The Minnesota Vikings learned a lot in their first preseason game, as some players have already locked in roster spots ahead of the second exhibition contest.
Through just one preseason game, the Minnesota Vikings have learned a lot about the roster heading into the season. Sure, there are some givens and perhaps a handful of question marks that can be sorted out in training camp and live action, but the Vikings are one step ahead already. Several fringe players have already locked in roster spots and even deserve to get a breather in the second exhibition.
Despite an ugly second half against the Seattle Seahawks last week, there were a lot of positives to take away from Minnesota's first glimpse at real football this summer.
Some players will be looked at shortly, but in general, the Vikings learned a lot about the state of the roster and even made some roster moves to address issues prior to their preseason home opener.
The offensive line depth is fine, but the third-stringers up front are an absolute disaster. Minnesota rookie quarterback Jaren Hall was running for his life and was forced to throw the ball away far more often than anyone would have liked. For Hall, the next two weeks should hopefully give him a better chance at proving himself.
Defensively, the Vikings are already showing signs of struggles in the secondary after an abysmal season a year ago. Andrew Booth Jr. and Kalon Barnes both had noteworthy moments for all the wrong reasons, as Seattle's passing attack embarrassed them late in the game.
Still, there are some bright spots to highlight, and it would be fair to argue that a few guys should be shut down - or at least limited - to preserve them for the real thing.
So let's take a look at some of these Minnesota players that have likely already locked up a 2023 roster spot after just one preseason game, starting with a running back hoping to make a bigger impact in his second year with the team.