Vikings 53-Man Roster Projection | July 2023

Dustin Baker |

Jul 23, 2023

Justin Jefferson Weighs in — Dec 24, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson (87) celebrates his touchdown with wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) during the first quarter against the New York Giants at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports.

Eleven players departed the Minnesota Vikings this offseason, including Cameron Dantzler (CB, Bills), Eric Kendricks (LB, Chargers), Patrick Peterson (CB, Steelers), Adam Thielen (WR, Panthers), Dalvin Tomlinson (DT, Browns), Duke Shelley (CB, Raiders), Irv Smith (TE, Bengals), Kris Boyd (CB, Cardinals), Chandon Sullivan (CB, Steelers), Za’Darius Smith (OLB, Browns — Trade), and Dalvin C00k (RB, Free Agent)

Vikings 53-Man Roster Projection | July 2023

Josh Oliver (TE, Ravens), Marcus Davenport (EDGE, Saints), Byron Murphy (CB, Cardinals), Dean Lowry (DT, Packers), Brandon Powell (WR, Rams), Troy Reeder (LB, Chargers), and Joejuan Williams (CB, Patriots), were welcomed as notable newcomers via free agency.

Six men arrived from the 2023 NFL Draft, highlighted by wide receiver Jordan Addison in Round 1.

Minnesota has less than 50 days until the regular season, so a lot will change between now and September 10th. Here’s a look at how the 53-man roster might shakedown.

Note: Many ‘projected to miss 53-man roster’ players will hit the practice squad.

— Offensive Roster Projection —

July — Dec 24, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) looks on before the game against the New York Giants at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports.

Quarterback (3)

QB1: Kirk Cousins
QB2: Nick Mullens
QB3: Jaren Hall

Projected to Miss 53-man Roster: n/a

Running Back (4)

RB1: Alexander Mattison
RB2: Ty Chandler
RB3: DeWayne McBride
RB4: Kene Nwangwu

Projected to Miss 53-man Roster: n/a

Fullback (1)

FB1: C.J. Ham

Projected to Miss 53-man Roster: Zach Ojile

Wide Receiver (5)

WR1: Justin Jefferson
WR2: Jordan Addison
WR3: K.J. Osborn
WR4: Jalen Nailor
WR5: Brandon Powell

Projected to Miss 53-man Roster: Jalen Reagor, Blake Proehl, Trishton Jackson, Cephus Johnson, Malik Knowles, Lucky Jackson, Garett Maag

Tight End (3)

TE1: T.J. Hockenson
TE2: Josh Oliver
TE3: Johnny Mundt

Projected to Miss 53-man Roster: Nick Muse, Ben Sims

Left Tackle (3)

LT1: Christian Darrisaw
LT2: Blake Brandel
LT3: Vederian Lowe

Projected to Miss 53-man Roster: Sam Schlueter

Right Tackle (2)

RT1: Brian O’Neill
RT2: Oli Udoh

Projected to Miss 53-man Roster: Jacky Chen

Center (2)

C1: Garrett Bradbury
C2: Austin Schlottmann

Projected to Miss 53-man Roster: Josh Sokol

Left Guard (1)

LG1: Ezra Cleveland

Projected to Miss 53-man Roster: Alan Ali

Right Guard (2)

RG1: Ed Ingram
RG2: Chris Reed

Projected to Miss 53-man Roster: n/a

— Defensive Roster Projection —

Brian Flores Changed the Vikings Offseason — Dec 4, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings safety Harrison Smith (22) returns an interception off New York Jets quarterback Mike White (not pictured) as cornerback Patrick Peterson. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports.

Outside Linebacker (5)

OLB1: Danielle Hunter
OLB2: Marcus Davenport
OLB3: Patrick Jones
OLB4: Luiji Vilain
OLB5: Andre Carter II

Projected to Miss 53-man Roster: D.J. Wonnum, Benton Whitley, Curtis Weaver

Defensive End (4)

DE1: Harrison Phillips
DE2: Dean Lowry
DE3: James Lynch
DE4: Esezi Otomewo

Projected to Miss 53-man Roster: Jonathan Bullard, Ross Blacklock, Junior Aho

Nose Tackle (2)

NT1: Khyiris Tonga
NT2: Jaquelin Roy

Projected to Miss 53-man Roster: Sheldon Day, T.J. Smith, Calvin Avery

Middle Linebacker (2)

MLB1: Brian Asamoah
MLB2: Troy Reeder

Projected to Miss 53-man Roster: Troy Dye

Weakside Linebacker (2)

WLB1: Jordan Hicks
WLB2: Ivan Pace, Jr.

Projected to Miss 53-man Roster: William Kwenkeu, Abraham Beauplan, Wilson Huber

Cornerback (5)

CB1: Byron Murphy
CB2: Andrew Booth
CB3: Akayleb Evans
CB4: Joejuan Williams
CB5: Mekhi Blackmon

Projected to Miss 53-man Roster: Tay Gowan, Kalon Barnes, C.J. Coldon, NaJee Thompson, Jaylin Williams

Safety (4)

S1: Harrison Smith
S2: Lewis Cine
S3: Josh Metellus
S4: Jay Ward

Projected to Miss 53-man Roster: Camryn Bynum, Theo Jackson

— Special Teams Roster Projection —

Jan 1, 2023; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Kene Nwangwu (26) during the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports.

Kicker (1)

K1: Greg Joseph

Projected to Miss 53-man Roster: Jack Podelsny

Punter (1)

P1: Ryan Wright

Long Snapper (1)

LS: Andrew DePaola

Kick Returner

KR1: Kene Nwangwu
KR2: K.J. Osborn

Punt Returner

PR1: Brandon Powell
PR2: Jalen Nailor

Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell at 2023 mandatory minicamp in Eagan. The Vikings won 13 games in O’Connell’s first season as head coach. He previously won a Super Bowl with the Los Angeles Rams as offensive coordinator in 2021.

Minnesota is projected with a repeat win forecast this season as of late July — 8.5 wins. It’s the same Vegas forecast from last year at this time. Most experts believe the franchise immensely overachieved in 2022 and will take a step back in Kevin O’Connell’s second year. The franchise has +4000 Super Bowl odds — bedfellows with the Denver Broncos and New Orleans Saints.

Also Read:
Former Viking Joins Aaron Rodgers’ Team

Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. He hosts a podcast with Bryant McKinnie, which airs every Wednesday with Raun Sawh and Sal Spice. His Vikings obsession dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ Basset Hounds, and The Doors (the band).

All statistics provided by Pro Football Reference / Stathead; all contractual information provided by OverTheCap.com.