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Minnesota Vikings release first unofficial 2016 depth chart

By Adam Carlson

Sep 20, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer gives instructions to his team during the game against the Detroit Lions at TCF Bank Stadium. The Vikings win 26-16. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 20, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer gives instructions to his team during the game against the Detroit Lions at TCF Bank Stadium. The Vikings win 26-16. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Minnesota Vikings have released their first unofficial depth chart for the upcoming 2016 NFL season and there are a few interesting things to note.

With the NFL’s first preseason games approaching (we’ll pretend that whole “Hall of Fame Game thing” didn’t happen), it time for teams to put together their best grouping of guys and put them out on the field to see what they have to offer the squad.

Related Story: Vikings projected 2 deep depth chart for 2016

This is exactly what the Minnesota Vikings will do this preseason, as they have numerous young, hungry players looking to earn a spot on the roster and others fighting for a starting position. To make that competition even stronger in the eyes of fans and determine the pecking order, the team has released their first unofficial depth chart.

Here is that depth chart as shared on Vikings.com:

There aren’t many surprises on the first unofficial depth chart, but there are some things to note from the list. The most noticeable place to look on the list is the starting safety position opposite Harrison Smith, where Andrew Sendejo is still penciled in as the starter. While this could change, it does sound like Sendejo is the current favorite to keep the job from last season.

The biggest surprise is T.J. Clemmings being listed as the backup right tackle instead of left. Earlier in the preseason, fans had heard from head coach Mike Zimmer that Clemmings would be given a shot to back up on the left side. Maybe he’s there acting as a swing tackle kind of role and isn’t locked in to the right side, but either way it’s interesting to note his position on the chart.

Next: Vikings game-by-game 2016 season preview

Otherwise, this is a pretty solid depth chart that fans likely could have projected from preseason observations and last year’s results. Hopefully, fans can see many of these players in action when the Minnesota Vikings take on the Cincinnati Bengals on Friday, August 12 at 6:30 PM CT.

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