Projecting the Minnesota Vikings final 2018 roster: Training camp edition

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - OCTOBER 1: Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer on the sideline in the second half of the game against the Detroit Lions on October 1, 2017 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - OCTOBER 1: Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer on the sideline in the second half of the game against the Detroit Lions on October 1, 2017 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN - JANUARY 14: Latavius Murray #25 of the Minnesota Vikings carries the ball in the first quarter of the NFC Divisional Playoff game against the New Orleans Saints on January 14, 2018 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – JANUARY 14: Latavius Murray #25 of the Minnesota Vikings carries the ball in the first quarter of the NFC Divisional Playoff game against the New Orleans Saints on January 14, 2018 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

Running Backs (4)

2018 should be the year of Dalvin Cook. He should see a bulk of the carries after starting out hot in his first four games as a rookie but ended up on the shelf for the remainder of his first season after suffering an ACL injury. He should be back and hungry to get a full season under his belt.

Meanwhile, Latavius Murray will continue to be a reliable backup and rotational back, likely getting some short yardage and goal line work in the offense thanks to his ability to bowl forward for yards, as proved by his success last season.

The third running back spot will be up for grabs between Mack Brown and Roc Thomas. Brown has put together an impressive resume based on previous preseasons and starting opportunities with the Redskins, where he took handoffs from Kirk Cousins. That advantage should give him the nod unless Thomas takes the preseason by storm.

Johnny Stanton will be looking to beat out Ham for the fullback spot. The fact that Minnesota has two fullbacks heading into training camp is likely a good sign that the team isn’t about to move on from having a blocker in the backfield. Considering Ham’s familiarity and play, it would be surprising to see him get beat out.