Over the last couple weeks, Zone Coverage has broken down the Minnesota Vikings post-draft roster by position group.
Previous stories:
Running backs
Wide receivers
Tight ends
Offensive line
Quarterbacks
Defensive line
Linebackers
Cornerbacks
Safeties
Specialists
With our analysis of each position now complete, it’s time to look at how the roster ended up — with a few caveats.
Since the time the series started, there have been several events that affected the initial predictions. The Vikings signed Michael Floyd, they switched C.J. Ham to fullback and they’ve gone through nearly three weeks of OTAs that have brought about other changes.
Below is the updated 53-man roster projection with changes from previous articles or author’s notes in italics.
QUARTERBACKS (3): Sam Bradford, Taylor Heinicke, Case Keenum
RUNNING BACKS (3): Jerick McKinnon, Dalvin Cook, Latavius Murray
FULLBACKS (1): C.J. Ham
*Though the Vikings used fullback Zach Line only 20 percent of the time last year — and even less once Pat Shurmur took over as offensive coordinator — Mike Zimmer may see it as a necessity to keep a lead blocker if the team is going improve in its short-yardage offense. This is certainly not a guarantee, however, if the team would prefer to keep a fringe player at another position.
WIDE RECEIVERS (6): Stefon Diggs, Adam Thielen, Laquon Treadwell, Jarius Wright, Michael Floyd, Rodney Adams
*The signing of Michael Floyd knocked my sixth wide receiver, Isaac Fruechte, off the team. It also doesn’t bode well for Stacy Coley, who is already behind the 8-ball with an undisclosed injury that has forced him to miss practice.
TIGHT ENDS (3): Kyle Rudolph, David Morgan II, Bucky Hodges
OFFENSIVE LINEMEN (9): Riley Reiff, Alex Boone, Pat Elflein, Joe Berger, Mike Remmers, T.J. Clemmings, Rashod Hill, Nick Easton, Danny Isidora
*Since he’s been getting first-team reps most of the spring, I’ve got Nick Easton making the roster now. Also, Danny Isidora has had as quiet a spring as any of the draft picks, mainly because he’s been stuck with the third-team offensive line. Zac Kerin and Willie Beavers will be fighting for consideration come training camp.
DEFENSIVE LINEMEN (9): Everson Griffen, Datone Jones, Linval Joseph, Danielle Hunter, Brian Robison, Shamar Stephen, Stephen Weatherly, Tom Johnson, Jaleel Johnson
LINEBACKERS (6): Anthony Barr, Eric Kendricks, Edmond Robinson, Ben Gedeon, Elijah Lee, Kentrell Brothers
CORNERBACKS (6): Xavier Rhodes, Trae Waynes, Terence Newman, Mackensie Alexander, Marcus Sherels, Tre Roberson
SAFETIES (4): Harrison Smith, Andrew Sendejo, Anthony Harris, Jayron Kearse
*Hey, can’t a guy just change his mind? I initially had Jack Tocho making the roster, but after several sleepless nights (and watching OTAs) I think Kearse provides enough potential and special teams prowess to crack the roster.
SPECIALISTS (3): Kai Forbath, Taylor Symmank, Kevin McDermott
*No change here yet, but Forbath is quickly losing his lead on challenger Marshall Koehn. It will be fascinating to see how Mike Priefer splits up preseason reps for his placekickers (and punters as well).
OFFENSE: 25
DEFENSE: 25
SPECIALISTS: 3
