Minnesota Vikings: Final 53-man roster projection for the 2018 season

(Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
(Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
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DENVER, CO - AUGUST 11: Quarterback Paxton Lynch #12 of the Denver Broncos throws the ball as he is tackled and covered by defensive end Tashawn Bower #90 of the Minnesota Vikings in the second quarter during an NFL preseason game at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on August 11, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
(Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) Tashawn Bower /

Defensive Ends

  1. Everson Griffen
  2. Danielle Hunter
  3. Brian Robison
  4. Tashawn Bower
  5. Stephen Weatherly

Typically, the Vikings would probably keep only four defensive ends. But Bower and Weatherly would likely get signed by another team if Minnesota tried to stash one of them on their practice squad, so both will have to remain on the active roster.

Some may believe that Robison is a possible surprise cut candidate, but his experience in the NFL and in Mike Zimmer’s defense is too valuable to remove from the Vikings’ locker room.

(Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) Ifeadi Odenigbo
(Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) Ifeadi Odenigbo /

Defensive Tackles

  1. Linval Joseph
  2. Sheldon Richardson
  3. Jaleel Johnson
  4. Jalyn Holmes
  5. Ifeadi Odenigbo

Odenigbo really took advantage of his time on the field during this year’s preseason and deserves a spot on Minnesota’s final roster. His ability to also play on the outside as a defensive end is something that gives him an edge over a guy like David Parry.

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - AUGUST 24: Anthony Barr #55 of the Minnesota Vikings tackles Mike Davis #27 of the Seattle Seahawks during the second quarter in the preseason game on August 24, 2018 at US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
(Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) Anthony Barr /

Linebackers

  1. Anthony Barr
  2. Eric Kendricks
  3. Ben Gedeon
  4. Eric Wilson

Wilson was really impressive in training camp and the preseason this year. He will be a vital part of the Vikings’ special teams this season and should be plenty capable of filling in for Barr if needed at any time in 2018.