Minnesota Vikings 53-man roster projection

Five preseason games are in the books, the Vikings have already cut down from 90 to 75 and the roster is taking shape.

One more round of cuts is needed to bring the roster down to 53. Let’s take a crack at projecting that final roster.

Most of these are easy but a few of them are tough. I’m glad I don’t have to make the calls in real life.

QB (3)

Teddy Bridgewater, Shaun Hill, Taylor Heinicke

I think Heinicke did some really good things Thursday night and if the Vikings expose him to waivers he’ll get signed, so their only chance at keeping him is to add him to the roster.

RB (3)

Adrian Peterson, Matt Asiata, Jerick McKinnon

Sorry Dominique Williams fans but it’s going to be the practice squad for him. If he gets through waivers. Which he well might not.

FB (1)

Zach Line

Blake Renaud should be a practice squad man.

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TE (3)

Kyle Rudolph, MyCole Pruitt, Rhett Ellison

Chase Ford is probably going to be a solid #2 tight end for someone this year, just not the Vikings.

OL (9)

Matt Kalil, Brandon Fusco, John Sullivan, Mike Harris, T.J. Clemmings, Joe Berger, Zac Kerin, Austin Shepherd, David Yankey

With all the uncertainty about Sullivan’s back I think the Vikes carry an extra center. Shepherd/Yankey are penciled in as I think the Vikes will have to dump someone to sign a veteran swing tackle.

WR (6)

Charles Johnson, Mike Wallace, Jarius Wright, Cordarrelle Patterson, Stefon Diggs, Adam Thielen

DL (9)

Brian Robison, Linval Joseph, Sharrif Floyd, Everson Griffen, Tom Johnson, Danielle Hunter, Scott Crichton, Justin Trattou, Shamar Stephen

Trattou has done too well to let go.

May 27, 2015; Eden Prairie, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Edmond Robinson (40) works on OTA drills at Winter Park. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

LB (6)

Anthony Barr, Gerald Hodges, Chad Greenway, Eric Kendricks, Audie Cole, Edmond Robinson

Michael Mauti blocked a punt Thursday night but I don’t think it was enough. Brian Peters showed up a little but I think the Vikes keep the drafted player in Robinson over him. Brandon Watts showed up a little late in the preseason but you can’t keep everyone.

CB (6)

Xavier Rhodes, Captain Munnerlyn, Terence Newman, Trae Waynes, Marcus Sherels, Josh Thomas

Note: Jabari Price suspended 2 games to start season.

I give Thomas the nod as DB no. 10 over Shaun Prater.

S (4)

Harrison Smith, Robert Blanton, Antone Exum, Andrew Sendejo

Still waiting for Antone Exum to take the next step. And waiting and waiting. Robert Blanton had a rough last couple preseason games but he’s still the best option alongside Harrison Smith.

SP (3)

Jeff Locke, Blair Walsh, Kevin McDermott

Don’t worry about Walsh, Zimmer says he’s the Vikings’ kicker. So he’s the Vikings’ kicker.

I really hope that adds up to 53.

Next: Stefon Diggs saves Cordarrelle Patterson

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