Predicting the Vikings Roster: 3 QBs, a Robust WR Room, & the Paper Thin Defense
Anyone who says that they know with 100% certainty what the Vikings roster will be when Tampa Bay arrives in Week 1 is misguided. Or, at best, being naive.
In truth, even Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and Kevin O’Connell would need to admit they similarly lack ironclad certainty. Training camp and the preseason serve a purpose. Over the course of more than a month, the Vikings organization will be tasked with evaluating the talent they have in the building to see what kind of team they can assemble with only 53 slots to work with.
The projection contained below represents an educated guess as to how things will look. Last year, my final projection held up reasonably well, though there were some notable misses.
Once July arrives and especially August, everyone will gain a clearer view for how things are proceeding. Until then, we’ll need to content ourselves with – if I could be so bold as to rip some lines from T.S. Eliot – the roster half guessed, the players half understood. Yes, an educated guess will do for now.
Onward to the projection.
Projecting the Vikings Roster
The Minnesota Vikings Offense
Quarterback: 3
- Kirk Cousins
- Nick Mullens
- Jaren Hall
Running Back: 4
- Alexander Mattison
- Ty Chandler
- DeWayne McBride
- C.J. Ham
Wide Receiver: 6
- Justin Jefferson
- Jordan Addison
- K.J. Osborn
- Jalen Nailor
- Jalen Reagor
- Brandon Powell
Tight End: 3
- T.J. Hockenson
- Josh Oliver
- Johnny Mundt
Offensive Line: 9
- Christian Darrisaw
- Ezra Cleveland
- Garrett Bradbury
- Ed Ingram
- Brian O’Neill
- Oli Udoh
- Blake Brandel
- Chris Reed
- Austin Schlottmann
Total: 25
Keeping the triple threat at QB is nearly certain. Kirk Cousins is the locked-in starter, Nick Mullens signed a multi-year deal during the offseason, and then Jaren Hall is the recently-selected developmental quarterback. Each has a clear-cut role and the adjusted rule makes life easier for the 5th-round rookie.
Meanwhile, the skill positions are getting a revamp. Gone are stalwart players like Adam Thielen and Dalvin Cook. The team shifts toward a greater reliance on receivers, something that’s reflected in the current roster that consists of 13 WRs competing for a spot on the final team. Kene Nwangwu fails to make the projected Vikings roster, mostly due to the NFL’s new rule that undermines kickoff returns.
The offensive line is fairly dull. Vederian Lowe doesn’t make the cut as the team brings nine players back who all played a significant role last year. The most recent draft didn’t bring in any OL talent.
My greatest uncertainty? Putting both Reagor and Powell on the roster. Neither is guaranteed a spot.
The Minnesota Vikings Defense
Defensive Line: 6
- Harrison Phillips
- Khyiris Tonga
- Dean Lowry
- Esezi Otomewo
- Jaquelin Roy
- Jonathan Bullard
Edge Rusher: 5
- Danielle Hunter
- Marcus Davenport
- Patrick Jones II
- D.J. Wonnum
- Luiji Vilain
Linebacker: 4
- Jordan Hicks
- Brian Asamoah
- Troy Reeder
- Ivan Pace Jr.
Corner: 6
- Byron Murphy
- Akayleb Evans
- Andrew Booth Jr.
- Mekhi Blackmon
- Joejuan Williams
- Tay Gowan
Safety: 4
- Harrison Smith
- Lewis Cine
- Josh Metellus
- Jay Ward
Total: 25
So much hinges on what ends up happening with Danielle Hunter. The elite edge rusher is Brian Flores’ greatest player. Deciding to send him somewhere else would be a massive loss to the defense, one that makes the edge rusher position look considerably different. The GM would likely dip into free agency if Hunter gets subtracted.
In various spots, the depth is fairly underwhelming. At DT, LB, and CB there is major uncertainty. Some established talent at the very top – Harrison Phillips, Jordan Hicks, Byron Murphy – help to stabilize the position but Minnesota is one injury away from being in a dire spot at several positions.
Meanwhile, the safety position looks loaded. Much will depend on Lewis Cine. Seeing the sophomore defender ascend into a game-changing talent would certainly change the water on the purple beans. The minor shock within the secondary would rest in the subtraction of Camryn Bynum. Can the team carve out a spot for him, especially since Jay Ward will offer a similar set of skills?
Virtually every position offers uncertainty since the defense is working with such a large amount of unproven talent.
The Minnesota Vikings Special Teams
Kicker: 1
- Greg Joseph
Punter: 1
- Ryan Wright
Long Snapper: 1
- Andrew DePaola
Total: 3
No major surprises. The long snapper is coming off a season when he was the AP1 selection. He is back on a brand new deal that pays him quite handsomely for his services. Meanwhile, Ryan “The Stallion” Wright is entering his sophomore season as Greg Joseph looks to put a shaky 2022 season behind him. Expect Matt Daniels to bring back a trio of familiar faces for the upcoming season.
