Vikings 2019: Way too early 53-man roster projection
By Chris Schad
Specialists (3)
- Kicker: Dan Bailey
- Punter: Matt Wile
- Long Snapper: Kevin McDermott
One of the low-key shockers for the Vikings has been their willingness to stick with Dan Bailey as their kicker. After converting field goals at an 89 percent rate in the first six years of his career, he’s made just 75 percent in each of the past two seasons. That dip (and his team friendly contract) made it seem like the Vikings would bring in competition, but Bailey is the only kicker on the roster at the moment. He’ll be on a tight rope, but it’s his job to lose.
Matt Wile was one of the pleasant surprises for the Vikings after being a last-minute waiver pickup and tied for ninth in net yards at 41.5 per punt. Like Bailey, there’s no one else on the roster to push him, so unless he goes off the deep end in the preseason, his job is also likely safe.
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Last, but not least, we have the long snapper. The Minnesota Vikings made headlines when they used their final pick on the draft on Austin Cutting, but he has a two-year commitment to the Air Force to fulfill before he hits the field. That means odds are that McDermott will be on the Vikings roster come Week 1.