Vikings: Updated 53-man roster projection post-OTAs

Shortly after the 2023 NFL Draft, we took a look at what the Vikings' final roster could look like.  However, that was over a month ago, and much has happened since then. At least one star player seems unlikely to be on the final roster, and a couple of young players could force their way […]

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Shortly after the 2023 NFL Draft, we took a look at what the Vikings' final roster could look like

However, that was over a month ago, and much has happened since then. At least one star player seems unlikely to be on the final roster, and a couple of young players could force their way on. 

With that being said, let's get into the latest projections.

Quarterback (3)

IN: Kirk Cousins, Jaren Hall*, Nick Mullens

OUT: N/A

The skinny: This group seems locked, especially with the new QB rules. Mullens has starting experience so he's a valuable presence. Hall likely wouldn't make it through waivers on to the practice squad, so the team will just have to keep three. 

Running Back (4)

IN: Alexander Mattison, C.J. Ham, DeWayne McBride*, Kene Nwangwu

OUT: Dalvin Cook, Ty Chandler, Zach Ojile

The skinny: If you haven't heard yet, the Vikings and Cook have parted ways. Expect Mattison to get the bulk of the carries, with McBride and Nwangwu providing depth. I believe Chandler is redundant, as McBride is the speedster and Nwangnu is the special teams ace. Ham is a solid fullback who will be on the team. I wouldn't be surprised to see a veteran addition here. 

Wide Receiver (6)

IN: Jordan Addison*, Justin Jefferson, Jalen Nailor, K. J. Osborn, Brandon Powell, Jalen Reagor, 

OUT: Trishton Jackson, Blake Proehl, Thayer Thomas**, Malik Knowles**, Cephus Johnson III**, Lucky Jackson, Garett Maag**

The skinny: Most probably expect the team to roll with five receivers, but I believe this year will be different. Powell gets the final spot due to his returning ability and Nailor and Reagor stick around due to potential.

Tight End (3)

IN: T. J. Hockenson, Johnny Mundt, Josh Oliver

OUT: Nick Muse, Ben Sims**

The skinny: Hockenson and Oliver are locks and should be a solid one-two punch. Mundt seemingly has a clear edge for the third spot due to his solid blocking. Not much controversy here.

Offensive Line (9)

IN: Garrett Bradbury, Blake Brandel, Ezra Cleveland, Christian Darrisaw, Ed Ingram, Vederian Lowe, Brian O'Neill, Chris Reed, Austin Schlottmann

OUT: Josh Sokol, Oli Udoh, Jacky Chen**, Alan Ali**, Sam Schlueter

The skinny: I like Lowe to make it over Udoh due to the fact that Lowe can play tackle or guard. Other than that, no surprises here. This is a solid unit. 

Defensive Line (6)

IN: Dean Lowry, Jonathan Bullard, Harrison Phillips, Jaquelin Roy*, Khyiris Tonga, James Lynch

OUT: Ross Blacklock, Sheldon Day, Esezi Otomewo, T.J. Smith, Calvin Avery**, Junior Aho**

The skinny: Lowry, Phillips, Roy, and Tonga are locks. I like Lynch's potential and Bullard's veteran presence, so they get the last two spots for now. This will be one of the tougher groups to project. 

Outside Linebacker (5)

IN: Andre Carter II**, Marcus Davenport, Danielle Hunter, Patrick Jones II, D. J. Wonnum, 

OUT: Luiji Vilain, Curtis Weaver, Benton Whitley

The skinny: Za'Darius Smith being shipped to Cleveland means Carter makes the team as a UDFA. I wouldn't be surprised if Hunter got moved before the season, but for now he's still here. 

Inside Linebacker (4)

IN: Brian Asamoah, Jordan Hicks, Ivan Pace Jr.**, Troy Reeder

OUT: Troy Dye, William Kwenkeu, Wilson Huber**, Abraham Beauplan**

The skinny: Pace is the other UDFA with a great chance to make the roster. I believe it will come down to Pace or Dye for the final inside backer spot. Ultimately, Pace wins out. Asamoah, Hicks, and Reeder are locks. 

Cornerback (6)

IN: Mekhi Blackmon*, Andrew Booth Jr., Akayleb Evans, Byron Murphy, Joejuan Williams, Jay Ward*

OUT: Kalon Barnes, CJ Coldon Jr.**,Tay Gowan, John Reid, NaJee Thompson**, Jaylin Williams**

The skinny: This is a very young and inexperienced group. It would not be surprising to see one of the UDFAs make it on this roster with a strong summer showing. I like Jaylin Williams the most of the UDFAs. 

Safety (4)

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

OUT: Theo Jackson

The skinny: The top four of this group are probably locks. Ultimately, it could come down to Theo Jackson or a sixth corner. I had the team rolling with six corners just because of the youth and inexperience of that room. 

Special Teams (3)

IN: Andrew DePaola (LS), Jake Podlesny (K)**, Ryan Wright (P)

OUT: Greg Joseph 

The skinny: In what could be a surprise to some, I have the UDFA kicker beating out Joseph for the job. As the Vikings undergo a youth movement, why not apply that to the kicker position as well? Wright and DePaola.

Featured image via © Aaron Doster | 2016 Aug 12