Predicting which Vikings players will make the 2020 practice squad

(Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images) Jake Browning
(Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images) Jake Browning /
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Minnesota Vikings
(Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) Jake Browning /

Jake Browning – QB

Jake Browning was the Vikings practice squad quarterback a season ago and that does give him an advantage over rookie Nate Stanley to win that job once again.

Browning doesn’t have the rocket arm or size that Stanley possesses, but he can throw on the run, and he is a much better overall athlete.

As previously mentioned, Minnesota could opt to keep two quarterbacks on the practice squad season, making both of these young signal-callers safe. If Kirk Cousins or Sean Mannion were to get test positive for COVID-19, the Vikings would at least have a couple of players they could sign off the practice squad who are familiar with the offense.

Browning has been in this system for over a year and while he would probably struggle, he would at least not be learning on the fly.

Jake Bargas – FB

Jake Bargas is the kind of player the Vikings love to sign to their practice squad. He’s a former college tight end who is transitioning to fullback in the NFL.

Bargas is 6-foot-2, 250 pounds, and he is a very good blocker. The transition to fullback makes sense for him as his size and overall athletic ability don’t translate well to tight end at the next level.

He’s a player Minnesota can develop into either an eventual replacement for C.J. Ham or potential trade bait down the road. Bargas has the skills to be a standout on special teams and he will probably be one of those players that coaches love.