Final Vikings 53-man roster projection for the 2019 season
By Chris Schad
Defensive Line (9)
- Danielle Hunter, Stephen Weatherly, Everson Griffen, Ifeadi Odenigbo (DEs)
- Linval Joseph, Shamar Stephen, Hercules Mata’afa, Jalyn Holmes, Armon Watts (DTs)
Once again, the Vikings will have their usual suspects as starters. Everson Griffen and Danielle Hunter will start on the ends and while Linval Joseph and Shamar Stephen were banged up throughout the preseason, they should be ready to go for the opener against the Falcons.
Minnesota’s depth was more of a question here as they look to solidify a rotation that can keep guys fresh and provide nightmares for opposing quarterbacks.
Stephen Weatherly was the one player that stood out in terms of how he could be used, being slid inside to defensive tackle and he might even be used at linebacker as part of the “Joker” role. Weatherly will join Ifeadi Odenigbo, who should make the team after falling just short the past couple of years.
On the inside, Hercules Mata’afa has looked like the real deal and could be a deadly pass-rusher if the Vikings hang onto him. Jalyn Holmes has also played well and the odd man out could be Jaleel Johnson, who hasn’t done much after being a third-round pick back in 2017.
Even with the loss of Johnson, there will be no shortage of weapons for Mike Zimmer to use in the trenches.