A Way-Too-Early 53-Man Roster Prediction

 

It doesn’t matter that we’re 95 days and a full preseason away from the final roster deadline, the people want what the people want. Let’s get into it.

For this exercise I’m referencing the average number for each position that the Vikings have kept in years prior, with a couple minor adjustments. While the front office and coaching staff may have been shaken up a bit, I still think this is good mile-marker to start off from.

 

Offense:

(3) QBs: Kirk Cousins, Sean Mannion, Kellen Mond

Out - Nate Stanley

Mannion scams another paycheck for being a glorified coach. This man can hardly throw the ball 15 yards down the field, but I would gladly take some financial advice from him.

 

(4) RBs: Dalvin Cook, Alexander Mattison, Kene Nwangwu, C.J. Ham

Out - Jake Bargas, Ty Chandler, Bryant Koback, A.J. Rose Jr.

Nothing crazy here.

 

(6) WRs: Justin Jefferson, K.J. Osborn, Adam Thielen, Ihmir Smith-Marsette, Bisi Johnson, Jalen Nailor

Out - Dan Chisena, Thomas Hennigan, Trishton Jackson, Myron Mitchell, Blake Proehl

No more space for a slot wasted on a speedy punt-gunner. See ya Dan Chisena.

 

(3) TEs: Irv Smith Jr., Johnny Mundt, Nick Muse

Out - Zach Davidson, Ben Ellefson

Sticking with your ‘move’ tight end, KOC’s trusted guy from LA, and the rookie project.

 

(9) Offensive Line: Garrett Bradbury, Ezra Cleveland, Christian Darrisaw, Jesse Davis, Ed Ingram, Vederian Lowe, Brian O'Neill, Chris Reed, Austin Schlottmann

Out - Blake Brandel, Wyatt Davis, Kyle Hinton, Timon Parris, Josh Sokol, Olisaemeka Udoh

And ode to Wyatt Davis and Oli Udoh. What could have been.

 

Defense:

(3) Safeties: Harrison Smith, Camryn Bynum, Lewis Cine

Out - Mike Brown, Myles Dorn, Josh Metellus

All-pro, second year surprise, and the rookie future starter.

 

(6) CBs: Andrew Booth Jr., Kris Boyd, Cameron Dantzler, Akayleb Evans, Patrick Peterson, Chandon Sullivan

Out - Nate Hairston, Harrison Hand, Parry Nickerson, Tye Smith

A young group but seems to be a well-rounded room… for now.

 

(7) LBs: Brian Asamoah, Troy Dye, Jordan Hicks, Eric Kendricks, Blake Lynch, Za'Darius Smith, Luiji Vilain

Out - Ryan Connelly, William Kwenkeu, Zach McCloud, Chazz Surratt

A sad ending to our brief time with Minnesota-native Ryan Connolly. Oh, and Chazz, I guess.

 

(9) Defensive Line: Danielle Hunter, Patrick Jones II, James Lynch, Esezi Otomewo, Harrison Phillips, Dalvin Tomlinson, Armon Watts, Kenny Willekes, D.J. Wonnum

Out - T.Y. McGill, Janarius Robinson, T.J. Smith, Tyarise Stevenson, Jullian Taylor, Jaylen Twyman

We’re all rooting for a great comeback story for Jalen Twyman, but it just may be asking too much given the depth of this line and a year away from football.

 

Special Teams:

(1) K: Greg Joseph

Out - Gabe Brkic

Stick with Greg the leg. He figured it out last year and was very reliable. Last name pronunciation also gives him the leg up here.

 

(1) P: Jordan Berry

Out - Ryan Wright

Tried and true, no need to mix it up.

 

(1) LS: Andrew DePaola

Out – nobody

Great job, Andrew! Break a leg out there (but not a fingertip, RE: Kevin McDermott)