Gridiron Heroics
    Facebook Twitter Instagram
    Trending
    • Green Bay Packers: 1st Round Pick Matthew Golden Reveals Rookie Season Goals that Would Challenge Franchise Records
    • “He Never Once Said a Word to Me;” Green Bay Packers HC Matt LaFleur Breaks Silence on Disgruntled Wide Receiver
    • Green Bay Packers: Anders Carlson Suddenly #1 Option for Starting Job After Jets Cut 1x All-Pro
    • Breaking: Former NFL Star Arrested For Leaving 6-Year-Old Son In Car; Meeting With Prostitute
    • BREAKING: San Francisco 49ers and QB Brock Purdy Agree to Massive $200+ Million Extension
    • “Just Blew Away Their Future” 49ers Rip Franchise For Insane Brock Purdy Contract (Breaking)
    • Jacksonville Jaguars: Star Defender to Return to Natural Position
    • Pittsburgh Steelers Attempting to Get Former 1st Round WR for Aaron Rodgers [Potentially]
    • About Us
    • Contact Us
    • Our Writers
    • Write for Gridiron Heroics
    Facebook Twitter Instagram
    Gridiron Heroics
    SUBSCRIBE FOR UPDATES
    • NFL
      • AFC East
        • AFC East
        • Buffalo Bills
        • Miami Dolphins
        • New England Patriots
        • New York Jets
      • AFC North
        • Baltimore Ravens
        • Cincinnati Bengals
        • Cleveland Browns
        • Pittsburgh Steelers
      • AFC South
        • Houston Texans
        • Indianapolis Colts
        • Jacksonville Jaguars
        • Tennessee Titans
      • AFC West
        • Denver Broncos
        • Kansas City Chiefs
        • Las Vegas Raiders
        • Los Angeles Chargers
      • NFC East
        • Dallas Cowboys
        • New York Giants
        • Philadelphia Eagles
        • Washington Commanders
      • NFC North
        • Chicago Bears
        • Detroit Lions
        • Green Bay Packers
        • Minnesota Vikings
      • NFC South
        • Atlanta Falcons
        • Carolina Panthers
        • New Orleans Saints
        • Tampa Bay Buccaneers
      • NFC West
        • Arizona Cardinals
        • Los Angeles Rams
        • San Francisco 49ers
        • Seattle Seahawks
    • Fantasy Football
    • College Football
    • NFL Draft
    • PODCAST
    Gridiron Heroics
    Home»NFL»Minnesota Vikings»Way-Too-Early, Minnesota Vikings Final 53-man roster
    Minnesota Vikings

    Way-Too-Early, Minnesota Vikings Final 53-man roster

    JD HollerBy JD HollerJuly 3, 2022Updated:February 15, 20242 Comments7 Mins Read
    Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
    Vikings Players
    MINNEAPOLIS, MN - OCTOBER 13: Mackensie Alexander #20 of the Minnesota Vikings celebrates with teammates after intercepting the ball in the fourth quarter of the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at U.S. Bank Stadium on October 13, 2019 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)
    Share
    Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email

    The NFL regular season is again just a few months away. With preseason starting in late August, and the real deal starting in September. It made me wonder what the Vikings final roster will look like going down the road. With a big change of scenery in the front office and coaching staff this year. So here is what I think, is the most realistic, but way-too-early, Vikings Final 53-man roster.

     

    QB’s

    Starter: Kirk Cousins

    Backup: Kellen Mond

    Overview:

    After Sean Mannion serving as the Vikings backup for some years, it’s officially time for him to move on to the practice squad, or even free agency. This opinion can be further proved, after Mannion’s horrendous  Week 17 outing against the Packers last year on SNF. After Cousins was ruled out, due to the league’s COVID-19 policy. There’s really no reason that Mannion should remain on the 53-man roster. Deeming it officially Mond’s time to serve as the Minnesota backup.

    RB’s

    Starter: Dalvin Cook

    Backup: Alexander Mattison

    3rd: Kene Nwangwu

    4th: Ty Chandler (R)

    Overview:

    New incoming GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, typically likes a four running back tandem, which is evident with what he did with the Browns roster last year. But it might be a minor toss up, with Minnesota liking to utilize full back CJ Ham quite a bit. And not to mention that this is not a run-first offense anymore, with new HC Kevin O’Connell taking the reigns in 2022.

    FB’s

    Starter: CJ Ham

    Overview:

    This one is really a no-brainer. Ham is among the few, but best full back’s in the league, and it doesn’t really make since to cut him now, after all of these years he’s been utilized in the offense.

    WR’s

    1st: Justin Jefferson

    2nd: Adam Thielen

    3rd: KJ Osborn

    4th: Ihmir Smith-Marsette

    5th: Jalen Nailor (R)

    6th: Bisi Johnson

    7th: Albert Wilson

    Overview:

    The Wide receiver list isn’t really ranked on who will play the most, but ranked talent-wise. O’Connell’s new offensive scheme which favors the pass quite often, features many new alignments and assignments for Minnesota wideouts this year. With that being said, the first four spots are pretty much already locked in, pending any injuries or other setbacks. But the 5th, 6th, and 7th spots are truly up for grabs, with guys like Dan Chisena, Blake Proehl, and Myron Mitchell all competing for a spot. But overall, I believe this going to be a good year for Vikings receivers, as they will fit in well with the new game plan, and playbook.

    TE’s

    Starter: Irv Smith Jr.

    Backup: Ben Ellefson

    3rd: Johnny Mundt

    Overview:

    This is the one spot on Minnesota’s roster that needs the most improvement. Some say Irv Smith will be the Vikings tight end of the future, and I’m not necessarily disagreeing, but it is just too uncertain after his season-ending knee injury last season. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Vikings chose to pick up another, or even a few tight ends in free agency to consider their options. Also considering that O’Connell likes to use double tight end sets.

    OL

    Centers:

    1st: Garret Bradbury

    Guards:

    1st: Ezra Cleveland

    2nd: Ed Ingram (R)

    3rd: Jesse Davis

    4th: Wyatt Davis

    Tackles:

    1st: Brian O’Neill

    2nd: Christian Darrisaw

    3rd: Blake Brandel

    4th: Austin Schlottman

    Overview:

    Another long-time issue that has occurred in the Vikings offense for years, the O-Line. Veteran tackle Brian O’Neill is primed for a breakout year in 2022 according to insiders around the league, and this year is the perfect year to do it. The Vikes are going to need a lot of help in the passing game from their O-Line, as they are going to need to hold their blocks so Kirk can remain calm under center, and not succumb to the defensive pressure

    DL:

    DT’s 

    1st: Dalvin Tomlinson

    2nd: Harrison Phillips

    3rd: James Lynch

    4th: Armon Watts

    5th: Jaylen Twyman

    DE’s 

    1st: Danielle Hunter

    2nd: Za’Darius Smith

    3rd: DJ Wonnum

    4th: Patrick Jones ll

    Overview: 

    Picking up Za’Darius Smith in free agency this year was huge for the Vikings. Smith brings a lot to the table, including a much needed heavy pass rusher, and a lot of energy to an improving defense. Minnesota also picked up Harrison Phillips in the off-season. He might not get a lot of sacks, but is a great counter to the run-game, and an even greater addition to this defense.

    LB’s

    1st: Eric Kendricks

    2nd: Jordan Hicks

    3rd: Brian Asomoah

    4th: Troy Dye

    5th:  Blake Lynch

    Overview:

    The Vikings let Anthony Barr walk this off-season, who was tenured for the past eight years.  But Minnesota decided to bring in former Cardinal and Eagle linebacker Jordan Hicks, to take his place. Hicks will work with former pro-bowler Eric Kendricks as the Vikings starting linebacker duo most likely, as Asomoah, Dye, and Lynch will also get some playing time mixed in.

    CB’s

    1st: Patrick Peterson

    2nd: Cameron Dantzler

    3rd: Andrew Booth Jr. (R)

    4th: Kris Boyd

    5th: Akayleb Evans (R)

    Overview:

    Another one of the rough patches of position groups on the Vikings’ roster would be defensive backs, specifically corners. Minnesota has had a vast range of issues at cornerback in the past, including injuries suspensions, and most importantly lack of depth. The Vikings do have a couple of options on their current roster as we speak. Names including Harrison Hand, Parry Nickerson, Nate Hairston, and even Tye Smith come to mind when someone brings up the word cornerback. And all four of the guys have a true shot at making the final roster, but it’s just a matter of how they do in the pre-season. And I just personally believe the two rookies, Evans and Booth will outplay them for their respective roster spots.

    S’s

    1st: Harrison Smith

    2nd: Lewis Cine (R)

    3rd: Camryn Bynum

    4th: Josh Metellus

    5th: Myles Dorn

    Overview:

    Minnesota only has six current safeties on the roster, and I think only four or five will make the final cut. Seems pretty easy right? No. Although their are only six right now, doesn’t necessarily there will be six come August. Not to bring up again that their is possible injuries, and other setbacks. The current odd-man out at the moment, is rookie Mike Brown out of Miami (OH).

    Special Teams:

    LS:

    1st: Andrew DePaola

    Overview: 

    Not much too say here. No competition for him at all on the roster. At least he has all 10 fingers he can long-snap the ball with, unlike former Viking Austin Cutting.

    P:

    1st: Ryan Wright (R)

    Overview:

    HOT TAKE INCOMING!!! The rookie takes the starting punter spot! Jordan Berry had a couple brutal punts last year, so why not replace him?

    K:

    1st: Greg Joseph

    Overview:

    Last but certainly not least, the Kicker. Vikings fans can take this positions duties to heart, as it always seems the game is relying on the kickers shoulders. Joseph is the only rostered kicker as of now. Wouldn’t be surprised if the Vikes decide to pick up another guy in the future, or totally fire Joseph if he shows his bad spots fluently again in 2022.

    With all of that being said, it’s just going to be a short amount of time before the real final roster is revealed. Let me know in the comments who you think should be replaced or taken off this roster!

    Here is the current Vikings schedule for 2022:

    https://www.vikings.com/schedule/

    Click this link down below for more football articles!

    https://gridironheroics.com

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Get the latest Pro and College Football news, analysis, and breaking stories on the NFL, NCAA, Fantasy Football, and more! Tap the star to add us to your favorites on Google News, so you never miss a story from the football field.

    Adam Thielen Anthony Barr Brian O'Neill CJ Ham Dalvin Cook Harrison Phillips Irv Smith Jordan Hicks Justin Jefferson Kellen Mond Kirk Cousins Kwesi Adofo-Mensah Minnesota Minnesota Vikings NFL Sean Mannion Vikings Vikings wide receivers Za'Darius Smith
    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
    Avatar of JD Holler
    JD Holler

    Part-time Vikings and Gophers writer at Gridiron Heroics

    2 Comments

    1. Avatar of Greg Simbeck
      Greg Simbeck on July 3, 2022 3:09 pm

      Nice article JD.

      Reply
    2. Avatar of Kenny
      Kenny on July 3, 2022 11:23 pm

      Your missing chandon Sullivan are starting slot cornerback I would replace him with boyd…and are punter was great for the most part last season

      Reply

    Leave A Reply Cancel Reply

    Green Bay Packers

    Green Bay Packers: 1st Round Pick Matthew Golden Reveals Rookie Season Goals that Would Challenge Franchise Records

    By Robin M AdamsMay 16, 20250
    Green Bay Packers

    “He Never Once Said a Word to Me;” Green Bay Packers HC Matt LaFleur Breaks Silence on Disgruntled Wide Receiver

    By Robin M AdamsMay 16, 20250
    NFL

    Green Bay Packers: Anders Carlson Suddenly #1 Option for Starting Job After Jets Cut 1x All-Pro

    By Robin M AdamsMay 16, 20250
    NFL

    Breaking: Former NFL Star Arrested For Leaving 6-Year-Old Son In Car; Meeting With Prostitute

    By McQuade ArnoldMay 16, 20250
    Gridiron Heroics Writers
    Follow Us
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    READ MORE
    2024 NFL Draft Aaron Rodgers Baltimore Ravens Bill Belichick Buffalo Bills Caleb Williams Chicago Bears Chiefs Cincinnati Bengals Cleveland Browns College Football Dak Prescott Dallas Cowboys Denver Broncos Deshaun Watson Detroit Lions Football Green Bay Packers Joe Burrow Josh Allen Justin Fields Kansas City Chiefs Las Vegas Raiders Los Angeles Chargers Miami Dolphins Minnesota Vikings New England Patriots New Orleans Saints New York Giants New York Jets NFL NFL Draft nfl news NFL Rumors Patrick Mahomes Philadelphia Eagles Pittsburgh Steelers Russell Wilson San Francisco 49ers Seattle Seahawks Tampa Bay Buccaneers Taylor Swift Tom Brady Travis Kelce Washington Commanders
    Facebook Twitter Instagram Pinterest
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms of Service
    • Editorial Process
    • Contact Us
    • Corporate
    © 2025 Gridiron Heroics.

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

    x