Josh Frey’s Vikings 53-Man Roster Prediction
Josh Frey
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The 2023 preseason schedule has officially come to an end for the Minnesota Vikings.
Now, as the team begins their preparation for their Week 1 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, they will have to trim their roster down to 53 players by Tuesday afternoon. Here is a prediction for that Vikings 53-man roster.
Offense
Quarterback (3)
- Kirk Cousins
- Nick Mullens
- Jaren Hall
Cuts: Jordan Ta’amu
Running Back (4)
- Alexander Mattison
- Ty Chandler
- Kene Nwangwu
- C.J. Ham
Cuts: Aaron Dykes, Abram Smith, DeWayne McBride
Wide Receiver (6)
- Justin Jefferson
- K.J. Osborn
- Jordan Addison
- Jalen Nailor
- Brandon Powell
- Jalen Reagor
Cuts: Jacob Copeland, Lucky Jackson, Trishton Jackson, Garett Maag, Blake Proehl, Thayer Thomas
Tight End (4)
- T.J. Hockenson
- Josh Oliver
- Johnny Mundt
- Nick Muse
Cuts: Ben Sims, Colin Thompson
Offensive Tackle (4)
- Christian Darrisaw
- Brian O’Neill
- Blake Brandel
- Vederian Lowe
Cuts: Christian DiLauro, Chim Okorafor, Oli Udoh, Jarrid Williams
Interior Offensive Line (5)
- Ezra Cleveland
- Garrett Bradbury
- Ed Ingram
- Austin Schlottmann
- Alan Ali (or outside player)
Cuts: Chris Reed, Jack Snyder, Josh Sokol
Not too many massive surprises here. DeWayne McBride should be able to be stashed on the practice squad, allowing the Vikings to keep him around. This prediction also assumes that Kene Nwangwu will be healthy for Week 1.
When Nwangwu is available, the return ace has been one of the best kick returners in the NFL. If he is not ready to go, though, Aaron Dykes could stick around as well either on the 53-man roster or the practice squad.
Meanwhile, veterans on the offensive line, Chris Reed and Oli Udoh, are out in favor of younger talent. We’re keeping the door open for an outside acquisition at guard as well.
Defense
Outside Linebacker (5)
- Danielle Hunter
- Marcus Davenport
- D.J. Wonnum
- Patrick Jones
- Luiji Vilain
Cuts: Andre Carter, Tanner Vallejo
Defensive Line (5)
- Dean Lowry
- Harrison Phillips
- Khyiris Tonga
- Jaquelin Roy
- Esezi Otomewo
Cuts: Junior Aho, Calvin Avery, Ross Blacklock, Jonathan Bullard, T.J. Smith
Off-Ball Linebacker (3)
- Jordan Hicks
- Brian Asamoah
- Ivan Pace
Cuts: Troy Dye, Wilson Huber, Troy Reeder, Tanner Vallejo, Abraham Beauplan
Cornerback (6)
- Byron Murphy
- Akayleb Evans
- Andrew Booth
- Mekhi Blackmon
- Joejuan Williams
- NaJee Thompson
Cuts: Kalon Barnes, C.J. Coldon, Tay Gowan, Jaylin Williams
Safety (5)
- Harrison Smith
- Cam Bynum
- Josh Metellus
- Lewis Cine
- Jay Ward
Cuts: Theo Jackson, Jake Gervase
Brian Flores has shown throughout his coaching history that he loves to keep a large number of defensive backs around. He kept five safeties and at least five cornerbacks in every season of his head coaching tenure with the Miami Dolphins.
In order to maintain that number, we had to trim down one position in particular: off-ball linebacker. With the Vikings running three-safety sets and trying to get all three of Marcus Davenport, Danielle Hunter, and D.J. Wonnum on the field for passing downs, there could be times where only one of the off-ball guys is on the field. We’re keeping Jordan Hicks, Brian Asamoah, and Ivan Pace around while the Troys get cut.
Special Teams
Kicker
- Greg Joseph
Punter
- Ryan Wright
Long-Snapper
- Andrew DePaola
There isn’t all that much to say about this group other than the players that are in the room will all stick around.
NOTE: This article originally appeared on our sister-site PurplePTSD.com.
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.
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