Vikings 53-man roster predictions heading into 2023 training camp
Offensive Line (9)
Offensive Tackles (4)
- Christian Darrisaw (LT)
- Brian O'Neill (RT)
- Blake Brandel
- Vederian Lowe
Centers/Guards (5)
- Ezra Cleveland (LG)
- Garrett Bradbury (C)
- Ed Ingram (RG)
- Chris Reed
- Alan Ali (R)
Barring any sort of injuries in training camp, the Vikings will run out the same starting offensive line from last season. Christian Darrisaw and Brian O'Neill are two of the best at their respected positions; inside is where there are still a ton of questions; Can Ezra Cleveland take that next step? What kind of Garrett Bradbury are we going to get this season? Will Ed Ingram learn from all his rookie mistakes in 2023?
The Vikings could be searching around the free agency market for an upgrade on the inside, and there is no reason to blame them for that. Kirk Cousins was the most-hit quarterback in football last season, and a majority of those hits came from guys coming in through the inside. Cousins' body can only take so much before he starts missing time.
Veteran Chris Reed should be a shoo-in to make the 53-man roster.; his versatility gives him the advantage there. Although, when asked to step in, Reed did not look great. But another year in O'Connell's system should pay dividends when it comes time to trim the roster down.
Undrafted free agent center Alan Ali, out of TCU, is my under-the-radar player to make the 53-man roster. Ali has great size for a center, standing 6 foot 5 inches tall and weighing over 300 pounds, and he has experience playing every position on the offensive line during his time at SMU and TCU. Ali is still extremely raw. However, his only competition is that of Austin Schlottman and Josh Sokol for the backup center spot.