It’s that time of year again, football fans. After months of anticipation, the Minnesota Vikings have finally released their first official-but-unofficial depth chart for the upcoming season. With the team’s first preseason game just around the corner, fans now have a glimpse into what the Vikings have in store for us this year.
As the anticipation builds for the 2019 NFL season, the release of the depth chart is like a beacon of hope for fans of the Minnesota Vikings. It’s a sign that the long wait is over and football season is upon us once again. And with the depth chart in our hands, we can start to analyze and speculate about the team’s potential for the upcoming season.
So, what does the depth chart tell us about the Vikings? Let’s take a closer look.
First and foremost, the biggest takeaway from the depth chart is the return of star running back, Dalvin Cook. After suffering a season-ending ACL injury in 2017 and battling through a hamstring injury in 2018, Cook is finally back and ready to take the field. This is great news for Vikings fans, as Cook has shown flashes of brilliance in his limited playing time and has the potential to be a game-changing player for the team.
But Cook isn’t the only exciting addition to the Vikings offense. The depth chart also reveals the acquisition of rookie tight end, Irv Smith Jr. The Alabama product has been turning heads in training camp and is expected to play a significant role in the team’s offense this season. With veteran tight end Kyle Rudolph still on the roster, the Vikings now have a dynamic duo at the tight end position that will surely give opposing defenses headaches.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Vikings have some new faces as well. The depth chart shows the addition of veteran defensive tackle, Shamar Stephen, who was brought back to the team after a one-year stint with the Seattle Seahawks. Along with the return of Stephen, the Vikings also have a new defensive coordinator in Andre Patterson, who has been with the team since 2014 as a defensive line coach. With his promotion, the Vikings defense is sure to bring the same intensity and dominance that we have come to expect from this unit.
Of course, the depth chart is not set in stone and there will be plenty of competition for starting positions throughout training camp and the preseason. But this first look gives us a sense of what the coaching staff is thinking and the direction the team is heading in.
Aside from the players on the depth chart, there are a few notable absences that have caught the attention of fans. One being that of wide receiver Laquon Treadwell, who was not listed as a starter on the depth chart. This has led to speculation that the former first-round pick may not make the final roster, as he has yet to live up to expectations in his first three seasons with the team. However, there is still time for Treadwell to prove himself and make a case for a spot on the team.
Overall, the release of the depth chart has only added to the excitement surrounding the Minnesota Vikings this season. With a mixture of proven veterans and promising rookies, the team is poised to make a run for the playoffs and potentially even the Super Bowl. But, as we all know, anything can happen in the NFL, and it will take hard work and dedication for the Vikings to achieve their goals.
So, as we eagerly await the team’s first preseason game, let’s rally behind our Minnesota Vikings and show our support for the players and coaches who are working tirelessly to bring us another successful season. Skol Vikings!
