Janik Eckardt’s Final Vikings Roster Projection
It’s that time of the year. The roster cutdown day is right around the corner, and the time for players to convince their coaches to give them one of the coveted 53 spots is over. We try to predict how the roster will look after the Vikings have to axe precisely 38 players.
Janik Eckardt’s Final Vikings Roster Projection
Starters are bold, and changes from prediction 2.0 are red.
Offense (25)
Quarterback (3)
QB1: J.J. McCarthy
QB2: Sam Howell
QB3: Max Brosmer
Out: Brett Rypien
Howell hasn’t taken the Vikings by storm, but of the three candidates, he’s still likely to get the backup nod because of his experience. Brosmer has done enough to get a roster spot.
Running Back (3)
RB1: Aaron Jones
RB2: Jordan Mason
RB3: Zavier Scott
Out: Ty Chandler | Tre Stewart | Xazavian Valladay
In the prediction a couple of weeks ago, I listed the third RB spot as “tbd,” implying that the RB3 would be an external player. Well, Mr. Scott has changed that in the preseason. He’s big, he’s explosive, and he can catch. He’s your RB3.
Fullback (1)
FB1: C.J. Ham
Only Harrison Smith has been with the team longer. Ham can do all kinds of things and will be kept for another year.
Wide Receiver (5)
WR1: Justin Jefferson
WR2: Jalen Nailor
WR3: Lucky Jackson
WR4: Tai Felton
WR5: Myles Price
Reserve/Suspended: Jordan Addison
Out: Tim Jones | Thayer Thomas | Jeshaun Jones | Dontae Fleming | Robert Lewis | Silas Bolden | Rondale Moore (IR)
Suspended weapon Jordan Addison doesn’t count against the 53-man roster. Price will be the new punt returner. Jackson has separated himself from his competition despite the preseason drops. The rumor mill has been spinning here, and a newcomer could change this.
Tight End (3)
TE1: T.J. Hockenson
TE2: Josh Oliver
TE3: Ben Yurosek
Out: Gavin Bartholomew | Bryson Nesbit | Giovanni Ricci | Nick Vannett
Bartholomew’s injury has cost him a spot. He’ll be placed on short- or long-term IR. Fellow rookie Ben Yurosek benefits.
Left Tackle (2)
LT1: Christian Darrisaw
LT2: Justin Skule
Out: Leroy Watson | Zack Bailey | Matt Nelson (IR)
Darrisaw is starting, and Skule is the next man up if the standout blocker isn’t ready for Week 1.
Right Tackle (2)
RT1: Brian O’Neill
RT2: Walter Rouse
Out: Logan Brown
Rouse has prevailed over Logan Brown.
Center (2)
C1: Ryan Kelly
C2: Michael Jurgens
Out: Joe Huber | Zeke Correll (IR) | Michael Gonzalez
The plan in the previous version was to move Huber to center, but he hasn’t done enough in the last two preseason contests. It’ll remain Jurgens with the backup duties.
Left Guard (2)
LG1: Donovan Jackson
LG2: Blake Brandel
Out: Vershon Lee, Michael Gonzalez
Brandel is a backup for four positions, and it wouldn’t even be shocking to see him get some center reps, too.
Right Guard (1)
RG1: Will Fries
Out: Henry Byrd
No replacement behind Fries. That would be Brandel’s job.
Defense (26)
Outside Linebacker (5)
OLB1: Jonathan Greenard
OLB2: Andrew Van Ginkel
OLB3: Dallas Turner
OLB4: Gabriel Murphy
OLB5: Bo Richter
Out: Tyler Batty | Chaz Chambliss | Cam Gill
The top three are set. Richter contributes on special teams, and Murphy exploded in the preseason.
Defensive Line (7)
DL1: Jonathan Allen
DL2: Javon Hargrave
DL3: Jalen Redmond
DL4: Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins
DL5: Levi Drake Rodriguez
DL6: Taki Taimani
DL7: Elijah Williams
Out: Jonathan Harris | Travis Bell | Alex Williams (IR)
Undrafted rookie Williams has been excellent in the preseason, so the Vikings just keep an additional defensive tackle. Taimani is the best run stuffer after the surprising Phillips trade, which leads the Vikings to keep him around.
Inside Linebacker (4)
LB1: Blake Cashman
LB2: Ivan Pace Jr.
LB3: Eric Wilson
LB4: Kobe King
Out: Austin Keys | Dorian Mausi
Brian Asamoah is no longer around. His roster spot will go to rookie Kobe King. The team wants to keep Austin Keys on the practice squad.
Cornerback (6)
CB1: Byron Murphy Jr.
CB2: Isaiah Rodgers
CB3: Jeff Okudah
CB4: Mekhi Blackmon
CB5: Dwight McGlothern
CB6: Zemaiah Vaughn
Out: Ambry Thomas | Kahlef Hailassie | Tavierre Thomas | Reddy Steward | Keenan Garber
The coaching staff has handed Okudah a starting job (in sets with 3 CBs). Blackmon has Inside/outside versatility, while McGlothern and Vaughn are intriguing projects with length.
Safety (4)
S1: Harrison Smith
S2: Josh Metellus
S3: Theo Jackson
S4: Jay Ward
Out: Mishael Powell | Gervarrius Owens
A straightforward group. The top four have been set all offseason.
Special Teams (3)
Kicker (1)
K1: Will Reichard
Out: n/a
Punter (1)
P1: Ryan Wright
Out: Oscar Chapman
Long Snapper (1)
LS: Andrew DePaola
The trio remains. Chapman’s blown hold in the preseason finale decided that battle.