4 Vikings who have already locked up a 2023 roster spot this preseason

Player No. 4

Joejuan Williams - CB

Brian Flores did not inherit a perfect defense by any means. The Vikings will enter the season with a completely revamped secondary following last season's debacle. The big acquisition was Byron Murphy, one of the top free-agent cornerbacks on the market. However, the Vikings also added Mekhi Blackmon in the draft and Joejuan Williams in free agency.

Williams has had the most successful NFL career thus far, but his size is something that entices NFL teams. The Vikings, given their lack of size at the position, took a chance on the former second-round pick, and it has seemingly been good for them in camp.

Even if he is not a starter over Akayleb Evans or even Mekhi Blackmon later in the season, Williams brings some experience to an otherwise young secondary. His length has allowed him to make a handful of highlight plays in camp, joint practices, and against the Seahawks.

I would not be surprised at all if the Vikings continue to rotate players into the fold until they find something that works, and that means Joejuan Williams may get some meaningful action early in the season to combat the lack of size that Byron Murphy brings. If Murphy plays in the slot, Williams pairs well with Evans on the perimeter.

The secondary will be a make-or-break unit for the Vikings this season. If they do not improve drastically from last season, it could be a very long season for Kirk Cousins and the offense. In a battle between Williams, Kalon Barnes, and Tay Gowan, Williams is far and away the best option.