The Minnesota Vikings have a big decision to make at quarterback, with J.J. McCarthy challenging Sam Darnold for the starting job. Plus, they await the return of star tight end T.J. Hockenson and news of a possible suspension for receiver Jordan Addison.
On defense, an improved pass rush and both depth and versatility in the secondary should generate improvement in performance and results.
Here’s a projection of who will make the team’s initial 53-man roster.
Minnesota Vikings 53-Man Roster Projection
Quarterback (3)
Starter: Sam Darnold
Backup: J.J. McCarthy, Nick Mullens
McCarthy will be the team’s starter, but not right out of the gate despite a strong showing in camp. The next milestone for McCarthy is the point at which head coach Kevin O’Connell feels comfortable enough in his development to name him the backup.
For now, veterans Darnold and Nick Mullens hold down the fort.
Running Back (4)
Starters: Aaron Jones, C.J. Ham (FB)
Backup: Ty Chandler, Kene Nwangwu
Green Bay defector Aaron Jones gives the Vikings some juice at running back while steady veteran C.J. Ham is set to produce on offense and as a core special teams player for yet another season.
The depth here is solid with Ty Chandler as RB2 and with Kene Nwangwu able to change pace on offense while also holding down the kickoff return role.
Wide Receiver (5)
Starters: Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison
Backups: Brandon Powell, Trent Sherfield, Jr., Jalen Nailor
When on the field together, Justin Jefferson and Addison represent a formidable duo. The depth behind them is solid, with Brandon Powell providing particular value because of his familiarity with O’Connell’s scheme.
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This is a spot to watch once other teams start making cuts, though, because O’Connell has a keen eye for offensive playmakers.
Tight End (4)
Starters: Josh Oliver, Robert Tonyan
Backups: Johnny Mundt, Nick Muse
Reserve: TJ Hockenson
Once everyone is healthy, this is a position of strength for the Vikings. For now, though, the team waits for Hockenson to come off the PUP list, and Robert Tonyan will miss time with back spasms.
Offensive Line (10)
Starters: Christian Darrisaw, Blake Brandel, Garrett Bradbury, Ed Ingram, Brian O’Neill
Backups: Walter Rouse, Dalton Risner, Michael Jurgens, Dan Feeney, David Quessenberry
The spot to watch with the offensive line is right guard Ed Ingram, who has underperformed relative to expectations and could be supplanted by veteran Dalton Risner. Overall, though, this is a solid group with reliable backups and reserves.
Defensive Line (5)
Starters: Jonathan Bullard, Harrison Phillips, Jerry Tillery
Backups: James Lynch, Jonah Williams
The Vikings used free agency and the draft to address many spots on defense, but the interior defensive line is an area to monitor.
Both Chicago and Detroit are physical up front along the offensive line, so being pushed around on defense is a concern for coordinator Brian Flores.
EDGE (5)
Starters: Jonathan Greenard, Andrew Van Ginkel
Backups: Dallas Turner, Pat Jones III, Gabriel Murphy
The Vikings did lose a stud in Danielle Hunter this offseason, but they responded well by signing Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel in free agency, plus they added arguably the draft’s best pass rusher in Dallas Turner and supplemented that with one of the most sought-after undrafted free agents in pass rusher Gabriel Murphy.
Inside Linebacker (3)
Starters: Blake Cashman, Ivan Pace, Jr.
Backups: Brian Asamoah II
If the Vikings could flip a player at a position of depth for a player at a position of need, this would be it. Perhaps an extra tight end or defensive back will yield a thumper at inside linebacker during roster cutdown days for the Vikings.
Cornerback (6)
Starters: Byron Murphy, Jr., Shaq Griffin, Brian McCain
Backups: Fabian Moreau, Duke Shelley, Akayleb Evans
Reserve: NaJee Thompson
The Vikings have suffered attrition in this spot but have responded aggressively by signing free agents Brian McCain, Fabian Moreau, and Duke Shelley to support the starters.
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Another positive factor here is the versatility of players such as Josh Metellus and Jay Ward, who can both cross-train at outside cornerback and nickel cornerback in addition to their more traditional safety roles.
Once healthy, NaJee Thompson will return to the active roster and be a core special teams player, which will likely bump Akayleb Evans to the practice squad.
Safety (5)
Starters: Harrison Smith, Cam Bynum
Backups: Josh Mettelus, Jay Ward, Theo Jackson
Cam Bynum and Harrison Smith have the starting jobs locked down, but all three backups are capable players who contribute on special teams and in multiple positions on defense. Depth and versatility reign supreme among the Vikings’ safeties.
Specialists (3)
Kicker: Will Reichard
Punter: Ryan Wright
Long Snapper: Andrew DePaola
Will Reichard was selected in the sixth round of the 2024 draft and swiftly beat out John Parker Romo for the place-kicking job. Veterans Ryan Wright and Andrew DePaola have the confidence of Vikings coaches after returning from last year’s team.