Vikings 53-man roster prediction after Week 1 of the 2022 preseason
By Adam Patrick
Inside Linebackers (4)
IN
- Eric Kendricks
- Jordan Hicks
- Brian Asamoah
- Blake Lynch
OUT
- Troy Dye
- Chazz Surratt
- William Kwenkeu
Jordan Hicks had himself a nice debut with the Vikings during the team’s preseason contest last weekend, earning the best overall defensive grade from PFF of any player on Minnesota’s roster. Hicks could easily end up as the best addition made by the Vikings in free agency this year.
With his combination of speed and power, Brian Asamoah is one of the most intriguing players to join Minnesota’s roster this year. It should be fun to see if the Vikings attempt to take advantage of the rookie’s abilities and find unique ways to get him out on the field this season.
Cornerbacks (5)
IN
- Patrick Peterson
- Cameron Dantzler
- Chandon Sullivan
- Andrew Booth Jr.
- Akayleb Evans
OUT
- Kris Boyd
- Harrison Hand
- Parry Nickerson
- Nate Hairston
Andrew Booth Jr. has had some impressive moments in training camp this summer, but he’s also had plenty of moments that remind everyone that he’s a rookie. Things could change as the year progresses, but Cameron Dantzler will likely get the nod as Minnesota’s No. 2 cornerback to start the season.
In his fourth year with the Vikings, we know who Kris Boyd is and we know that his on-field struggles probably aren’t going to just suddenly disappear this season. So instead of keeping Boyd around any longer, Minnesota should give his roster spot to someone who still has plenty of potential remaining in rookie Akayleb Evans.