The Minnesota Vikings officially opened camp on Wednesday, July 26. 

We are now less than two weeks away from the team's first preseason game on August 1. Real football is right around the corner, and the Vikings will be making some big decisions shortly. 

From now until Week 1, I will be predicting the team's opening depth chart. It will change based off of the latest camp news and updates. With that being said, let's dive in. 

OFFENSE

Position	Starter	Player 2	Player 3	Player 4
Quarterback	Kirk Cousins	Nick Mullens	Jaren Hall
Running back	Alexander Mattison	DeWayne McBride	Ty Chandler	CJ Ham (FB)
Left receiver	Justin Jefferson	Jalen Reagor
Slot receiver	KJ Osborn	Brandon Powell
Right receiver	Jordan Addison	Jalen Nailor
Tight end	TJ Hockenson	Josh Oliver	Johnny Mundt
Left tackle	Christian Darrisaw	Blake Brandel
Left guard	Ezra Cleveland	Chris Reed
Center	Garrett Bradbury
Right guard	Ed Ingram	Oli Udoh
Right tackle	Brian O’Neill	Vederian Lowe

I think the Vikings will keep three QBs. Mullens knows the system and is a solid backup, and the rookie Hall has impressed this offseason. 

At RB, I have somewhat of a surprise. On the initial depth chart, I have the rookie McBride making the jump to being Mattison's backup. Ty Chandler has looked good so far, but I think the rookie's speed will boost him up the chart. 

I know the Vikings typically role with five receivers, but both Jalen's have impressed this offseason and Powell brings a much-needed special teams presence. 

At tight end, the first two spots will be locked but Mundt could be displaced at some point. 

I would not be surprised to see the Vikes add to the line. Veteran Dalton Risner was brought in for a visit and I believe he would be a fine addition. 

DEFENSE

Position	Starter	Player 2	Player 3	Player 4
Defensive end	Dean Lowry	Esezi Otomewo
Nose tackle	Khyiris Tonga	Jaquelin Roy
Defensive end	Harrison Phillips	Jonathan Bullard
Outside linebacker	Danielle Hunter	DJ Wonnum	Luiji Vilain
Weakside linebacker	Jordan Hicks	Ivan Pace
Middle linebacker	Brian Asamoah II	Troy Reeder
Outside linebacker	Marcus Davenport	Andre Carter II
Left corner	Mekhi Blackmon	Andrew Booth Jr.
Free safety	Lewis Cine	Camryn Bynum
Strong safety	Harrison Smith	Josh Metellus
Right corner	Akayleb Evans	Tay Gowan
Nickel	Byron Murphy Jr.	Jay Ward

The defensive line battle will be fun to watch this summer. It will be interesting to see if James Lynch or one of the UDFAs can do enough to break into the rotation. 

No surprises at linebacker yet. I have Vilain making the team because he's impressed this offseason. Keeping Hunter makes this room look much better.

These corners are very young and inexperienced but they likely won't be any worse than the unit from 2022. Don't be surprised if Booth ends up starting at some point. 

Probably the biggest surprise I have is Cine starting over Bynum. Cine has made some impressive plays so far this summer and I still believe in the former first-round pick. 

SPECIAL TEAMS

Postion	Starter	Other
Punter	Ryan Wright
Kicker	Greg Joseph	Jack Podlesny
Long snapper	Andrew DePaola

I really want to pick Podlesny, but I just have to see more. 

For now, I have Joseph, Wright, and DePaola cracking the opening day roster. 

Featured image via © Matt Krohn | 2023 Jan 15