The Minnesota Vikings are preparing for their first preseason matchup of the 2025 season as the Houston Texans make their way to U.S. Bank Stadium on Saturday afternoon. Ahead of the matchup, the Vikings released their first unofficial depth chart on Wednesday to give an idea about where players stand on the roster.
There are a few things that are worth noting when it comes to the unofficial depth chart that Minnesota released. One being that the depth chart is referred to as unofficial because it is created by members of the Vikings' communications department, rather than the team's actual coaching staff or front office.
Another being that most of the starters that are listed on the unofficial depth chart should come as no surprise to fans. But there are a few backups and other spots worth talking about and taking note of ahead of Saturday's first preseason game of the year.
3 Minnesota Vikings surprises from the team's first unofficial depth chart of 2025
1. Aaron Jones listed as the starting RB over Jordan Mason
The first thing worth noting on Minnesota's unofficial depth chart is that Aaron Jones is currently listed as the starting running back over newcomer Jordan Mason. This should not come as incredibly shocking news, as Mason was a backup when he was with the San Francisco 49ers as well. But with Mason having fewer durability issues than Jones, it might surprise some people.
It might seem surprising to some Vikings fans that Jones is listed as the starter since Mason is younger, runs with more power, and can handle more of a workload. But Jones was the starter for Minnesota last season, so while it might be a little surprising, it should not come as too much of a shock.
2. Dwight McGlothern being listed as the CB No. 5
For those who have been paying close attention to what's been happening at Vikings training camp this summer, it's not a shock to see Dwight McGlothern listed among the top six cornerbacks on the team.
But for those who haven't read every single report and social media post about Minnesota's training camp, it might come as a surprise that an undrafted second-year corner has been making play-after-play, showing up and showing out, and coming up with plenty of interceptions in the last few weeks.
As good as McGlothern's been, it's not a surprise that he is currently listed behind Byron Murphy Jr., Isaiah Rodgers, Jeff Okudah, and Mekhi Blackmon on the Vikings' unofficial depth chart. Those four guys are considered the veteran corners of the team, and they should be listed ahead of the second-year undrafted defensive back.
For the rest of the summer, McGlothern is going to get every opportunity possible to earn reps in the upcoming regular season, even as a backup. He can definitely prove it in the preseason and should have a bunch of chances to do so.
3. Lucky Jackson in line to be Jordan Addison's replacement during his suspension
It was expected by most that the NFL would hand Jordan Addison a multi-game suspension for his DUI-related incident last summer. Addison agreed to a plea deal to end up with a lesser charge last month, but that didn't prevent the league from revealing on Tuesday that he has been suspended for the first three games of the season.
When Addison is out for Minnesota's first three matchups on their 2025 schedule against the Chicago Bears, Atlanta Falcons, and Cincinnati Bengals, the Vikings' unofficial depth chart seems to point to Lucky Jackson to take his role during that time.
Jackson will really have to prove himself in he next few weeks because Justin Jefferson and Jalen Nailor are ahead of him for the time being on the depth chart. But with Addison unavailable for Minnesota's first few games of the season, the opportunity is there for Jackson to take.