Vikings Roster Breakdown
The Minnesota Vikings are coming off a strong season, and they’re looking to build on that momentum in 2023. The Vikings have a talented roster with a good mix of veterans and young players. However, there are some areas where they could improve.
Roster Breakdown
The Vikings’ roster is strong at several positions, but there are some areas of concern. Here is a breakdown of the Vikings’ roster by position:
| Position | Starter | Backup | Depth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quarterback | Kirk Cousins | Jaren Hall | Nick Mullens |
| Running Back | Dalvin Cook | Alexander Mattison | DeWayne McBride |
| Wide Receiver | Justin Jefferson | K.J. Osborn | Jalen Nailor |
| Wide Receiver | T.J. Hockenson | Irv Smith Jr. | Josh Oliver |
| Offensive Tackle | Christian Darrisaw | Blake Brandel | Oli Udoh |
| Offensive Tackle | Brian O’Neill | Vederian Lowe | |
| Offensive Guard | Ezra Cleveland | Ed Ingram | |
| Offensive Guard | Jesse Davis | ||
| Center | Garrett Bradbury | Austin Schlottmann | |
| Defensive End | Danielle Hunter | Patrick Jones II | D.J. Wonnum |
| Defensive End | Za’Darius Smith | Janarius Robinson | |
| Defensive Tackle | Harrison Phillips | Khyiris Tonga | Jalen Twyman |
| Defensive Tackle | Dean Lowry | Esezi Otomewo | |
| Linebacker | Jordan Hicks | Brian Asamoah | Troy Dye |
| Linebacker | Eric Kendricks | ||
| Cornerback | Patrick Peterson | Akayleb Evans | Andrew Booth Jr. |
| Cornerback | Cameron Dantzler | Mekhi Blackmon | |
| Safety | Harrison Smith | Josh Metellus | Lewis Cine |
| Safety | Jayron Kearse |
Strengths
The Vikings have a strong offensive core, led by quarterback Kirk Cousins, running back Dalvin Cook, and wide receiver Justin Jefferson. The Vikings also have a solid offensive line, which will help protect Cousins and open up running lanes for Cook. On defense, the Vikings have a talented defensive line, led by Danielle Hunter and Za’Darius Smith.
Weaknesses
The Vikings’ biggest weakness is their secondary. They lost Patrick Peterson in free agency and will need to find a way to replace his production. The Vikings also need to find a reliable pass rusher to help take pressure off of Hunter and Smith.
Key Position Battles: Vikings Depth Chart
The Vikings have a number of key position battles that will be worth watching during training camp and the preseason. These battles could have a significant impact on the team’s success in 2023.
Wide Receiver
The Vikings have a deep and talented group of wide receivers, but the competition for playing time will be fierce. The top contenders for the starting spots are Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and K.J. Osborn. Jefferson is a proven star and one of the best receivers in the league. Addison was a highly-touted rookie in 2023 and has the potential to be a breakout star. Osborn is a reliable veteran who can play both inside and outside.
The Vikings also have a number of other talented receivers on the roster, including Jalen Nailor, Trishton Jackson, and Brandon Powell. These players will be competing for a spot on the final roster and a chance to contribute on special teams.
The Vikings will likely use a combination of players at the wide receiver position, depending on the game situation. Jefferson is the clear number one option, but Addison and Osborn could both be valuable targets for Kirk Cousins. The Vikings will need to find a way to get all of their talented receivers involved in the offense if they want to be successful.
Potential for Improvement
The Vikings have a solid foundation, but there are areas where they can improve their depth chart to create a more competitive roster. By addressing these areas through trades, free agency, or the draft, the Vikings can solidify their position as a contender in the NFC North.
Areas for Improvement
The Vikings could benefit from adding depth and competition at several positions, particularly on the offensive line, at wide receiver, and in the secondary.
Offensive Line
The Vikings’ offensive line has been a source of concern in recent years. While they have some solid starters, they lack depth and experience behind them. Adding a versatile lineman who can play multiple positions would provide valuable insurance and competition.
- The Vikings could target a guard or center in the draft to bolster their depth and provide competition for starting roles. Players like John Michael Schmitz (Minnesota) or Joe Tippmann (Wisconsin) could be good fits for the Vikings’ scheme.
- In free agency, the Vikings could look for a veteran offensive lineman with experience as a backup or a player who can compete for a starting role. Players like Ben Jones (Titans) or Dalton Risner (Broncos) could provide valuable experience and leadership.
Wide Receiver
While the Vikings have a strong core of receivers led by Justin Jefferson, they could use more depth and competition behind him. Adding a receiver with speed and big-play ability could open up the Vikings’ offense and create more opportunities for Jefferson.
- The Vikings could look to draft a receiver with speed and explosiveness to provide a vertical threat. Players like Jordan Addison (USC) or Quentin Johnston (TCU) could be valuable additions to the Vikings’ receiving corps.
- In free agency, the Vikings could target a veteran receiver with a proven track record of success. Players like Odell Beckham Jr. or Allen Robinson could bring experience and leadership to the Vikings’ receiving room.
Secondary
The Vikings’ secondary has been a bit inconsistent in recent years, and adding depth and competition at cornerback and safety would be beneficial. Finding a player who can cover tight ends and slot receivers effectively could be a priority for the Vikings.
- The Vikings could draft a cornerback with size and athleticism to provide competition for a starting role. Players like Devon Witherspoon (Illinois) or Joey Porter Jr. (Penn State) could be good fits for the Vikings’ defensive scheme.
- In free agency, the Vikings could look for a veteran safety with experience in a zone-heavy scheme. Players like Jessie Bates III (Bengals) or Jordan Poyer (Bills) could provide valuable experience and leadership to the Vikings’ secondary.
Hypothetical Depth Chart with Potential Additions, Vikings depth chart
Here’s a hypothetical depth chart with potential additions to illustrate how the Vikings could improve their overall strength:
| Position | Starter | Backup |
|---|---|---|
| Left Tackle | Christian Darrisaw | Blake Brandel |
| Left Guard | Ezra Cleveland | John Michael Schmitz (Draft) |
| Center | Garrett Bradbury | Joe Tippmann (Draft) |
| Right Guard | Ed Ingram | Jesse Davis |
| Right Tackle | Brian O’Neill | Oli Udoh |
| Wide Receiver 1 | Justin Jefferson | Jordan Addison (Draft) |
| Wide Receiver 2 | K.J. Osborn | Jalen Nailor |
| Wide Receiver 3 | T.J. Hockenson | Odell Beckham Jr. (Free Agency) |
| Cornerback 1 | Patrick Peterson | Devon Witherspoon (Draft) |
| Cornerback 2 | Cameron Dantzler | Akayleb Evans |
| Safety 1 | Harrison Smith | Jessie Bates III (Free Agency) |
| Safety 2 | Josh Metellus | Lewis Cine |
The Vikings depth chart is always in flux, with injuries and performance dictating who takes the field. One injury that can impact a player’s availability is a torn meniscus , which can require surgery and a lengthy recovery period. This type of injury can significantly disrupt the Vikings’ plans, forcing coaches to rely on backups and potentially impacting the team’s overall success.
A strong Vikings depth chart is crucial for success, especially when facing tough opponents in the NFL. The Vikings have a long and storied history, with their legacy forged in purple and gold, as evidenced by their passionate fanbase and dedication to the game.
minnesota vikings This dedication translates to the team’s commitment to building a solid depth chart, ensuring that they can withstand injuries and maintain a high level of play throughout the season.
