Minnesota Vikings Early 53-man Roster Projection

The Minnesota Vikings have just completed the NFL Draft and the initial free-agent signing period. While there are bound to be changes to this lineup over the coming months, here is a way too early-look at the team’s projected roster for the 2023-24 season.

Minnesota Vikings Offense

Quarterbacks: Kirk Cousins, Nick Mullens

Same as last year. The Vikings have been fortunate that Cousins has been so durable and has performed so well in his tenure here. It has forestalled any necessity for major additions to the position. Mullens is a capable backup for short-term situations. The X factor is rookie Jared Hall from Brigham Young. He will get a good, long look from head coach Kevin O’Connell and his staff. Is he the quarterback of the future? The jury is still out on.

Deep Core of Running Backs

Running Backs: Alexander Mattison, Kene Nwangwu, Ty Chandler, DeWayne McBride, C.J. Ham

Mattison assumes the starting halfback role with the departure of Dalvin Cook. Speedy Chandler should get his fair share of work in the abbreviated running back by committee situation. Don’t be surprised if the rookie McBride continues to get more carries as the season progresses. Ham is an excellent blocker, and he reduces the need for a fourth-rostered tight end. Nwangwu is a phenomenal kick returner and a potential secret weapon on offense.

Wide Receivers: Justin Jefferson, K. J. Osborn, Jordan Addison, Jalen Nailor, Malik Knowles

Jefferson is the king here. He returns as the best wide receiver in the NFL. Osborn made great strides last season and should continue to improve. Addison out of USC should help stretch the field and take some of the attention away from Jefferson. Nailor exhibited some big play potential in 2022 and could also serve as the team’s punt returner. Knowles, an undrafted free agent, is a smooth sure-handed receiver. He is also a kick return threat.

Tight Ends: T.J. Hokenson, Josh Oliver, Johnny Mundt

This was a position of concern for the Minnesota Vikings entering training camp last year. That is no longer the case. Hokenson emerged as one of the premier receiving tight ends in the game, and he has a great rapport with Cousins. Oliver was brought in for his skill as a blocker in two tight-end sets. Mundt is normally regarded for his blocking ability, but he showed an improvement in his receiving production last season.

Vikings Have Questions on the O-line

Offensive Line: Christian Darrisaw, Ezra Cleveland, Garrett Bradbury, Ed Ingram. Brian O’Neil, Vederian Lowe, Oli Udoh, Chris Reed, Blake Brandel, Adam Schlottmann

The Minnesota Vikings offensive line is a tale of the good, the bad, and the ugly. The good is represented by the two All-Pro caliber starting tackles, Darrisaw and O’Neil. Cousins rests a little easier at night, knowing these two are protecting his flanks. Also good is the run blocking of left guard Cleveland and center Bradbury. These two graded out high for their road-opening ability last season.

The bad is related to the porous pass-blocking of Cleveland and Bradbury. Cleveland has terrible footwork when he sets up to pass block, and Bradbury is simply overpowered by the league’s stronger interior lineman. Ugly is the word for Ingram’s play last year. He struggled with both pass and run blocking and was flagged for numerous unnecessary penalties. This will be a make-or-break year for the sophomore guard.

Minnesota Vikings Defense

Defensive Line: Harrison Phillips, Dean Lowry, Jaquelin Roy, Khyiris Tonga, Esezi Otomewo

Phillips is the glue here, and he will be counted on to continue his aggressive play. Tonga underwent a baptism under fire last year and fared well. He will be counted on to plug up the middle of the line. Lowry was brought in to replace the departed Dalvin Tomlinson, but he will need help. Roy has to hit the ground running, and Otomewo has to take the next step if this is going to be a formidable unit.

Hunter on the Comeback

Edge Rushers: Danielle Hunter, Marcus Davenport, Patrick Jones II, D.J. Wonnum, Andre Carter II

Za’Darius Smith is out, and Marcus Davenport is in. Much is expected of the former Saint, who has so far underperformed and been oft-injured in his young NFL career. Hunter will be armed with a new contract and will hopefully build on his strong second-half performance last season.

Jones has a good motor on him, and he will be a key rotational piece if he can develop more consistency in his play. Many folks are counting Wonnum out, but I think his special teams play might keep him on the roster. Carter could surprise some people as an undrafted free agent.

Linebackers: Jordan Hicks, Brian Asamoah II, Troy Dye, Ivan Pace Jr., Troy Reeder

Hicks struggled last year, and this is a do-or-die year for him. The Vikings are excited about Asamoah’s potential, and he will be expected to fill the shoes of the departed Eric Kendricks. Dye should make the team principally on the weight of his special teams work. The Minnesota Vikings feel like the heavens opened up after they were able to sign Pace as an undrafted free agent in April. Reeder will provide depth and special teams experience.

Cornerbacks: Byron Murphy Jr., Andrew Booth Jr., Akayleb Evans, Mekhl Blackmon, Jay Ward, Kalon Barnes

The Vikings’ brass still has some concerns about this group. Murphy was a valuable pickup, and he can play inside or outside. Booth and Evans are very athletic, but they must prove that they can avoid the injuries that have sidelined them so far in their young careers.

If they don’t hold up, the rookies Blackmon and Ward might be pressed into early season action. I am putting Kalon Barnes in as a placeholder because I believe the Vikings will pick up another free-agent cornerback before the start of training camp.

How Much Does Smith Have Left in the Tank

Safeties: Harrison Smith, Camryn Bynum, Lewis Cine, Josh Metellus

Smith, the perennial Pro-Bowler, has seen his coverage skills erode as he ages, but he is still a big-play, hard-hitting presence on the field. Hopefully, new defensive coordinator Brian Flores will utilize him more in the blitz packages. After filling in nicely in 2021, Bynum struggled as a starter last year.

Cine could overtake him if he stays healthy. Metellus staked his reputation as a quality performer on special teams. However, he stepped into the starting lineup when Smith was injured last year and acquitted himself well.

Specialists: Kicker: Greg Joseph, Punter: Ryan Wright, Long-snapper: Andrew DePaola

Joseph had a very chaotic season in 2022. His field goals were the difference in many of the close wins that the Vikings posted last season. But he was far too inconsistent and again struggled to convert PATs. However, the undrafted free agent from Georgia, Jack Podlesny, is too inconsistent to challenge him for the starting job.

Wright bombed a 73-yard punt last year against Miami, and he finished eighth among all NFL punters last season in net punt average. He also dropped 32 punts inside the twenty-yard line to rank fourth in the league. Wright is also an adept holder for the field goal and extra-point squad. And DePaola is one of the best long-snappers in the game.

So, there you have it. The way to early Minnesota Vikings roster projection for the upcoming season. Moving forward, the team will undoubtedly engage in more trades (Dalvin Cook). And with freed-up cap space, there will also be an additional free agent signing or two. But let the speculation continue, and we can all sit back and watch how the story unfolds.