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 - DECEMBER 17: Danielle Hunter #99 of the Minnesota Vikings and Linval Joseph #98 celebrate a sack in the second quarter of the game against the Cincinnati Bengals on December 17, 2017 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – DECEMBER 17: Danielle Hunter #99 of the Minnesota Vikings and Linval Joseph #98 celebrate a sack in the second quarter of the game against the Cincinnati Bengals on December 17, 2017 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)

Defensive Line (9)

The defensive line is the biggest strength of the Minnesota Vikings and this year they got even better. The pass rushing duo of Everson Griffen and Danielle Hunter get a boost from the newly acquired Sheldon Richardson, who should form a deadly duo with Linval Joseph.

It’s the depth behind them where things get interesting. Brian Robison should be a returning veteran presence to help in pass rush situations after returning on a discount. Past that, rookie Ade Aruna could turn some heads and unseat Stephen Weatherly (or possibly Tashawn Bower) for a spot.

The Vikings should still believe in Jaleel Johnson and Jalyn Holmes is an interesting prospect as well. Considering both these guys were early draft picks, it would be surprising to see the team cut ties with them this soon in their careers.

But this projection does leave some talented players on the outside looking in. Weatherly would join Jonathan Wynn, Ifeadi Odenigbo, Curtis Cothran, and David Parry hoping for spots on the practice squad of to latch on with another team.

Schedule