The 2023 preseason schedule has officially come to an end for the Minnesota Vikings.
Now, as the team begins their preparation for their Week 1 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, they will have to trim their roster down to 53 players by Tuesday afternoon. Here is a prediction for that Vikings 53-man roster.
Offense
Aug 3, 2023; Eagan, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterbacks Nick Mullens (12) and Kirk Cousins (8) talk during warm ups at TCO Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
Quarterback (3)
Kirk Cousins
Nick Mullens
Jaren Hall
Cuts: Jordan Ta’amu
Running Back (4)
Alexander Mattison
Ty Chandler
Kene Nwangwu
C.J. Ham
Cuts: Aaron Dykes, Abram Smith, DeWayne McBride
Wide Receiver (6)
Justin Jefferson
K.J. Osborn
Jordan Addison
Jalen Nailor
Brandon Powell
Jalen Reagor
Cuts: Jacob Copeland, Lucky Jackson, Trishton Jackson, Garett Maag, Blake Proehl, Thayer Thomas
Tight End (4)
T.J. Hockenson
Josh Oliver
Johnny Mundt
Nick Muse
Cuts: Ben Sims, Colin Thompson
Offensive Tackle (4)
Christian Darrisaw
Brian O’Neill
Blake Brandel
Vederian Lowe
Cuts: Christian DiLauro, Chim Okorafor, Oli Udoh, Jarrid Williams
Interior Offensive Line (5)
Ezra Cleveland
Garrett Bradbury
Ed Ingram
Austin Schlottmann
Alan Ali (or outside player)
Cuts: Chris Reed, Jack Snyder, Josh Sokol
Not too many massive surprises here. DeWayne McBride should be able to be stashed on the practice squad, allowing the Vikings to keep him around. This prediction also assumes that Kene Nwangwu will be healthy for Week 1.
When Nwangwu is available, the return ace has been one of the best kick returners in the NFL. If he is not ready to go, though, Aaron Dykes could stick around as well either on the 53-man roster or the practice squad.
Meanwhile, veterans on the offensive line, Chris Reed and Oli Udoh, are out in favor of younger talent. We’re keeping the door open for an outside acquisition at guard as well.
Defense
Nov 24, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Danielle Hunter (99) celebrates the win after the game against the New England Patriots at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports
Outside Linebacker (5)
Danielle Hunter
Marcus Davenport
D.J. Wonnum
Patrick Jones
Luiji Vilain
Cuts: Andre Carter, Tanner Vallejo
Defensive Line (5)
Dean Lowry
Harrison Phillips
Khyiris Tonga
Jaquelin Roy
Esezi Otomewo
Cuts: Junior Aho, Calvin Avery, Ross Blacklock, Jonathan Bullard, T.J. Smith
Off-Ball Linebacker (3)
Jordan Hicks
Brian Asamoah
Ivan Pace
Cuts: Troy Dye, Wilson Huber, Troy Reeder, Tanner Vallejo, Abraham Beauplan
Cornerback (6)
Byron Murphy
Akayleb Evans
Andrew Booth
Mekhi Blackmon
Joejuan Williams
NaJee Thompson
Cuts: Kalon Barnes, C.J. Coldon, Tay Gowan, Jaylin Williams
Safety (5)
Harrison Smith
Cam Bynum
Josh Metellus
Lewis Cine
Jay Ward
Cuts: Theo Jackson, Jake Gervase
Brian Flores has shown throughout his coaching history that he loves to keep a large number of defensive backs around. He kept five safeties and at least five cornerbacks in every season of his head coaching tenure with the Miami Dolphins.
In order to maintain that number, we had to trim down one position in particular: off-ball linebacker. With the Vikings running three-safety sets and trying to get all three of Marcus Davenport, Danielle Hunter, and D.J. Wonnum on the field for passing downs, there could be times where only one of the off-ball guys is on the field. We’re keeping Jordan Hicks, Brian Asamoah, and Ivan Pace around while the Troys get cut.
Special Teams
Sep 11, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings place kicker Greg Joseph. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports.
Kicker
Greg Joseph
Punter
Ryan Wright
Long-Snapper
Andrew DePaola
There isn’t all that much to say about this group other than the players that are in the room will all stick around.
Josh Frey is a Class of 2020 graduate of The College of Idaho and managing editor of PurplePTSD.com. When he’s not writing about the NFL, Josh enjoys running, gaming, or rooting for the Milwaukee Brewers and Bucks. Check out his Twitter account: @Freyed_Chicken.
The post Josh Frey’s Vikings 53-Man Roster Prediction appeared first on Vikings Territory.
