Minnesota Vikings 53 man roster projection: Preseason edition

Safeties (4)

Honestly, some fans will miss Andrew Sendejo. The hard-hitting safety made some big plays for the Minnesota Vikings while playing for the team, but it’s time for a new starter to get a shot and some fresh depth to get opportunities.

Here are the safeties projected to be on the team’s 53-man roster:

1. Harrison Smith
2. Anthony Harris
3. Jayron Kearse
4. Marcus Epps

There is no player more important to the Vikings defense than Smith. What he is asked to do on each play can dictate the responsibility of every other player on the field. And he can do it all, whether it is coverage, run support, rushing the passer, or anything.

Harris will replace Sendejo as the team’s starter next to Smith. Harris offers a similar style of hard-hitting football, but the team hopes he can limit the number of penalties while saving some money toward the salary cap.

An interesting player, Kearse will be used as a safety/linebacker hybrid. He could be very valuable in disguising nickel coverage since he can easily fall into the secondary, play run support, or rush the passer. Zimmer should have some fun with him.

The fourth safety spot is fully up for grabs. Epps is likely the favorite since he was a draft pick of the team but Derron Smith is the biggest competition for the spot since he fits more of what the team wants to do with “The Hitman” on the field.