Since our last 53-man roster projection a few weeks back, the Minnesota Vikings wrapped up training camp and played two preseason games. At this stage, the starting roster seems pretty clear. But the depth of this roster is a little trickier to project after some up-and-down performances and special teams contributions.
The Vikings have already trimmed the roster down to 80 players, and they will need to clear it down to the final 53 by 4:00 p.m. EDT on Aug. 31. So with just a week before that deadline, here are my and Luke Braun’s best guesses for the final roster.
Offense
Quarterback
Nick: Kirk Cousins, Kellen Mond
Jake Browning is probably a slightly better quarterback right now than Kellen Mond, plus he’s vaccinated and he’s reportedly great on the whiteboard.
That said, Browning went unclaimed all last year after being waived and signed to the Vikings’ practice squad, and I don’t think he’s done anything this year to substantially increase his risk of being poached. So I think the Vikings can try and stash Browning again on their practice squad to make room for another bubble player.
Given the unimpressive preseason performances from the backup quarterbacks, it’s also entirely possible the Vikings sign a veteran backup quarterback through waivers — something Zimmer alluded to on Saturday night after the Indianapolis Colts game.
Luke: Kirk Cousins, Jake Browning, Kellen Mond
This is pretty straightforward by now. Browning has the QB2 job all but locked, even if I don’t necessarily think he should. There could be an opening for a guy like Danny Etling or Nate Stanley, but those two are angling at a practice squad spot. I’m giving it to the vaccinated guy (Mike Zimmer was not ambiguous that he’d do the same).
Running Back
Nick: Dalvin Cook, Alexander Mattison, Ameer Abdullah, Kene Nwangwu, C.J. Ham
Rostering only two quarterbacks enables the Vikings to keep both Abdullah and Nwangwu. Abdullah has had an impressive preseason both as a runner and as a receiver, often lining up out wide and running solid WR routes as well as showing good vision and explosiveness as a runner. Plus, he is a core special teamer. Nwangwu when healthy is the likely starting kick returner (although Ihmir Smith-Marsette is giving him a run for his money) and could play a Tyler Ervin-type role on the offense.
Luke: Dalvin Cook, Alexander Mattison, Kene Nwangwu, Ameer Abdullah, C.J. Ham
Not much change to this group from last time, although I’ve moved Nwangwu above Abdullah on the depth chart. I think he’s earned that. Abdullah is still in the precarious “player 53” role, but when you contribute on every special teams coverage and return unit and can also be relied upon as a running back if it comes to that, it’s pretty easy to give him a spot. Jake Bargas won’t overtake Ham despite his excellent game against the Broncos. I’ll try to stash A.J. Rose on the practice squad, but his performance against Denver might get him claimed. Good on him either way.
Wide Receiver
Nick: Justin Jefferson, Adam Thielen, K.J. Osborn, Dede Westbrook, Ihmir Smith-Marsette, Chad Beebe
The Vikings’ wide receiver depth looks substantially improved over last year: Osborn is probably the most-improved player on the team and may have won the WR3 job, Westbrook is finally healthy and returned as a full participant in practice, and Smith-Marsette has impressed throughout training camp, joint practices, and last week against the Colts.
Assuming Westbrook wins the punt returner job, Beebe no longer offers much special teams value and is basically just a situational slot receiver. But Beebe still finds ways to succeed in that role, and given that he’s earned first-team slot WR reps in camp, that he rested along with other starters versus the Broncos, and that he performed well against the Colts, I think he’s the 53rd man on the roster.
On the other hand, Dan Chisena is still too raw for NFL WR action and has been inconsistent on special teams this preseason. So even though Chisena made the roster last year and has improved as a receiver, it’s hard to find room for him this year.
Luke: Justin Jefferson, Adam Thielen, K.J. Osborn, Dede Westbrook, Ihmir Smith-Marsette
I’m giving Osborn the WR3 job over Westbrook based on the camp Osborn had. Of course, Westbrook has been injured and therefore wasn’t able to compete. A tough break, but that’s how it goes. Nick, I have to take my L here. I had Osborn as player 54 last time based on general OTA skepticism. Osborn blew that away.
I won’t be so bold as to cut Smith-Marsette, despite Mike Zimmer’s ominous comments. Still keeping the sixth WR off the roster in favor of Abdullah. Chad Beebe and Chisena pale in comparison to Abdullah’s special teams contributions, especially if neither receiver wins a returning job.
Tight End
Nick: Irv Smith Jr., Tyler Conklin, Zach Davidson
Smith Jr. and Conklin are locked in at TE1 and TE2, but the depth beyond that is a real toss-up: Each of Davidson, Brandon Dillon, and Shane Zylstra had great training camps but have followed that up with disappointing preseason performances.
I’m giving the edge to Davidson here because I think he’s performed the best on special teams, and I’d hate to expose a fifth-round draft pick with upside to waivers. Dillon may be the better player right now, but he is safer to expose to waivers, and he (or Zylstra) can likely be called up from the practice squad if needed like Dillon was last year.
Luke: Irv Smith Jr., Tyler Conklin, Zach Davidson
Conklin is dealing with an injury that kept him out of the Colts game, but I won’t go so far as to assume he’ll start the season on PUP or anything until we hear more information. The third tight end spot is where the intrigue is, and I think it’s close. Davidson has been the best at getting separation but has fallen behind Dillon as a blocker. Zylstra is a distant third. For now, I’ll go with the more explosive Davidson, since Conklin’s health has been spotty this summer.
Offensive Tackle
Nick: Brian O’Neill, Christian Darrisaw, Rashod Hill, Blake Brandel
Oli Udoh locking up the starting right guard spot leaves room for Brandel to sneak onto the roster. Brandel may have struggled mightily against the Colts, but those struggles are outweighed by a good training camp and game against the Broncos, which has drawn praise from the Vikings’ coaches.
Luke: Brian O’Neill, Rashod Hill, Christian Darrisaw, Blake Brandel
The line has developed interestingly for sure. With Darrisaw out and unable to compete for a start, Rashod Hill gets the job. Pencil in Oli Udoh as starting right guard, which is still fairly surprising. There are four shoo-in interior linemen, leaving room for one spot between Brandel, Dru Samia, and Dakota Dozier. I’m giving that to Brandel, who has played best, but Samia could sneak in if the team feels that five tackles (including the two at guard) is enough. Samia has outplayed Dozier thus far.
Interior Offensive Line
Nick: Garrett Bradbury, Ezra Cleveland, Oli Udoh, Mason Cole, Wyatt Davis
As uninspiring as the Vikings’ offense has been this preseason, the interior offensive line performance has been very encouraging. Cleveland looks improved in pass protection and more natural on the left side, Bradbury’s anchor seems marginally improved, and Udoh has been the most impressive of all. Cole offers valuable versatility as both the backup center and guard, while Davis has performed very capably this preseason and might even be starting were it not for Udoh’s breakout.
That leaves Dakota Dozier and Dru Samia on the outside looking in after less-impressive camps and preseason performances. It may be slightly surprising to see Dozier go from first-team reps to off-the-roster, but the same thing happened to Aviante Collins last year. Like Collins, Dozier may be safe to stash on the practice squad where he could be called up should additional depth be needed later in the season.
Luke: Garrett Bradbury, Ezra Cleveland, Oli Udoh, Wyatt Davis, Mason Cole
Mason Cole has been solid all summer, so he’s comfortably in. Thanks to all the flexible guys like Cleveland, Udoh, and Cole, I don’t need to roster a 10th OL. If a tackle goes down, the guard next to him can kick out. If an interior guy goes down, pencil in Mason Cole or Wyatt Davis. The group feels complete without having to endure the services of Dozier or Samia, even if the latter has looked slightly improved.
NICK’S TOTAL OFFENSE: 25
LUKE’S TOTAL OFFENSE: 25
Defense
Defensive End
Nick: Danielle Hunter, Stephen Weatherly, D.J. Wonnum, Everson Griffen, Patrick Jones II
With Everson Griffen signed as a pass-rush specialist and Janarius Robinson relegated to season-ending injured reserve, there’s finally some clarity in the DE room. It’s tough to leave Hercules Mata’afa or Kenny Willekes off the roster after their impressive preseasons, but the DE room is already crowded enough.
Luke: Danielle Hunter, D.J. Wonnum, Stephen Weatherly, Patrick Jones II, Everson Griffen
I had a feeling that the Griffen signing might ultimately happen. The team is very happy with Wonnum and seems much more lukewarm on Weatherly than they were when they were declining to draft or sign a starting-quality end opposite Hunter. Jones has flashed plenty of potential. I saw way too many mistakes from Hercules Mata’afa and Jalyn Holmes to justify rostering them at this juncture.
Defensive Tackle
Nick: Michael Pierce, Dalvin Tomlinson, Sheldon Richardson, Armon Watts
After having probably the worst defensive tackle rotation in the NFL last year, the Vikings now have a good argument for the best DT rotation in the league. Pierce has been absolutely dominant since returning to health, and Watts has looked so improved (and drawn so much praise from coaches) that he could probably start for a number of teams. It’s tough to leave James Lynch off the roster given his improvement and the praise he’s also drawn from coaches, but the Vikings probably don’t need to make room for another nose tackle.
Luke: Michael Pierce, Dalvin Tomlinson, Sheldon Richardson, Armon Watts
No change here. James Lynch may sneak in as a nose tackle if Mike Zimmer is to be believed, but I haven’t quite seen enough to justify a fifth defensive tackle. Instead, he and Watts will compete for the final defensive tackle spot. Lynch played up-and-down in the first preseason game while Watts got his tail kicked. That makes the battle a real one, but Lynch has to do more before he wins it.
Linebacker
Nick: Eric Kendricks, Anthony Barr, Nick Vigil, Troy Dye, Ryan Connelly, Chazz Surratt
The backup linebackers followed up an atrocious performance versus Denver with an equally impressive performance against Indianapolis. Vigil and Connelly both recorded impressive pass deflections, while Troy Dye performed well in coverage, run defense, and as a blitzer. Surratt is still learning the position but has shown flashes and performed very well in special teams.
The sixth linebacker spot will come down to Connelly or Blake Lynch. Lynch has probably been the better linebacker, while Connelly has been particularly impressive on special teams (though Lynch has been no slouch there either). I think either player is likely to make it past waivers and be safe on the practice squad, so I am inclined to give the nod to the player who can contribute more now as the better special teamer.
Luke: Anthony Barr, Eric Kendricks, Nick Vigil, Ryan Connelly, Chazz Surratt, Blake Lynch
Again, I’m not jumping to any PUP or IR conclusions with injured players like Barr and Vigil. I’ve got Ryan Connelly firmly in. He was fairly quiet throughout most of camp but has absolutely exploded since joint practices with the Broncos. Preseason performance has high enough leverage to make that case. Surratt may still be on the redshirt path, but he’s coming along.
That leaves one spot between Blake Lynch and Troy Dye (now that Cameron Smith has retired). This is an incredibly tough decision, but I went with Lynch, who occupies a Barr-like SAM role in a way nobody else on the roster does. He looks way more physical this year and has quietly ascended the depth chart. I don’t think Dye has played too poorly or anything, but it’s a numbers game. The linebackers need a little more beef.
Cornerback
Nick: Patrick Peterson, Bashaud Breeland, Mackensie Alexander, Cameron Dantzler, Harrison Hand, Kris Boyd
This group seems pretty set in stone. Kris Boyd has likely locked up a roster spot after turning in a couple of impressive preseason performances, while Bashaud Breeland has probably run away with the starting job opposite Peterson after an impressive camp and preseason.
Luke: Patrick Peterson, Bashaud Breeland, Mackensie Alexander, Cameron Dantzler, Kris Boyd, Harrison Hand
If I were in charge, I’d give Breeland the CB1 job. But listening to the Vikings talk about Peterson, it sounds like he’ll do it. It’s an arbitrary distinction if the Vikings play sides anyways, which it seems like they will. Dantzler has been too up-and-down to be considered a starter at this point, but he’ll still get his feet wet in a rotation. Boyd has done enough at cornerback to leapfrog Hand, who would be in trouble if anyone better than Parry Nickerson or Tye Smith were challenging him.
Safety
Nick: Harrison Smith, Xavier Woods, Camryn Bynum, Josh Metellus
Like last year, the backup safeties have been given plenty of opportunities to impress and have largely done nothing with them. Bynum has misread or been late to read plays in coverage while getting exposed as a slot corner, but his roster spot is probably safe despite that given his fourth-round draft status. Myles Dorn is probably better at safety than Metellus, but I’d give Metellus the nod as he has contributed a lot more on special teams. Given the lack of safety depth, I expect the Vikings to scour the waiver wire for other options at safety after roster cutdowns.
Luke: Harrison Smith, Xavier Woods, Camryn Bynum, Josh Metellus
This is another instance where I want to add a TBD free agent to the group, but I’ll work with the names we have. Bynum is still clearly the third-best safety on the team, leaving a battle between Metellus and Myles Dorn. They’ve been equally problematic as safeties, especially with regard to mental mistakes. Metellus has done more damage on special teams, so he gets the spot, but I’m not confident in either making the team.
NICK’S TOTAL DEFENSE: 25
LUKE’S TOTAL DEFENSE: 25
Special Teams
Nick: Greg Joseph (K), Britton Colquitt (P), Andrew DePaola (LS)
Colquitt looked much improved against the Colts after a shaky preseason debut against the Broncos: His 4.62-second average hangtime ranks as sixth-best among punters this preseason, and last week he was able to sustain that hangtime with good distance and direction. Hopefully, Colquitt can keep that up as he enters his age-36 season.
Because Riley Patterson was waived with an injury designation, Joseph seems to have won the kicking job by default. But given his shaky accuracy and consistency, the Vikings may still try to see if they can improve depending on which kickers wind up on waivers.
Luke: Greg Joseph (K), Britton Colquitt (P), Andrew DePaola (LS)
Alas, my lab-engineered long snapper, Turner Bernard, didn’t make it. I note yet again that the real kicker and punter could end up joining the team later, but Greg Joseph has put together a bit of a hot streak over the last week. Enough of one, at least, to get the Vikings to give up on Riley Patterson, who has not only been injured but also has a checkered college career that never inspired much confidence.
NICK’S TOTAL SPECIAL TEAMS: 3
LUKE’S TOTAL SPECIAL TEAMS: 3
Practice Squads
Nick: Jake Browning, A.J. Rose Jr., Jake Bargas, Dan Chisena, Whop Philyor, Brandon Dillon, Shane Zylstra, Kyle Hinton, Dakota Dozier, Hercules Mata’afa, Kenny Willekes, James Lynch, Jordon Scott, Blake Lynch, Tye Smith, Myles Dorn
Luke: Nate Stanley, A.J. Rose Jr., Jake Bargas, Dan Chisena, Chad Beebe, Brandon Dillon, Dru Samia, Zack Bailey, Hercules Mata’afa, Kenny Willekes, James Lynch, Troy Dye, Tuf Borland, Dylan Mabin, Myles Dorn, Luther Kirk
