4 Young Vikings Looking to Usurp Veterans on the Depth Chart
The Minnesota Vikings are set to host the Arizona Cardinals this afternoon for their final preseason game of the summer.
Heading into the conclusion of preseason and Tuesday’s roster cutdown date, there are a number of questions regarding the Vikings roster. Here are 4 young Vikings looking to usurp veterans on the depth chart this year.
LB Ivan Pace
We’re getting started with the darling of the preseason. Kevin O’Connell has already suggested that Ivan Pace’s roster spot is secure, and now, he is simply trying to rise up the depth chart to become an immediate contributor for the defense.
This is truly incredible progress for an undrafted free agent. It seems Pace is already above Troy Dye and Troy Reeder on the roster. Now, he is trying to find a spot in the starting lineup at some point this season. It is far from impossible for that to happen by the time this season ends.
OT Vederian Lowe
Blake Brandel made the switch over to guard during training camp, opening up a big opportunity for Vederian Lowe. The second-year offensive tackle has started at LT in both of Minnesota’s preseason games.
In those games, he has yet to be penalized while Lowe was fantastic against the Titans despite playing with other backups. Meanwhile, Oli Udoh has struggled with penalties and allowing sacks to this point. Lowe is making a strong case to be the top reserve at offensive tackle this year.
IOL Alan Ali
With Chris Reed on NFI and Ed Ingram not playing in Week 2 of preseason, this has given an opportunity for extra reps from the interior offensive linemen further down the depth chart.
One of these players who has taken advantage of his opportunities is Alan Ali, who has been a superior run-blocking presence over the first two preseason games. Especially if Reed is still hurt to begin the season, Ali absolutely should be considered to be in the mix for a roster spot this fall.
DE Jaquelin Roy
Jaquelin Roy was a fifth-round pick by the Vikings this spring in the 2023 NFL Draft, during which Minnesota actually traded up with the Indianapolis Colts to select him. Roy has an incredible motor for a defensive lineman, which was showcased in 2022 when he played 50+ snaps in nine of LSU’s 14 games last season.
Over the past week, Roy has been getting snaps with the first-team defense during training camp practices, and he is yet to make an appearance in preseason play. Not only does it seem like the fifth-round pick is set to make the roster, but he could even challenge for a starting role at some point during the regular season.
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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