4 Vikings that can play themselves onto the roster in the 2022 preseason

Nate Hairston – CB

For all of the excitement surrounding the improving secondary, the depth is still very much an issue. The top three cornerbacks are obvious: Patrick Peterson, Cameron Dantzler, and Andrew Booth Jr. From there, things get a little tricky.

Rookie Akayleb Evans is a strong candidate to be the fourth-best cornerback on the roster but some veterans are in the building to push for that job as well. Chandon Sullivan, Tye Smith, and Nate Hairston are all likely competing for one spot on the 53-man roster.

Sullivan was the most talked about signing of the bunch this offseason and his familiarity within the NFC North will help his case. However, Nate Hairston has familiarity with Ed Donatell’s system and could have a leg up in that regard.

If it gets to a point where the Vikings are relying on their fifth-best cornerback to make an impact, they are already in a hole. At that point, the passing defense is going to be a massive problem once again but the depth and special teams impact of these players are important.

Whichever of the veterans can take on the task of stepping into special teams and occasionally playing the slot will be the one that makes the team when it’s all said and done.