4 most surprising players to make the Vikings final roster in 2023
By Nik Edlund
Player No. 1
Nick Muse - TE
Nick Muse definitely earned a spot on the Vikings' final roster. He had a great preseason and was one of the standouts both in practice and in games.
The second-year tight end looked extremely sharp, running precise routes and making acrobatic catches. He also held his own as a blocker, showing vast improvement from his first season to his second.
From a talent perspective, he was clearly one of Minnesota's best 53 players. However, there was a lot of doubt surrounding the team and whether or not they would actually keep four tight ends and a fullback on the roster.
Most teams don't carry that many tight ends, especially not ones that have a head coach like Kevin O'Connell, who loves to throw the ball to receivers as much as possible.
The Vikings must've figured they'd lose Muse if they let him hit the waiver wire and felt it much safer to keep him on the team.
It makes sense, especially when figuring in T.J. Hockenson's current contract situation. Apparently, he and the Vikings are far apart in numbers, and if things go south and he holds out, having Muse on the roster is a nice insurance policy.