Now that fans have had a look at the Minnesota Vikings during the first preseason game, it's time to start thinking about which players will stick around on the team's 53-man roster for the 2025 NFL season.
Of course, not making the 53-man roster doesn't mean that these players will not stick around with the team. Several of the released players could return as members of the practice squad who could find their way to the main roster as the season goes on.
The Minnesota Vikings bid farewell to a player they have been rooting for since 2022 in the most recent 53-man roster projection.
Offense (25)
Quarterbacks (3)
- Sam Howell
- J.J. McCarthy
- Brett Rypien
The hardest cut here is undrafted free agent quarterback Max Brosmer. After a solid training camp and solid performance in the first preseason game, the young passer could continue making strong arguments to be on the 53.
Running backs (4)
- C.J. Ham
- Aaron Jones
- Jordan Mason
- Zavier Scott
Fans have been rooting for Ty Chandler to step up for the last few seasons, but his development hasn't resulted in effective running back plays when given opportunities. On the other hand, Zavier Scott is running like a man who has his heart set on a roster spot this season.
Wide receivers (6)
- Jordan Addison
- Tai Felton
- Lucky Jackson
- Justin Jefferson
- Jeshaun Jones
- Jalen Nailor
The injury to Rondale Moore and suspension for Jordan Addison make this group wide open. Experience will help Lucky Jackson and Jeshaun Jones earn roster spots, but that doesn't mean other hungry players won't be nipping at their heels.
Tight ends (3)
- T.J. Hockenson
- Nick Vannett
- Josh Oliver
T.J. Hockenson and Josh Oliver are going to be on this team, but the only question is who will be behind them on the depth chart. Nick Vannett has experience, but there are plenty of others battling for that spot.
Offensive line (9)
- Christian Darrisaw
- Will Fries
- Donovan Jackson
- Michael Jurgens
- Ryan Kelly
- Brian O'Neill
- Walter Rouse
- Justin Skule
The offensive line of the Minnesota Vikings is going to look different this year. Three new starters on the interior give hope that they can be a better blocking unit than in the past, and the depth looks solid behind them.
Defense (25)
Defensive line (6)
- Jonathan Allen
- Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins
- Levi Drake-Rodriguez
- Javon Harrgrave
- Harrison Phillips
- Jalen Redmond
Much like the offensive line, there are new faces on the defensive line that bring experience to the unit and should help from getting pushed around by opponents with strong blocking. Meanwhile, backups have shown potential and should be reliable to plug into the unit if needed.
Edge rushers (5)
- Jonathan Greenard
- Gabriel Murphy
- Bo Richter
- Dallas Turner
- Andrew Van Ginkel
The Vikings will make opposing quarterbacks nervous with their strong group of edge rushers. Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel looked great in their first seasons in Minnesota last year and should continue that momentum in 2025.
Interior linebackers (4)
- Brian Asamoah II
- Blake Cashman
- Ivan Pace Jr.
- Eric Wilson
Blake Cashman and Ivan Pace return as the starters and veteran Eric Wilson fits in well behind them. Brian Asamoah will need to have a solid training camp and preseason performance to grab the last roster spot.
Cornerbacks (6)
- Mekhi Blackmon
- Dwight McGlothern
- Byron Murphy Jr.
- Jeff Okudah
- Isaiah Rogers
- Ambry Thomas
There is concern about the depth of the cornerback unit, but there is a nice combination of experience and youth to go with physical talent and football intelligence. Ambry Thomas might continue to prove his worth as the preseason goes on.
Safeties (4)
- Theo Jackson
- Josh Metellus
- Harrison Smith
- Jay Ward
Is Josh Metellus really a safety? He plays all over the field, but his being in this grouping doesn't mean he'll start at safety since Harrison Smith and Theo Jackson are in line to take those duties for the upcoming season.
Special teams (3)
Specialists (3)
- Andrew DePaola
- Will Reichard
- Ryan Wright
Nothing changes here. Consistency can be a wonderful thing. There have been concerns about Will Reichard's field goal kicking in training camp, but he looked good against Houston and will hold this spot until he is proven to be unreliable.