Vikings 53-man roster prediction after the second preseason game

The Minnesota Vikings completed Week 2 of the NFL preseason by defeating the Cleveland Browns in a game that showcased the depth of the roster and allowed many of the non-starters an opportunity to shine.

By now, there are quite a few Vikings who should be considered locks to make the team's final roster and survive the cuts that need to be made by Aug. 27 at 3 pm CST. However, many players will not make the 53-man roster.

Predicting who will make the team and who will be left off the final roster is a challenge. It might be easy to know who had a good training camp or preseason, but that doesn't always translate into a roster spot.

Vikings 53-man roster prediction after the second preseason game

Let's take a look at the 53 players who should make up the roster of the Minnesota Vikings for the 2024 NFL season.

Offense (24)

Quarterbacks (3)

- Sam Darnold
- Nick Mullens
- Jaren Hall

It's sad not seeing J.J. McCarthy on this list, but Minnesota's first round pick will likely miss the entire season due to a meniscus injury and being placed on injured reserve. That leaves Sam Darnold as the starter with Nick Mullens backing him up and Jaren Hall as QB3. It's a similar situation to last year, only with Darnold instead of Kirk Cousins, who is now with the Atlanta Falcons.

Running backs (4)

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

Keeping only three halfbacks will be tough. This means DeWayne McBride and Myles Gaskin would not make the final roster. Nwangwu's playing time and role in Week 2 of the preseason is a sign that the young kick return specialist might be in line for a bigger offensive role this season.

Wide receivers (5)

- Justin Jefferson
- Jordan Addison
- Brandon Powell
- Jalen Nailor
- Trishton Jackson

The jury is still out on whether or not Jordan Addison will receive punishment for his legal issues this offseason, but he and Brandon Powell should be considered locks for the 53. Past them and superstar pass-catcher Justin Jefferson, the last spots will go to high-potential receivers who have shined this preseason.

Tight ends (3)

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

T.J. Hockenson will not count against the 53-man roster since he will likely start the year on the Physically Unable to Perform list. Behind him, returning tight ends Josh Oliver, Johnny Mundt, and Nick Muse should be able to hold down the fort until he returns.

Offensive line (9)

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

The only real surprise on the offensive line is the lack of draft pick Michael Jurgens, who has struggled this preseason. Jurgens still needs some time to adjust to the NFL and will likely find a home on the practice squad.

Defense (26)

Defensive line (6)

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

Depth on the defensive line is still an issue for the Minnesota Vikings, but rookie Levi Drake Rodriguez has looked good this preseason. New additions Jerry Tillery and Jonah Williams are experienced defenders who add solid depth to the trenches.

Edge rushers (5)

- Jonathan Greenard
- Andrew Van Ginkel
- Dallas Turner
- Bo Richter
- Pat Jones II

The Vikings signed Andrew Van Ginkel and Jonathan Greenard this offseason to replace the exiting Danielle Hunter and Marcus Davenport. Then, they surprised a lot of fans by drafting Dallas Turner in the first round and signing high-potential free agent Bo Richter, who went undrafted.

Interior linebackers (4)

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

Blake Cashman takes the place of Jordan Hicks as one of Minnesota's starting interior linebackers while Ivan Pace Jr. looks to build on an impressive rookie season. Honestly, choosing backups and rotational players in this spot is difficult, so going with a returning player and one new face seems like a solid idea.

Safeties (5)

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

Is Josh Metellus really a safety? He plays so many roles for the Vikings that he could be listed almost anywhere on defense. The surprise here is Lewis Cine making the team after having an impressive game against the Browns and likely taking on special teams roles as well.

Cornerbacks (6)

- Stephon Gilmore
- Shaq Griffin
- Bryon Murphy Jr.
- Akayleb Evans
- Duke Shelley
- Dwight McGlothern
- NaJee Thompson (PUP)*

Agreeing to terms with the Vikings on Sunday, Stephon Gilmore is the highlight of this unit. NaJee Thompson starting on the PUP list means undrafted free agent Dwight McGlothern could get a chance on the 53-man roster this year after a breakout training camp and an exciting preseason game against the Browns.

Special teams (3)

- Will Reichard
- Ryan Wright
- Andrew DePaola

There should be no surprises on the Minnesota Vikings' special teams unit. Rookie kicker Will Reichard won the job early in training camp and long snapper Andrew DePaola faces no opposition. Ryan Wright is clearly the favorite to return as the punter, rounding out the special teams trio.

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