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

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/

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