The Minnesota Vikings released their first depth chart of the 2024 season. While the depth chart is considered unofficial, it gives us some inisght on how the Vikings view their roster going into their first preseason game against the Las Vegas Raiders.

As we take a look at the initial depth chart, we get insight on a lot of positions and it was loaded with intrigue. 

J.J. McCarthy and Jeshaun Jones surprise in Minnesota Vikings unofficial depth chart

J.J. McCarthy is listed as QB2

He isn't alone in being listed as QB2, as McCarthy shares that distinction with Nick Mullens. The structure here is normal, as they are viewed by the staff on the same level

McCarthy is in a good spot with his development. Now, he's not what you would call ready to be the guy yet, but the progress he's made is noticeable. Being listed as the co-QB2 shows the progress and the confidence the team has in him.

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Jeshaun Jones ranks highly

If you have paid attention to my training camp coverage this year, you'd know that I have been really impressed by the UDFA from Maryland. He's gotten open consistently and caught everything that went his way.

The Vikings have rewarded him by ranking him on the third string with Trishton Jackson and Trent Sherfield. That puts him ahead of players like Lucky Jackson and Thayer Thomas and puts him between WR5 and WR7 going into Saturday's game. With good performances, Jones could end up making the roster.

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Dalton Risner listed as primary backup at RG

This one felt interesting. Now, backups on the interior need to play more than one position due to the limited roster space. Flexibility is key with the backups and it's something that is questionable with Risner.

Despite having played both center and right tackle in college, Risner has only played left guard in the NFL. Can he play on the right side? Theoretically, yes he can. Will he be successful at it? That much is a question mark. He will get the chance in the preseason.

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Gabriel Murphy listed ahead of Andre Carter II

The Vikings edge rusher depth is in an interesting spot. They spent a lot of money on two UDFA edge rushers over the past two seasons and they are both fighting for a roster spot.

Murphy has been really impressive during training camp and has already moved past Carter, who the team gave $340k in guaranteed money last year. It's a testament to Murphy who came to the Vikings and stepped up in a major way.

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Cornerback surprises

Cornerback has some interesting tidbits in how things are structured. The first being that Andrew Booth Jr. Is on the third string despite having his practice snaps taken from him by the likes of Jaylin Williams and Dwight McGlothern, who are both listed as fourth string.

The other is Jay Ward who has been practicing for the last week nearly exclusively with the cornerbacks. He was listed as a third string safety which in itself was interesting. Was Ward mixing in at cornerback just because of the depth and they want him at safety or do they just value the versatility? That answer will come in time.

Minnesota Vikings first unofficial depth chart of 2024 season is loaded with surprises

The first depth chart of the 2024 season is loaded with surprises for the Minnesota Vikings