Minnesota Vikings way-too-early 53-man roster projections: Change looming at RB

Looking at the Minnesota Vikings' roster, and how much cap space they could save with a few trades/releases, it appears we could see some surprises this summer. Let's take a safer route with the first 53-man roster projection of the offseason, however. Here's how Minnesota's roster could look after roster cuts at the end of […]

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Looking at the Minnesota Vikings' roster, and how much cap space they could save with a few trades/releases, it appears we could see some surprises this summer.

Let's take a safer route with the first 53-man roster projection of the offseason, however. Here's how Minnesota's roster could look after roster cuts at the end of training camp.

Note: Players with single asterisk (*) are 2023 draft picks and players with double asterisks (**) are 2023 undrafted free agents.

Quarterback (3)

IN: Kirk Cousins, Jaren Hall*, Nick Mullens

OUT: N/A

The skinny: Minnesota keep three quarterbacks on the active roster as they give fifth-round QB Jaren Hall an opportunity to learn behind two veterans with one year left on their respective contracts.


Running Back (5)

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

OUT: Ty Chandler

The skinny: A Dalvin Cook trade/release is likely to shake things up at running back, but expect DeWayne McBride to stick on the active roster throughout the season.


Wide Receiver (5)

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

OUT: Trishton Jackson, Brandon Powell, Blake Proehl,

The skinny: Vikes will keep five wide receivers, but the only question is whether or not Jalen Reagor can stave off the competition to earn the final spot on the 53-man roster.


Tight End (3)

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

OUT: Ben Ellefson, Nick Muse

The skinny: Hockenson and Oliver are locks to crack the 53-man roster. Mundt should have a substantial edge for the final spot heading into his seventh season in the NFL.


Offensive Line (9)

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

OUT: Vederian Lowe, Josh Sokol

The skinny: The Vikings offensive line will look similar to how it did just a season ago. Expect a starting group of Darrisaw, Cleveland, Bradbury, Ingram and O'Neil from left to right.

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) takes snap from center Garrett Bradbury (56) against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Defensive Line (5)

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

OUT: Ross Blacklock, Jonathan Bullard, Sheldon Day, Esezi Otomewo, T.J. Smith, Kenny Willekes

The skinny: The Vikes added Roy in the draft who should make an impact in a rotational role. Lowry, Tonga and Phillips are also locks to make the 53-man.


Outside Linebacker (6)

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

OUT: Luiji Vilain, Curtis Weaver, Benton Whitley

The skinny: You can't ever have too many pass rushers. Look for UDFA Andre Carter II out of Army to secure the final spot at OLB.


Inside Linebacker (4)

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

OUT: Troy Dye, William Kwenkeu

The skinny: Pace, along with Andre Carter II, highlights the Vikings UDFA class. Asamoah, Hicks and Reeder should be roster locks while there should be plenty of competition for the fourth spot.


Cornerback (6)

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

OUT: Kalon Barnes, Tay Gowan

The skinny: This is going to be the most intriguing group to watch through training camp as they adjust to DC Brian Flores' new scheme. The pressure is on Booth and Evans to standout and earn their roles in Year Two.

Minnesota Vikings players celebrate an interception by teammate Harrison Smith (22) against the New York Jets during the first quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports

Safety (4)

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

OUT: Theo Jackson

The skinny: Minnesota needs a healthy Cine to feel good about their depth at safety. An aging Harrison Smith will need plenty of help on the backend of the Vikes' secondary.


Special Teams (3)

IN: Andrew DePauloa (LS), Greg Joseph (K), Ryan Wright (P)

OUT: Jake Podlesny (K)**

The skinny: Joseph staves off the UDFA kicker out of Georgia in Podlesny, though it will likely be a tight competition. Minnesota will retain the same group of specialists heading into the 2023 season.