Minnesota Vikings 53-man roster projections are highlighted by multiple fan favorite UDFAs and multiple surprises

The latest projection for the Vikings 53-man roster is highlighted with surprises

Tyler Forness — NFL & College Football News Writer
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The Minnesota Vikings have completed two of their preseason games after losing 20-12 to the New England Patriots on Saturday afternoon.

The game was a tough one for the Vikings. The main reason is that the Patriots were playing the ones early, while the Vikings played some of their second team with the third teamers mixed in. Having that kind of disadvantage is tough, but it does help some players stand out in a big way.

There are players who have made a huge statement across the board for the Vikings, including multiple UDFAs on both sides of the ball.

Minnesota Vikings 53-man roster prediction post New England Patriots game

Quarterback: 3

IN: J.J. McCarthy, Sam Howell, Max Brosmer
OUT: Brett Rypien

This competition has been a fascinating one to watch across the board. One player continues to stand out in a major way, and that’s Brosmer. The UDFA from Minnesota continues to shine in a significant way. In fact, he looks like he could be the No. 2 quarterback for the Vikings this season, and coach Kevin O’Connell alluded to that fact after the game.

“I just view it right now as we’ve got to learn about these guys,” O’Connell said. “We’ve got to try to see who’s able to go in there and function and execute the offense when, look, I’m well aware sometimes the circumstances aren’t perfect. You know, they’re not throwing the ball to Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison and T.J. (Hockenson) or playing behind our first offensive line. So you take that into account, but you’re looking for just the traits out of those three guys. And I think Sam (Howell) had a really good week of practice, and I think Brett Rypien had a good week stepping in there, and Max (Brosmer) made some throws that were really impressive as well. So there’s a reason why we’re playing all three of them, as far as, like, what that means, and the overall competition, I think I would just say it’s still open, and we’re trying to figure out what that room is going to look like for the season. But I do like all the players.”

Do not be surprised if Brosmer ends up making waves as the No. 2 quarterback, but he’s likely the No. 3.

Running Back: 4

IN: Aaron Jones, Jordan Mason, Zavier Scott, C.J. Ham (FB)
OUT: Tre Stewart, Ty Chandler

This group hasn’t changed since last week. Scott continues to thrive for the Vikings in multiple ways, including on special teams. He’s proving to be the all-around third running back that the Vikings haven’t had during the last few years. They wanted it to be Chandler, but he’s regressed in the backfield during the last year plus, and it’s just not looking like he can do that.

Wide Receiver: 5

IN: Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison (suspended list), Jalen Nailor, Tai Felton, Lucky Jackson, Myles Price
OUT: Jeshaun Jones, Tim Jones, Dontae Fleming, Robert Lewis, Silas Bolden, Thayer Thomas

This group is a fascinating one for multiple reasons. The biggest reason is Addison’s suspension. Will the Vikings keep an extra receiver on the roster while he’s on the suspended list?

The likes of Thomas and Jones have been on this list before, but Price’s emergence as the punt returner has him on here over them. This is a very fluid group, and it could change quickly after the third preseason game.

Tight End: 3

IN: T.J. Hockenson, Josh Oliver, Nick Vannett
OUT: Gavin Bartholomew (PUP), Bryson Nesbit, Giovanni Ricci, Ben Yurosek

Another change comes at the tight end spot, and it unfortunately has nothing to do with Yurosek’s performance. He’s been solid, but tight end has a steep learning curve, and it’s probably better to have him on the practice squad. As a veteran option, Vannett could be the next Johnny Mundt. He already looks to be the TE4 on the depth chart right now, and that could carry forward.

Offensive Tackle: 4

IN: Christian Darrisaw, Brian O’Neill, Justin Skule, Walter Rouse
OUT: Logan Brown, Leroy Watson

There are no changes in this group, but I will say that Rouse is starting to make a push to potentially earn the swing tackle spot from Skule. Brown has honestly been disappointing in his time with the Vikings despite being the highest-ranking UDFA they signed this year.

Interior Offensive Line: 5

IN: Will Fries, Ryan Kelly, Donovan Jackson, Blake Brandel, Michael Jurgens
OUT: Henry Byrd, Joe Huber, Michael Gonzalez, Vershon Lee

This group hasn’t seen any changes. One interesting player is Huber, who was fantastic in the first preseason game, but came back down to earth against the Patriots. He’s a likely practice squad candidate once final rosters are set after next week.

Defensive Tackle: 7

IN: Jonathan Allen, Javon Hargrave, Harrison Phillips, Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins, Levi Drake Rodriguez, Jalen Redmond, Elijah Williams
OUT: Taki Taimani, Jonathan Harris, Travis Bell

The biggest surprise last year was the emergence of Taimani and Redmond, as they had incredible preseasons that forced the Vikings to keep both. This year, that player is Williams. He was tremendous in the first game, and that continued on Saturday afternoon. Keeping seven defensive tackles might seem crazy, but if they are all good, why not?

Edge Rusher: 5

IN: Jonathan Greenard, Andrew Van Ginkel, Dallas Turner, Gabe Murphy, Bo Richter
OUT: Tyler Batty, Chaz Chambliss, Cam Gill

It will be exciting to see how this group plays out from a depth standpoint. Murphy and Richter have seemed to solidify their spots on the roster, and Batty has yet to stand out despite being the highest-paid UDFA on the roster. He likely lands on the practice squad, which is the best spot for him.

Inside Linebacker: 4

IN: Blake Cashman, Ivan Pace Jr., Eric Wilson, Kobe King
OUT: Max Tooley, Austin Keys, Dorian Mausi

After the first game against the Houston Texans, the Vikings chose to move on from Brian Asamoah II. That essentially secured King’s roster spot. He also got some work with the green dot this week and on Saturday afternoon. That’s a big step for him, and likely means he’s got a secure spot on the roster.

Cornerback: 6

IN: Byron Murphy Jr., Isaiah Rodgers, Mekhi Blackmon, Jeff Okudah, Dwight McGlothern, Zemaiah Vaughn
OUT: Keenan Garber, Ambry Thomas, Reddy Steward

The biggest question with this group is whether the Vikings will keep McGlothern and Vaughn. Right now, they both deserve to make the roster, but keeping a player at a different position could end up moving one of them to the practice squad.

Safety: 4

IN: Harrison Smith, Josh Metellus, Theo Jackson, Jay Ward
OUT: Mishael Powell, Gervarrius Owens, Kahlef Hailassie, Tavierre Thomas

This is a pretty set-in-stone group. The one player who could sneak onto the roster is Hailassie. He’s played well across the board and has even gained some steam.

Specialists: 3

IN: Will Reichard (K), Oscar Chapman (P), Andrew DePaola (LS)
OUT: Ryan Wright (P)

Chapman has been slowly sneaking up on Wright. He ended up holding for the final three field goals and split punting duties on Saturday afternoon. With Wright’s inconsistencies, we could see a change at punter.

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