.
The Complete Vikings Depth Chart
— Offense —
Quarterback
QB1: Kirk Cousins
QB2: Nick Mullens
QB3: Jaren Hall
Running Back
RB1: Dalvin Cook
RB2: Alexander Mattison
RB3: Ty Chandler
RB4: DeWayne McBride
RB5: Kene Nwangwu
Fullback
FB1: C.J. Ham
Wide Receiver
WR1: Justin Jefferson
WR2: Jordan Addison
WR3: K.J. Osborn
WR4: Jalen Nailor
WR5: Jalen Reagor
WR6: Trishton Jackson
WR7: Blake Proehl
WR8: Brandon Powell
WR9: Cephus Johnson
WR10: Malik Knowles
WR11: Thayer Thomas
Tight End
TE1: T.J. Hockenson
TE2: Josh Oliver
TE3: Johnny Mundt
TE4: Ben Ellefson
TE5: Nick Muse
TE6: Ben Sims
Left Tackle
LT1: Christian Darrisaw
LT2: Blake Brandel
LT3: Vederian Lowe
Left Guard
LG1: Ezra Cleveland
LG2: Alan Ali
Center
C1: Garrett Bradbury
C2: Austin Schlottmann
C3: Josh Sokol
Right Guard
RG1: Ed Ingram
RG2: Chris Reed
RG3: Jacky Chen
Right Tackle
RT1: Brian O’Neill
RT2: Oli Udoh
Commentary, Concern, and Scrutiny
The offense has potential, folks.
Kevin O’Connell – a former NFL QB who specializes in offense – must feel like a kid in a candy store. He’ll be able to trot out a truly formidable group for 11 personnel given that the primary pass catchers will consist of Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, K.J. Osborn, and T.J. Hockenson. Good luck slowing down that foursome, especially since Alexander Mattison has surprisingly silky mitts.
Even more encouraging is that Minnesota won’t be constrained to just that personnel grouping. Retaining C.J. Ham and adding Josh Oliver means Minnesota will feature plenty of 21, 12, and 22 personnel. Essentially, the team can pivot away from a more pass-heavy look if teams are in a 2-high defensive structure. Adding the extra muscle can allow O’Connell to bludgeon the other team’s light box.
Perhaps the main area of concern is along the interior of the offensive line. As Josh Frey has noted on different occasions, injuries aplenty really depleted that interior in 2022. The team struggled without Garrett Bradbury and Austin Schlottmann. Have they done enough to fix up the iOL?
— Defense —
Left Outside Linebacker
LOLB1: Danielle Hunter
LOLB2: Patrick Jones II
LOLB3: Luiji Vilain
LOLB4: Kenny Willekes
LOLB5: Curtis Weaver
Nose Tackle
NT1: Harrison Phillips
NT2: Khyiris Tonga
NT3: Sheldon Day
NT4: T.J. Smith
NT5: Calvin Avery
3T + 5T DT/DE
DT/DE1: Dean Lowry
DT/DE2: Jonathan Bullard
DT/DE3: James Lynch
DT/DE4: Jaquelin Roy
DT/DE5: Esezi Otomewo
DT/DE6: Ross Blacklock
Right Outside Linebacker
ROLB1: Marcus Davenport
ROLB2: Za’Darius Smith
ROLB3: D.J. Wonnum
ROLB4: Benton Whitley
ROLB5: Andre Carter II
ROLB6: Junior Aho
Middle Linebacker
MLB1: Jordan Hicks
MLB2: Brian Asamoah
MLB3: Troy Reeder
MLB4: Troy Dye
MLB5: William Kwenkeu
MLB6: Ivan Pace Jr.
MLB7: Abraham Beauplan
MLB8: Wilson Huber
Cornerback
CB1: Byron Murphy
CB2: Akayleb Evans
CB3: Andrew Booth Jr.
CB4: Mekhi Blackmon
CB5: Jay Ward
CB6: Joejuan Williams
CB7: Tay Gowan
CB8: Kalon Barnes
CB9: C.J. Coldon
CB10: NaJee Thompson
CB11: Jaylin Williams
CB12: John Reid
Strong Safety
SS1: Harrison Smith
SS2: Josh Metellus
Free Safety
FS1: Lewis Cine
FS2: Camryn Bynum
FS3: Theo Jackson
Commentary, Concern, and Scrutiny
Failing to grab some pass rushing help for the iDL is concerning. The linebacker depth is worrisome and there are legitimate questions about whether the corners can hold up for the entire 2023 season.
Otherwise, the defense is looking pretty good.
In all seriousness, there is a path forward for Minnesota to return to respectability on this side of the ball. One thinks of the Danielle Hunter/Marcus Davenport pair as the main reason for optimism. Somehow retaining Za’Darius Smith would mean the Vikings boast a ferocious pass-rushing trio, alleviating concerns about not having a DT who can get penetration.
The safeties are versatile and physical. Brian Flores is likely planning on featuring them prominently in his fast-charging defense. Getting better health from the young corners would really help the defense to round into shape.
— Special Teams —
Kicker
K1: Greg Joseph
K2: Jack Podlesny
Punter
P1: Ryan Wright
Long Snapper
LS: Andrew DePaola
Kick Returner
KR1: Kene Nwangwu
KR2: K.J. Osborn
Punt Returner
PR1: Jalen Reagor
PR2: Brandon Powell
PR3: Jordan Addison
Commentary, Concern, and Scrutiny
Somewhat overlooked, the special teams have a ton of room to improve. There were the lapses in coverage, Kene Nwangwu’s step back, the blocked punt, the inconsistent field goal kicking, and the near non-existent punt returns.
Of course, it wasn’t all doom and gloom. Nwangwu did have a kickoff return TD, Greg Joseph was erratic except for in the clutch, and the punting was mostly strong. Oh, and Andrew DePaola finished as the first-team All Pro at long snapper. Well done, Mr. DePaola, and keep up the good work.
The 2023 season offers the potential to rally around the successes while shoring up the weaknesses. Can Reagor, Powell, or Addison become a threat as punt returners?
