The Viking Age
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Vikings 53-man roster predictions heading into 2023 training camp

By Cole Middleton

Minnesota Vikings WR Justin Jefferson
Minnesota Vikings WR Justin Jefferson / David Berding/GettyImages
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Defensive Line (6)

  • Harrison Phillips
  • Dean Lowry
  • Khyiris Tonga
  • Jaquelin Roy (R)
  • Jonathan Bullard
  • Esezi Otomewo

The defensive line is going to be an issue, it's as simple as that. This unit arguably got worse in the offseason when Dalvin Tomlinson signed with the Cleveland Browns.

Even with Tomlinson on the field, the unit struggled to do anything last season. They couldn't stop the run and struggled to create any interior pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Dean Lowry was a nice addition in terms of interior pass rush, but when stopping the run, Tomlinson was much better. It is an even swap.

Khyiris Tonga may just be the most important piece on this interior defensive line. He surprised a number of people with his play toward the end of the 2022 season. Tonga should occupy the starting nose tackle spot in week one.

Harrison Phillips will need to step his play up in 2023 if he expects to stick around beyond this season. There is no question he will be starting come week one, but if he continues to perform below expectations, we could see one of these younger guys taking significant snaps away from the six-year vet.

Don't be surprised if you see rookie fifth-round pick Jaquelin Roy playing significant snaps in 2023. The former LSU Tiger has a lot to offer this Vikings defense; the ability to stuff holes in the run game as well as an ability to create pressure on passing downs. If Roy becomes what the Vikings believe he can be, that would be huge for this Vikings team in 2023 and beyond.

You know what you are getting with James Lynch and Jonathan Bullard. Both guys will be on the bubble to make the roster, but Bullard gets another year on the 53-man roster.

Esezi Otomewo is an interesting one. The former Golden Gopher started seeing snaps toward the end of the 2022 season, and even though he only registered five tackles, there was still a lot to like. Otomewo is a natural 3-4 defensive end, he struggles to stop the run because of his size, but he can rush the passer when asked.

If Otomewo can continue to build on his size and start shedding blocks more efficiently, we could see the second-year man vying for a spot in the starting lineup in the near future.

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