Minnesota Vikings preseason debut highlighted by intriguing depth players ready to make a major impact
There are multiple players to keep an eye on when it comes to the Vikings preseason debut vs. Texans
The Minnesota Vikings are set to take on the Houston Texans this Saturday afternoon in the first preseason game of the season. It will be a really interesting game for a multitude of reasons, but the biggest being seeing how the depth shakes out.
On Wednesday, the Vikings released their first unofficial depth chart, which had a few surprises across the board. Those surprises are going to be really interesting when it comes to how things shape up in the preseason, as the games matter a lot for who makes the back end of your roster.
Going into the game, the performance of some players will make a major difference in figuring out a lot about how good the depth really is. These are the players who you should be keeping an eye on for a multitude of reasons.
Minnesota Vikings to watch in preseason vs. Houston Texans
OT Walter Rouse
When the Vikings took Rouse in the sixth round in the 2024 NFL Draft, the idea was that he could be a good swing tackle at a good price. He was often a healthy scratch for the Vikings as a rookie, but there was some significant growth that happened during his rookie year.
So far during training camp, Rouse has been a solid player across the board. One of the biggest things he’s had going for him is success against the Vikings first round pick from last year Dallas Turner. Over the last two practices, he’s stonewalled Turner on four reps, showing that he’s taken a step forward in his development. He could even outseat Justin Skule for the top swing tackle job.
CB Zemaiah Vaughn
The cornerback position is going to be really interesting from a depth perspective. After the top four spots, there are one or two that are open for anyone to take. The likely CB5 is Dwight McGlothern, but if they keep a sixth cornerback, Vaughn feels like he’s got the inside track for that spot.
On the practice field, Vaughn looks the part with his size, length, and movement skills. Where things get really interesting is that Vaughn was listed as the last cornerback on the unofficial depth chart when he has been getting consistent work with the second team. Was that just a mistake or is there some truth to it? A couple of good games could seal a roster spot for Vaughn.
WR Lucky Jackson
Wide receiver is the most intriguing position on the Vikings roster. After Jalen Nailor, it’s a crap shoot. They have given players across the board opportunities to play with the first team, but the top option has been Jackson. He’s gotten consistent reps with the first team, and that’s been a major signal that he’s in line for the WR4 spot.
How will the preseason matter for Jackson? How much is he going to play? If we see Jackson end up playing a series or two, then sitting for the rest of the game, it will speak volumes about where he’s at from a depth chart perspective.
DT Elijah Williams
Williams is one player I really want to see get on the field. He was a star pass rusher at Morgan State, an FCS school, with 33 sacks and over 50 tackles for loss to his credit across his four seasons. The biggest question is how much that production will translate?
Where Williams has an advantage over other players on the roster trying to earn a roster spot is how he joined the Vikings. Instead of being a UDFA signed right out of the NFL Draft, but rather he earned one in rookie minicamp, where you are more likely going to make the roster. He has a lot to prove, and it could be especially tough to crack this position group.
WR Dontae Fleming
I am so curious about Fleming. He’s been a standout for me at every practice I’ve attended, and there is something to his game that is exciting. He is really good when it comes to tracking the ball deep, and that has been a constant.
To end Wednesday’s practice, quarterback Max Brosmer found Fleming on a fade route, something he’s caught on multiple occasions. He’s got a long road, but I do believe he’s got a path to making an impact, and earning a practice squad spot.