Dustin Baker Reveals Final 53-Man Roster Prediction for Vikings

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Aug 23, 2025
Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy in the 2025 preseason.
Aug 9, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) warms up before the game against the Houston Texans at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

The Minnesota Vikings’ regular season roster is just three days from the grand reveal, the culmination of a long summer, training camp, and three preseason games.

Dustin Baker drops his final 53-man roster prediction for the Vikings, breaking down tough cuts, surprise keepers, and the shape of the 2025 depth chart.

Fifty-three players will get the nod, with 37 on the outside looking in.

Here’s a final stab at the active roster prognostication, and note that some players designated as out will hit the practice squad.

Starters are in bold font.

Last year, this article and prediction produced 96.2% accuracy.

The Final Vikings 53-Man Roster According to Dustin Baker

A final forecast for the Vikings’ regular season roster.

J.J. McCarthy scrambles with the ball vs. Raiders in preseason game.
Minnesota Vikings rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) scrambled with the ball during second-quarter action of a preseason game against the Las Vegas Raiders at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis on August 10, 2024. McCarthy highlighted his mobility in one of his early NFL appearances. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports.

Offense
(26)

Quarterback (3)

QB1: J.J. McCarthy
QB2: Sam Howell
QB3: Max Brosmer

Out: Brett Rypien

Some question Sam Howell’s staying power, but Kevin O’Connell wants an experienced veteran behind McCarthy. Fans would revolt if Brosmer were waived at QB3.

Running Back (3)

RB1: Aaron Jones
RB2: Jordan Mason
RB3: Zavier Scott

Out: Ty Chandler | Tre Stewart | Xazavian Valladay

Let’s add a caveat that the Vikings might sign a running back from the cutdown market like Jaleel McLaughlin or Audric Estime out in Denver, but until then, Scott gets the call over Chandler. Chandler’s three seasons end in the Twin Cities.

Fullback (1)

FB1: C.J. Ham

Despite fringe theories suggesting a Ham roster cut every summer, it never happens. It won’t happen this time, either.

Wide Receiver (6)

WR1: Justin Jefferson
WR2: Adam Thielen (a prediction)
WR3: Jalen Nailor
WR4: Tai Felton
WR5: Lucky Jackson
WR6: Myles Price

Suspended: Jordan Addison

Out: Rondale Moore (IR) | Tim Jones | Thayer Thomas | Jeshaun Jones | Dontae Fleming | Robert Lewis | Myles Price | Silas Bolden

Justin Jefferson celebrates recovering onside kick vs. Colts.
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) celebrated after securing an onside kick against the Indianapolis Colts during the fourth quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis on November 3, 2024. Jefferson’s special teams play helped seal Minnesota’s victory late. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images.

We’re operating under the pretense that Adam Thielen returns via trade. Myles Price gets the nod for his returning ability. Lucky Jackson makes the initial cut but could be replaced by a free-agent wide receiver or an extra incoming trade next week.

Tight End (3)

TE1: T.J. Hockenson
TE2: Josh Oliver
TE3: Ben Yurosek

Out: Gavin Bartholomew (PUP or IR) | Bryson Nesbit | Nick Vannett | Giovanni Ricci

Vannett may pull off the TE3 upset here, but he’ll be easier to squeeze onto the practice squad. Yurosek wins the notable TE3 battle.

Left Tackle (2)

LT1: Christian Darrisaw
LT2: Justin Skule

Out: Leroy Watson | Matt Nelson (IR)

One of the least mysterious spots on the depth chart.

Right Tackle (2)

RT1: Brian O’Neill
RT2: Walter Rouse

Out: Logan Brown | Zack Bailey

Brown had a lot of UDFA hype in the spring, from this website included, but he looks more like a practice squader.

Center (2)

C1: Ryan Kelly
C2: Michael Jurgens

Out: Zeke Correll (IR) | Michael Gonzalez

The team seems to enjoy Jurgens; he didn’t play Friday in Tennessee, signaling roster safety.

Left Guard (2)

LG1: Donovan Jackson
LG2: Blake Brandel

Out: Vershon Lee

Jackson and Brandel will do the trick at left guard.

Right Guard (2)

RG1: Will Fries

Out: Joe Huber | Henry Byrd

Huber has impressed in the preseason, but last summer, the Vikings kept nine offensive linemen. So, the Wisconsin alumnus will live on the practice squad. Huber was probably the trickiest roster decision from a prediction standpoint, all things considered.

Defense
(24)

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

Jonathan Greenard celebrates sack vs. Bears at Soldier Field.
Minnesota Vikings linebacker Jonathan Greenard (58) celebrated his sack against the Chicago Bears during the second quarter at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois, on November 24, 2024. Greenard’s defensive stop was a key moment in the NFC North contest. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Bartel-Imagn Images.

Batty was injured Friday night and probably would’ve been headed to the practice squad anyway. Murphy on the 53-man roster is a no-brainer.

Defensive End (4)

DE1: Jonathan Allen
DE2: Javon Hargrave
DE3: Jalen Redmond
DE4: Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins

Out: Elijah Williams | Jonathan Harris | Alex Williams (IR) | Travis Bell

Elijah Williams made a serious push for the active roster. He’ll hit the practice squad and likely be called up for at least three games in the regular season.

Nose Tackle (2)

NT1: Levi Drake Rodriguez
NT2: Taki Taimani

Out: Travis Bell

With Harrison Phillips gone, traded to Buffalo, a roster spot opened for Taki Taimani.

Middle Linebacker (2)

MLB1: Ivan Pace Jr.
MLB2: Eric Wilson

Out: Dorian Mausi

Simple decisions here. Pace Jr. and Wilson aren’t splashy predictions.

Weakside Linebacker (2)

WLB1: Blake Cashman
WLB2: Kobe King

Out: Austin Keys

Brian Asamoah is out, now a member of the Tennessee Titans. That made Cashman and King total shoo-ins.

Cornerback (5)

CB1: Byron Murphy Jr.
CB2: Isaiah Rodgers
CB3: Jeff Okudah
CB4: Mekhi Blackmon
CB5: Dwight McGlothern

Out: Ambry Thomas | Reddy Steward | Keenan Garber | Zemaiah Vaughn

Byron Murphy Jr. in coverage vs. Rams during NFC Wild Card game.
Minnesota cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. (7) lined up against the Los Angeles Rams during an NFC Wild Card game at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, on January 13, 2025. Murphy played a central role in Minnesota’s playoff defense. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.

The toughest spot on the roster to evaluate, Zemaiah Vaughn might be best served for a year on the practice squad. He played buffoonishly in the final preseason game. This is also a roster spot where the Vikings could sign a free agent or two after leaguewide roster cuts, which would put Blackmon and McGlothern in jeopardy.

If we get this section wrong, it’ll be because Blackmon or McGlothern was cut.

Safety (5)

S1: Harrison Smith
S2: Josh Metellus
S3: Theo Jackson
S4: Jay Ward
S5: Tavierre Thomas

Out: Mishael Powell | Gervarrius Owens | Kahlef Hailassie

Thomas makes the tail end of a plentiful safety room because of special team experience.

Special Teams
(3)

Kicker (1)

K1: Will Reichard

Out: n/a

Punter (1)

P1: Ryan Wright

Out: Oscar Chapman

Oscar Chapman nearly scored the upset, but Wright prevails because of his experience. Champan will stay attached to the roster orbit through the NFL’s international program.

Long Snapper (1)

LS: Andrew DePaola

Kick Returner

KR1: Tai Felton

Punt Returner

PR1: Myles Price

Also Read:Vikings RB Predicted to Be Traded to Texans
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By Dustin Baker
Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His debut thriller, The Motor Route , is out now. He ... More about Dustin Baker