Vikings 53-man roster prediction after Week 1 of the 2022 preseason
By Adam Patrick
Defensive Linemen (6)
IN
- Dalvin Tomlinson
- Harrison Phillips
- Armon Watts
- James Lynch
- Esezi Otomewo
- Jaylen Twyman
OUT
- Jonathan Bullard
- T.J. Smith
- T.Y. McGill
- Jullian Taylor
It only took one defensive series last Sunday for Harrison Phillips to show everyone why the Vikings signed him in free agency earlier this year. The addition of Phillips already feels like it’s going to be great for Minnesota’s defensive line this season.
Jaylen Twyman has had an up-and-down summer, but he’s still got a chance to develop into a solid force in the middle of the defensive line, so the Vikings would wise to keep him around.
Outside Linebackers (4)
IN
- Danielle Hunter
- Za’Darius Smith
- Patrick Jones II
- D.J. Wonnum
OUT
- Janarius Robinson
- Luiji Vilain
- Zach McCloud
Let’s hope that Danielle Hunter and Za’Darius Smith can remain healthy for the majority of the season because if they can, they could emerge as the most dominant pass-rushing duo in the entire NFL.
Patrick Jones II is someone that Minnesota’s coaches have been raving about this offseason and we saw some of the reasons why in the team’s exhibition game last Sunday.
Now that they don’t have to put their hand in the dirt, Jones and D.J. Wonnum might actually have a better chance to make a difference on the field in the Vikings’ new defensive scheme this season.