Vikings 53-man roster prediction after the first week of 2024 training camp

The Minnesota Vikings have an incredibly tough challenge ahead of them this offseason. Trimming their roster down to 53 players will leave many young talents on the outside of the roster hoping to latch on with another team or land on a practice squad.

The days of the Vikings having a roster that mostly rolled over from the previous season seem to be gone. These days, many of the veteran players have moved on from Minnesota and youth will have an opportunity to shine.

Considering these individuals have a limited time to impress their teams, sometimes some surprising cuts can be made. This makes training camp and the preseason essential for making a great impression on the coaching staff.

Vikings 53-man roster prediction after the first week of 2024 training camp

The Minnesota Vikings offense is bound to look different this year. Several positions have new starting players with a large number of athletes competing for backup or rotational roles with the team.

Vikings Offense (25)

Quarterbacks (3)

- Sam Darnold
- J.J. McCarthy
- Nick Mullens

The Vikings paid Sam Darnold handsomely to be the bridge quarterback and mentor for J.J. McCarthy until he is ready to be the team's starting quarterback. Add in a backup with starting experience, and you have a position group that should be ready for action when Week 1 rolls around.

Running backs (4)

- C.J. Ham
- Aaron Jones
- Ty Chandler
- Kene Nwangwu

Minnesota is one of the few teams remaining in the NFL who still employ a fullback and a contract extension in May makes it seem like Ham isn't going anywhere any time soon. Moving on from Alexander Mattison opened the door for the Vikings to sign Aaron Jones to work with Ty Chandler while Kene Nwangwu handles kickoff returns.

Wide receivers (5)

- Justin Jefferson
- Jordan Addison
- Brandon Powell
- Trent Sherfield
= Jalen Nailor

Don't be shocked if the Vikings end up keeping 6 wide receivers in 2024 and Trishton Jackson makes the team. Although the team is waiting to see if there will be disciplinary action against Jordan Addison, he should be inked in with Justin Jefferson and Brandon Powell as locks to make the roster.

Tight ends (4)

- T.J. Hockenson (PUP)
- Josh Oliver
- Johnny Mundt
- Robert Tonyan
- Nick Muse

The most competitive position on the Vikings roster this year, making the team as a tight end will be a huge struggle. T.J. Hockenson will likely start the year on the Physically Unable to Perform list, allowing Nick Muse or N'Keal Harry a window to earn a spot on the 53.

Offensive line (9)

- Christian Darrisaw
- Brian O'Neill
- Garrett Bradbury
- Ed Ingram
- Blake Brandel
- Dalton Risner
- Dan Feeney
- David Quessenberry
- Walter Rouse

The only real question in this group is what the Vikings' plans are for Dalton Risner. Will he compete with Blake Brandel or Ed Ingram for starting guard duties? Minnesota will have backups and swing players for each position, loading up the unit for the upcoming season.

Vikings Defense (25)

Like the Minnesota Vikings offense, the defense is undergoing a transformation too. Brian Flores' unit will have new faces in several places this year, meaning depth will be essential if things don't work out as planned from the jump.

Defensive line (6)

- Jonathan Bullard
- Harrison Phillips
- Jerry Tillery
- Jacquelin Roy
- Jonah Williams
- Levi Drake Rodriguez

The defensive line needed some beef this offseason and the Minnesota Vikings got some new bodies to try in the trenches. Jerry Tillery will have an opportunity for a "prove-it" type of year while folks may be sleeping a little on Jonah Williams.

Edge rushers (5)

- Jonathan Greenard
- Andrew Van Ginkel
- Dallas Turner
- Jihad Ward
- Patrick Jones II

This group will look significantly different from last year since the Vikings signed Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel. They will have the tough task of filling Danielle Hunter's shoes since he is now a member of the Houston Texans.

Linebackers (4)

- Ivan Pace Jr.
- Blake Cashman
- Brian Asamoah
- Kamu Grugier-Hill

Minnesota native Blake Cashman will be replacing Jordan Hicks as Ivan Pace Jr. takes on a bigger role by wearing the green dot. Brian Asamoah and 42-game starter Kamu Grugier-Hill should provide quality depth and special teams upside.

Cornerbacks (6)

- Byron Murphy Jr.
- Shaquiil Griffin
- Akayleb Evans
- Andrew Booth Jr.
- Duke Shelley
- Dwight McGlothern
- NaJee Thompson (PUP)

Adversity has struck the Minnesota Vikings cornerback group this season. Despite that, the team has a nice balance of experience and potential. Having some veterans to teach the young players should benefit guys like Andrew Booth Jr. and Dwight McGlothern.

Safeties (4)

- Harrison Smith
- Camryn Bynum
- Josh Metellus
- Jay Ward

The minor shock here is the Vikings moving on from former first-round draft pick Lewis Cine. Between struggling to stay healthy and failing to make an impact, the young safety has likely run out of chances. Each of the other safeties on this list offer the defense multiple roles, making them valuable to the roster.

Vikings Special Teams (3)

- Will Reichard
- Ryan Wright
- Andrew DePaola

There is competition for kicker and punter in training camp, but Will Reichard and Ryan Wright should be the favorites for those duties. On the other hand, Pro Bowl and All-Pro long snapper Andrew DePaola seems to have a clear path to the 53.

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