Breaking down how the top 7 bubble candidates can make the Vikings’ 53-man roster
The Minnesota Vikings are in the same position as every other team in the National Football League: trying to figure out their 53-man roster. They will have one more game to figure out who they want to have on their opening-day roster against the Philadelphia Eagles. There are a lot of question marks about the […]
The Minnesota Vikings are in the same position as every other team in the National Football League: trying to figure out their 53-man roster. They will have one more game to figure out who they want to have on their opening-day roster against the Philadelphia Eagles.
There are a lot of question marks about the team with the majority of them coming on the back end of the roster. About 43 roster spots are currently secured with the rest up for grabs across multiple positions.
The Vikings will give players one last chance to prove to the front office and coaching staff they deserve to make the final 53-man roster. What do the biggest bubble players need to do to get that news on Tuesday?
QB Jaren Hall: Build off of Browns game
Hall played well against the Cleveland Browns to the tune of two touchdowns and a perfect passer rating. With the new rules surrounding quarterbacks, the Vikings could sneak him onto the practice squad.
WR Trent Sherfield: Catch the ball
The wide receiver position has been deep for the Vikings over the last few years. With NaJee Thompson set to miss the season with a knee injury, Sherfield could pencil in as a starting punt gunner. However, he will need to show some reliability as a receiver to get that job.
TE Nick Muse: Stay consistent
Throughout training camp, Muse has stayed consistent in catching passes, creating separation and in blocking. With T.J. Hockenson primed to miss time this year, it's important that the tight end depth steps up. Muse is primed to do just that.
C Michael Jurgens: Don't be a catastrophe
Jurgens was brutal against the Browns and posted a 10.8 PFF pass-blocking grade. He was getting bullied in every way you can think of. He was solid against the Las Vegas Raiders, and many were excited for him to make the roster. He must improve from Saturday's game to make it onto the roster.
OLB Andre Carter II: Show promise and explosiveness
When the Vikings guaranteed Carter $340k last year as an undrafted free agent, they hoped that a couple of years in an NFL strength and conditioning program would elevate him to the next level. That hasn't quite happened yet. There have been flashes of high-level play but consistency has eluded him thus far. Continue to show growth and there might be something there.
ILB Dallas Gant: Outsine Brian Asamoah II and Kamu Grugier-Hill
The linebacker depth isn't that exciting. Asamoah and Grugier-Hill have shown some warts in their play, especially when it comes to pass coverage. If they struggle and Gant can step up, there could be something there. Gant already excels at special teams, as his near 1,000 snaps in college displayed. There also appears to be something as a linebacker, which the Vikings need.
S Lewis Cine: Prove the Browns game wasn't a fluke
The Vikings appeared to see the breakout game from Cine against the Browns. He was explosive and made plays but there were still too many times where Cine was out of position. Even with the flaws, it was the best that Cine has played in a Vikings uniform. If he can put together another good game, he might be worth keeping on the active roster and continuing to develop.
Predicting the Minnesota Vikings practice squad: which UDFAs make the cut?
How will the Vikings craft the practice squad?
