Josh Frey’s Vikings 53-Man Roster Projection 2.0
The Minnesota Vikings won their preseason opener against the Houston Texans 20-10.
Now, they are preparing for Week 2 of preseason against a New England Patriots squad hoping to rebound from back-to-back 4-13 seasons.
Ahead of that game, here is a new Vikings 53-man roster projection.
Offense
Quarterback (3)
- J.J. McCarthy
- Sam Howell
- Max Brosmer
Cut: Brett Rypien
I stand by the idea from my previous roster projection that the Vikings’ true QB2 may still not be on the team at the moment. However, due to glowing reviews out of training camp and an impressive preseason opener, Max Brosmer makes the cut this time, leaving Brett Rypien as the odd man out and likely heading for the practice squad.
Running Back (4)
- Aaron Jones
- Jordan Mason
- C.J. Ham
- Zavier Scott
Cut: Ty Chandler, Tre Stewart
Wide Receiver (5)
- Justin Jefferson
- Jalen Nailor
- Lucky Jackson
- Tai Felton
- Silas Bolden
Suspended: Jordan Addison
Cut: Thayer Thomas, Jeshaun Jones, Myles Price, Dontae Fleming, Tim Jones, Robert Lewis
Minnesota’s wide receiver room has a bit more uncertainty now after Rondale Moore’s injury. Lucky Jackson could bolt up to the WR3 spot for the time being despite never catching a regular season NFL pass. The Vikings likely make another move at this position to get a little more veteran depth into the room.
Tight End (3)
- T.J. Hockenson
- Josh Oliver
- Nick Vannett
Cut: Gavin Bartholomew, Bryson Nesbit
With Gavin Bartholomew still not entering the fold in training camp, his spot seems destined to go to veteran Nick Vannett at this point. No changes to the tight end room.
Offensive Tackle (4)
- Christian Darrisaw
- Brian O’Neill
- Justin Skule
- Walter Rouse
Cut: Logan Brown, Leroy Watson, Vershon Lee
No surprises at the offensive tackle position. The Vikings love Walter Rouse’s versatility, and Justin Skule is a veteran who can fill in if needed behind two Pro Bowl-caliber starters.
Interior Offensive Line (6)
- Will Fries
- Ryan Kelly
- Donovan Jackson
- Blake Brandel
- Michael Jurgens
- Michael Gonzalez
Cut: Henry Byrd, Joe Huber
Ryan Kelly was wearing a sleeve on his right leg during practice on Wednesday, which could be nothing. However, it’s still noticeable for a player who has had a history of calf and knee injuries throughout his football career. With Will Fries also coming off a fractured leg, and the Vikings just claiming Michael Gonzalez off waivers, it might make sense to keep another offensive lineman around.
Defense
Outside Linebacker (5)
- Jonathan Greenard
- Andrew Van Ginkel
- Dallas Turner
- Gabriel Murphy
- Bo Richter
Cut: Tyler Batty, Cam Gill, Chaz Chambliss
I made the mistake of leaving Gabriel Murphy off the roster last time. After five QB hits and 1.5 sacks against the Texans on Saturday, that mistake has been resolved. Instead, Tyler Batty heads to the practice squad.
Defensive Tackle (6)
- Jonathan Allen
- Javon Hargrave
- Harrison Phillips
- Levi Drake Rodriguez
- Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins
- Jalen Redmond
Cut: Jonathan Harris, Taki Taimani, Travis Bell, Elijah Williams
Levi Drake Rodriguez left Saturday’s game against the Texans with an ankle injury, but it doesn’t sound like it is very serious. Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins is an athletic freak at the defensive tackle position, and Jalen Redmond is building off a strong conclusion to his 2024 campaign.
Inside Linebacker (4)
- Blake Cashman
- Ivan Pace
- Eric Wilson
- Kobe King
Cut: Austin Keys, Dorian Mausi, Max Tooley
The Vikings all but eliminated any mystery at the inside linebacker position when they cut Brian Asamoah on Tuesday.
Cornerback (6)
- Byron Murphy
- Isaiah Rodgers
- Jeff Okudah
- Mekhi Blackmon
- Dwight McGlothern
- Zemaiah Vaughn
Cut: Tavierre Thomas, Ambry Thomas, Reddy Steward, Keenan Garber
The cornerback room has been one of the biggest bright spots for the Vikings this summer. Glowing reviews have come in for both Isaiah Rodgers and Jeff Okudah while both Dwight McGlothern and Zemaiah Vaughn have been ultra consistent to snatch the final two spots. That could change if Minnesota adds a new wide receiver.
Safety (4)
- Harrison Smith
- Josh Metellus
- Theo Jackson
- Jay Ward
Cut: Mishael Powell, Gervarrius Owens, Kahlef Hailassie
While Kahlef Hailassie had an impressive preseason opener with a pair of interceptions, it’s going to be difficult to carve his way into this safety room. The trio at the top is set in stone, and Jay Ward is plenty capable of producing for the special teams unit. The Vikings will have to roll the dice and hope Hailassie can clear waivers and land on the practice squad.
Special Teams
Kicker (1)
- Will Reichard
Punter (1)
- Ryan Wright
Cut: Oscar Chapman
Long Snapper (1)
- Andrew DePaola
It’s still the same-old, same-old for Minnesota’s special teamers. Don’t be surprised if Oscar Chapman is moved to the practice squad, though.
You must be logged in to post a comment.