The 2023 preseason is over and now the Vikings must set the initial 53-man roster. Unfortunately, many players who have been with the team all summer will soon be let go. Some of these players will catch on elsewhere, but others will sign with the team's practice squad. Let's take a look at what the Vikings' 16-man practice squad could look like. 

Player	Position
DeWayne McBride	Running back
Esezi Otomewo	Defensive end
Nick Muse	Tight end
Aaron Dykes	Running back
Thayer Thomas	Wide receiver
Lucky Jackson	Wide receiver
Jacob Copeland	Wide receiver
Alan Ali	Center
Jack Snyder	Tackle
Colin Thompson	Tight end
Calvin Avery	Defensive tackle
Junior Aho	Defensive end
Abraham Beauplan	Middle linebacker
CJ Coldon Jr.	Safety
Jaylin Williams	Corner
Theo Jackson	Safety

These are the 16 players I would choose. Obviously, the team will likely sign a couple of players from other teams but these are the players currently on the roster who I believe would be good fits. Let me explain why I chose each player. 

1. DeWayne McBride: It is way too early to give up on McBride. He didn't show enough to earn a roster spot, but he definitely earns a practice squad spot. The rookie can continue to develop and improve on the squad for at least this season. 

2. Esezi Otomewo: Otomewo could figure into the team's future plans, just not right now. The Vikes have several quality defensive ends who could probably contribute more in 2023. 

3. Nick Muse: Muse had a nice preseason but will likely unfortunately fall victim to a numbers game. Veteran Johnny Mundt appears likely to snag the final TE spot thanks to his versatility. If Muse clears waivers, he's an obvious practice squad candidate. 

4. Aaron Dykes: Dykes was only signed a couple of weeks ago, but he probably showed enough to earn a roster spot. At the very least, Dykes showed an ability as a returner so he could be insurance for Brandon Powell/Kene Nwangwu. 

5. Thayer Thomas: There are probably several teams that Thomas would make, but the Vikings aren't one of them. This WR group is deep and there's no room for Thomas, making him a great practice squad candidate. 

6. Lucky Jackson: Jackson is an intriguing prospect who shined in the XFL. Like Thomas, Jackson is talented enough to make a roster, just not this one. Jackson could benefit from some time on the practice squad. 

7. Jacob Copeland: Copeland is another WR with upside that should be kept around. The Vikings have a ton of young receivers who could benefit from practice squad time. 

8. Alan Ali: Ali once appeared likely to make the team, but has fallen behind several offensive linemen this summer. Ali still has the size and strength to make it on the interior, but he could use some development time. 

9. Jack Snyder: Snyder needs some time to develop but didn't look horrible in limited snaps. Snyder is the perfect player to stash on the practice squad and see if he improves over time. 

10. Colin Thompson: Thompson had a few nice catches in the preseason and showed enough receiving ability to land on the practice squad. Thompson will need to improve his blocking to stick in the league. 

11. Calvin Avery: I loved Calvin Avery as a prospect and was shocked he wasn't drafted. Avery has a massive frame and is bit like a prototypical nose tackle, but he didn't impress much in the preseason. He could stick in the league eventually. 

12. Junior Aho: Aho played football in France and could use more time to develop. The defensive end could develop into something eventually, he's just not ready for game action yet. 

13. Abraham Beauplan: Beauplan was a tackling machine at Marshall and made some nice plays in the preseason. Unfortunately, Beauplan has been outshined by fellow UDFA Ivan Pace Jr. Beauplan will stick around on the practice squad. 

14. CJ Coldon Jr.: The Vikings' secondary looked like a major problem area months ago, but many players stepped up this preseason. Coldon, unfortunately, failed to stand out as much as some others. Coldon can play either safety or corner and has impressive speed. 

15. Jaylin Williams: Williams, like Coldon, will be cut thanks to the depth of this secondary. Williams made a nice INT this preseason and probably did enough to stick around on the taxi squad. 

16. Theo Jackson: Jackson played good enough to make the final roster. Unfortunately, the Vikings are loaded with Lewis Cine, Camryn Bynum, Harrison Smith, Josh Metellus, and Jay Ward. If Jackson doesn't get claimed by someone else, the Vikes should definitely keep him around. 

Vikings final 53-man roster prediction for the 2023 season

Final predictions for the Vikings 53-man roster.

Featured image via © Jeffrey Becker | 2023 Aug 26