Josh Frey’s Final Minnesota Vikings Roster Projection
The Minnesota Vikings have officially wrapped up their preseason and training camp periods.
Now, the only thing left to do before the regular season officially begins on Monday, September 8 at Soldier Field is to trim the roster down to its final 53-man version.
The deadline to do so is Tuesday, August 26 at 3 p.m., and before the Vikings officially make their final roster cuts, here is one more Minnesota Vikings roster projection.
Offense
Quarterback (3)
- J.J. McCarthy
- Carson Wentz
- Max Brosmer
The Vikings seem to have officially set their QB room in place, at least for now, on Sunday when they traded away Sam Howell, released Brett Rypien, and signed Carson Wentz.
Running Back (4)
- Aaron Jones
- Jordan Mason
- C.J. Ham
- Zavier Scott
Cut: Ty Chandler
Ty Chandler did not appear in the final preseason game last Friday, seemingly indicating an unceremonious end to his time in Minnesota. Zavier Scott has been an explosive presence in the offense throughout the summer, so he gets his shot to stick around on the roster.
Wide Receiver (6)
- Justin Jefferson
- Jalen Nailor
- Lucky Jackson
- Tai Felton
- Tim Jones
- Myles Price
Suspended: Jordan Addison
Cut: Jeshaun Jones, Thayer Thomas, Dontae Fleming,
It wouldn’t be surprising if the Vikings had another move in their pocket to bring in a veteran wide receiver, particularly after gaining some draft capital for trading away Howell. For now, though, Minnesota keeps around six wide receivers due to the Jordan Addison suspension and uncertain health of Jalen Nailor. Tim Jones has at least caught NFL passes before, and Myles Price’s impressive summer leads to him getting the punt returner job.
Tight End (3)
- T.J. Hockenson
- Josh Oliver
- Nick Vannett
Cut: Bryson Nesbit, Giovanni Ricci, Ben Yurosek
Nick Vannett could be a strong candidate to fill the Johnny Mundt role this year, mainly serving as a blocking tight end, but also catching passes in a pinch.
Offensive Tackle (4)
- Christian Darrisaw
- Brian O’Neill
- Justin Skule
- Walter Rouse
Cut: Leroy Watson
The Vikings want to trade Leroy Watson (per Tom Pelissero), leaving little mystery for Minnesota’s offensive tackle room.
Interior Offensive Line (5)
- Donovan Jackson
- Ryan Kelly
- Will Fries
- Blake Brandel
- Michael Jurgens
Cut: Henry Byrd, Joe Huber, Michael Gonzalez, Vershon Lee
The Vikings may be forced to keep a thin interior offensive line if they hold onto an additional wide receiver, leaving Blake Brandel as the sole backup at guard and 2024 fifth-round pick Michael Jurgens as the backup center behind Ryan Kelly.
Defense
Outside Linebacker (5)
- Jonathan Greenard
- Andrew Van Ginkel
- Dallas Turner
- Gabriel Murphy
- Bo Richter
Cut: Tyler Batty, Chaz Chambliss
Obviously, nothing was changing at the top of this outside linebacker room, but Gabriel Murphy’s preseason explosion cannot be ignored while Bo Richter is a proven contributor on special teams, which keeps him around.
Defensive Line (6)
- Jonathan Allen
- Javon Hargrave
- Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins
- Jalen Redmond
- Levi Drake Rodriguez
- Taki Taimani
Cut: Elijah Williams, Jonathan Harris
It’s been a fun run for Elijah Williams, but the Vikings will try to sneak him through waivers and onto the practice squad. Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins has been given first-team reps at points in camp, so his spot is obviously safe as is Jalen Redmond’s and Levi Drake Rodriguez’s. Taki Taimani ultimately gets the last spot as the one true run-stuffing nose tackle on this roster.
Inside Linebacker (4)
- Blake Cashman
- Ivan Pace
- Eric Wilson
- Kobe King
Cut: Austin Keys, Dorian Mausi
Any suspense at the Vikings’ inside linebacker spot was taken away when Brian Asamoah was cut. The Vikings will be running with the quartet of Cashman, Pace, Wilson, and King.
Cornerback (6)
- Byron Murphy
- Isaiah Rodgers
- Jeff Okudah
- Mekhi Blackmon
- Dwight McGlothern
- Zemaiah Vaughn
Cut: Ambry Thomas
It’s going to be interesting to see if the Vikings would try to make another veteran cornerback to this group, but for now, it remains unchanged from my last roster projection. If the Vikings do make a move in the next 24 hours, though, Zemaiah Vaughn is probably the guy who gets placed onto the practice squad from this group.
Safety (4)
- Harrison Smith
- Josh Metellus
- Theo Jackson
- Jay Ward
Cut: Tavierre Thomas, Gervarrius Owens, Kahlef Hailassie
An argument could be made for Tavierre Thomas to make the roster after a strong preseason, but there simply isn’t a roster spot here that I feel comfortable getting rid of to keep a fifth safety.
Special Teams
Kicker
- Will Reichard
Punter
- Ryan Wright
Cut: Oscar Chapman
Long Snapper
- Andrew DePaola
Oscar Chapman lost his chance to steal the punting job this weekend after bobbling a hold on a Will Reichard field goal attempt. Ryan Wright keeps his job, and there is no surprise anywhere else.
Editor’s Note: Information from Pro Football Reference helped with this article.
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