A Way-Too-Early Vikings 53-Man Roster Projection
The 2024 NFL Draft wrapped up last weekend, and the roster construction phase of the NFL offseason is just about over.
In just a few short weeks, the Minnesota Vikings will take the field for their first practice of OTAs, and then, training camp will be right around the corner. As Minnesota begins to evaluate the players on its roster, here is a Vikings 53-man roster projection.
Vikings 53-Man Roster Projection
Quarterback (3)
- Sam Darnold
- J.J. McCarthy
- Jaren Hall
Cut/Traded: Nick Mullens
The talk of the summer in Minnesota will be the QB battle between Sam Darnold and J.J. McCarthy. Meanwhile, the Jaren Hall experiment continues while the Vikings part ways with veteran Nick Mullens.
Running Back (4)
- Aaron Jones
- Ty Chandler
- C.J. Ham
- Kene Nwangwu
Cut/Traded: DeWayne McBride, Myles Gaskin
Kene Nwangwu’s services are becoming more valuable with the new kick return rules, so he makes the cut as Minnesota’s fourth running back. Newcomer Aaron Jones joins last year’s tandem of Ty Chandler and C.J. Ham.
Wide Receiver (5)
- Justin Jefferson
- Jordan Addison
- Brandon Powell
- Trent Sherfield
- Jalen Nailor
Cut/Traded: N’Keal Harry, Trishton Jackson, Lucky Jackson, Thayer Thomas, Daylen Baldwin, Malik Knowles, Jeshuan Jones, Ty James, Devron Harper
This might be a thin wide receiver room for now, but I’m still anticipating that the Vikings make another free agency acquisition at some point this offseason to shore up the depth.
Tight End (4)
- Josh Oliver
- Johnny Mundt
- Nick Muse
- Trey Knox
PUP: T.J. Hockenson
The tight end position in Minnesota is deep, but with T.J. Hockenson likely heading to the PUP list, it opens the door for the first undrafted free agent to make the team for the Vikings along with the other usual suspects. Trey Knox began his collegiate career as a wide receiver, and his abilities as a route runner could be valuable for Kevin O’Connell if Hockenson is sidelined.
Offensive Line (9)
- Christian Darrisaw (LT)
- Ed Ingram (LG)
- Garrett Bradbury (C)
- Blake Brandel (RG)
- Brian O’Neill (RT)
- David Quessenberry
- Dan Feeney
- Walter Rousse
- Michael Jurgens
Cut/Traded: Doug Nester, Matthew Cindric, Jeremy Flax, Tyrese Robinson, Spencer Rolland
The Vikings added some additional talent to their offensive line in the draft with the selections of Walter Rousse and Michael Jurgens. They will serve as quality depth pieces while Dan Feeney also makes it because of his versatility on the interior. Meanwhile, the starting unit sees a shuffle as Ed Ingram switches over to left guard (the position he played for much of his collegiate career) to make room for Blake Brandel at right guard.
Defensive Line (5)
- Jonathan Bullard
- Harrison Phillips
- Jonah Williams
- Jaquelin Roy
- Levi Drake Rodriquez
Cut/Traded: Taki Taimani, Jerry Tillery, Tyler Manoa
Surprisingly, the Vikings didn’t seem all that focused on bringing in another defensive tackle during the early or middle portions of the draft. Instead, their only selection was Levi Drake Rodriguez with their final pick of the draft. He makes the cut along with the veterans in the room.
Outside Linebacker (5)
- Jonathan Greenard
- Andrew Van Ginkel
- Dallas Turner
- Jihad Ward
- Gabriel Murphy
Cut/Traded: Patrick Jones, Andre Carter, Bo Richter, Owen Porter
In one offseason, the Vikings’ outside linebacker room sees a complete overhaul. Patrick Jones and Andre Carter are out to make room for Dallas Turner and another standout UDFA, Gabriel Murphy.
Inside Linebacker (4)
- Blake Cashman
- Ivan Pace
- Brian Asamoah
- Dallas Gant
Cut/Traded: Kamu Grugier-Hill, Abraham Beauplan, K.J. Cloyd, Donovan Manuel
We see a third UDFA make the roster at the inside linebacker position. Dallas Gant is a physical player with plenty of size who should be a welcomed addition to Brian Flores’ defense as well as Minnesota’s special teams unit.
Cornerback (6)
- Byron Murphy
- Mekhi Blackmon
- Shaquill Griffin
- Khyree Jackson
- Andrew Booth Jr.
- NaJee Thompson
Cut/Traded: Akayleb Evans, A.J. Green, Jaylin Williams, Joejuan Williams, Dwight McGlothern
Cornerback is another position that could see some additional players join the fold before training camp rolls around. However, as things currently stand, the headline here would be Akayleb Evans getting cut after being a starter for much of the 2023 season. If Flores wants to go more towards man coverage (as the additions of Shaq Griffin and Khyree Jackson would suggest), he just might not fit in the plans anymore.
Safety (5)
- Camryn Bynum
- Harrison Smith
- Josh Metellus
- Theo Jackson
- Jay Ward
Cut/Traded: Lewis Cine
The Vikings maintained their entire safety room from last season, but this time around, there won’t be six on the active roster. After two failed seasons, Minnesota decides to move on from Lewis Cine.
Kicker (1)
- Will Reichard
Cut/Traded: John Parker Romo
Punter (1)
- Ryan Wright
Cut/Traded: Seth Vernon
Long Snapper (1)
- Andrew DePaola
No real surprises appear on the special teams. The Vikings keep Ryan Wright around at punter while sixth-round pick Will Reichard gets his chance as the kicker.
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.
