2015 Minnesota Vikings Depth Chart Analysis Part One: Offense

Here is an early look at the Minnesota Vikings 90-man roster and 2015 depth chart prediction.

Today we will start by focusing on the offense. One could argue that the offense will undergo far less change than the defense this year, but the O-line is still very much in transition.

Early Depth Chart Predictions

Quarterbacks

Dec 28, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (5) throws in the second quarter against the Chicago Bears at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

For now and the foreseeable future Teddy Bridgewater will be at the top of this list. Shaun Hill was brought in to be the mentor/backup. The third spot on the depth chart is a little more interesting. Kafka has bounced around the league as a backup QB after originally being drafted by the Eagles in 2010. He appeared to have a lot of potential as developmental QB, but seemingly regressed over the years. I think the Vikings will take Heinicke’s explosive upside and youth over Kafka’s experience.

Running Back:

Aug 8, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) talks along the sidelines during the game with the Oakland Raiders at TCF Bank Stadium. Vikings win 10-6. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

Now that the smoke has cleared and AP is still a Viking, we can count on serious production from the running back position. Count me among those who think Peterson has 3 great years left and probably 2 more effective years after that. You also can’t help but be excited about Mckinnon’s potential after totalling 538 yards on 113 carries (4.8 YPC) during his rookie campaign. By now, we all know what Matt Asiata is: a bruising, bull-dozing, touchdown vulture. Just don’t count on him to get you more than 3 yards at a time (3.48 YPC). I expect the Vikings to count on these guys to help out AP and keep his carries a little lower. Peterson will be a feature back this season, but look for Mckinnon to serve change of pace duties. I had a hard time cutting Zach Line after watching him last preseason. He’s just a kid who has a knack for making plays. Unfortunately, fullbacks don’t hold much value in the current offensive scheme.

Wide Receiver:

Dec 28, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Charles Johnson (12) catches a pass against the Chicago Bears in the first quarter at TCF Bank Stadium. The Vikings win 13-9. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

I see the Vikings carrying six receivers this year. Wallace and Johnson should form an explosive tandem with Jarius Wright and Stefon Diggs sharing snaps in the slot. Adam Thielen will again play mostly a backup role. We are all patiently waiting to see what Cordarrelle Patterson will bring to the team next year.  With Diggs in the mix, it’s possible he takes over kick and punt return duties, leaving Patterson fighting for a roster spot. Jordan Leslie is big, fast, and graduated from UTEP with an engineering degree. 6’3 and runs the 40 yard dash in under 4.46, he earns his spot on the practice squad. Davaris Daniels was suspended for the entire 2014 season for academic dishonesty. Missing a year of football puts him well behind his peers in terms of development. A great practice squad candidate if he’s willing to put in the work and become an NFL receiver.

Tight End:

Nov 16, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Minnesota Vikings tight end Kyle Rudolph (82) during the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

The last time Kyle Rudolph played 16 games, he earned a trip to the Pro-bowl. That was in 2012 with Christian Ponder throwing the football. Now, with Teddy Bridgewater significantly improving the quarterback position, we are anxious to see how great Rudolph can be. Chase Ford looked great last year filling in for an injured Rudolph, I don’t see the Vikings letting him go just yet. Ellison carved himself a role last season and built some chemistry with Bridgwater. McCoyle Pruitt was hand-picked by Vikings OC Norv Turner, and for good reason. In 2014, Pruitt had 81 receptions for 861 yards and 13 TD’s. In the 3 seasons before coming to Minnesota, Turner’s tight ends were stars. According to an article from ESPN, the difference in tight end utilization is big. League average: 148 two-TE sets, 339 targets, 47 red zone targets. Norv Turner’s offense: 171 two-TE sets, 371 targets, 55 red zone targets. I am really hoping to see Rudolph and Pruitt on the field together, but if Rudolph were to sustain an injury, Pruitt should be a capable backup.

Oct 12, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings center John Sullivan (65) rests during the game with the Detroit Lions at TCF Bank Stadium. The Lions win 17-3. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

This whole position group is murky. We know who the starters are, but we don’t much of anything else. Starting from left to right we can pretty much count on Kalil starting this season. There have been reports that T.J. Clemmings has been lining up all over as a swing tackle, so maybe he could end up at LG. For right now though, I’m banking on David Yankey not being a bust. John Sullivan, Brandon Fusco, and Phil Loadholdt should give the offensive line some stability on the right side. Tyrus Thomson started 13 games at LT last season, and projects as a starting left tackle. He could end up replacing Kalil if things don’t pan out, or just remaining a solid backup option. Another option for LG is Joe Berger, although he’s best suited for swing tackle/backup duty, I could definitely see him beating out David Yankey for this position. Austin Shepherd could possibly crack the roster if he excels at playing the guard position. He’s big and tough guy who coaches love to work with.

Come back next week for a breakdown of the Vikings Defense and Special Teams.

Next: Minnesota Vikings 2015 Game By Game Previews

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