The Vikings will soon have to make around 40 roster decisions. After the final preseason game, all teams will begin cutting down to just 53 players. 

This will present the Vikings with an opportunity to scout the waiver wire for other teams' discarded players. There is one player who has been a preseason standout but may still find himself without a team on September 1. 

Our own Browns reporter Brandon Little suggested that Austin Watkins Jr. could be on the way out in Cleveland. 

Through three preseason games, Watkins leads the NFL in receiving yards with 245. The next closest receiver has 172 yards, showcasing how dominant Watkins has been, albeit with an extra game. However, due to Cleveland's deep WR room, Watkins could still be cut. 

As Little explained, the Browns currently have five locks in Amari Cooper, Donovan Peoples-Jones, Elijah Moore, Cedric Tillman, and David Bell. Jakeem Grant is also likely to make the team as a return specialist and sixth receiver. This means that Watkins could be the odd man out as most teams keep five or six at the position. 

The Vikings currently have four receivers who should be classified as locks: Justin Jefferson, KJ Osborn, Jordan Addison, and Jalen Nailor. Behind that, Brandon Powell is likely safe as the return man, but the final spot is up for grabs. 

We've been projecting Trishton Jackson to get that spot, but Watkins has outperformed him this preseason and could have a higher ceiling. Watkins has showcased big-play ability that Jackson has not. 

To start the preseason off in the Hall of Fame Game, Watkins led the team with two catches for 35 yards and a touchdown.  The next week, Watkins again led the team in receiving with 6 catches for 71 yards. Finally, against the Eagles last week, Watkins collected seven catches for 139 yards and a touchdown, leading the team once again.

Would you rather have a guy like Blake Proehl or Trishton Jackson at the tail end of the depth chart, or a guy who shows flashes of brilliance like Watkins? 

If Watkins does indeed get cut, it's likely he would get claimed. The Vikings are near the bottom of the waiver priority thanks to being a division winner in 2022, but should jump at the opportunity to solidify the WR room if given the chance. 

Vikings: Updated 53-man roster projection with one preseason game remaining

Projecting the Vikings’ final roster as we head into the last preseason game.

Featured image via © Eric Hartline | 2023 Aug 17