Vikings 53-man roster predictions heading into 2023 training camp
Linebackers (8)
Outside Linebackers (4)
- Danielle Hunter
- Marcus Davenport
- D.J. Wonnum
- Patrick Jones II
Inside Linebackers (4)
- Brian Asamoah
- Jordan Hicks
- Troy Reeder
- Ivan Pace Jr. (R)
It's of the utmost importance for the Vikings to extend Danielle Hunter. Hunter was the lone bright spot on the defensive line in the second half of the 2022 season. Unless the Vikings are fully embracing a rebuild, to be able to compete in 2023, Hunter must be on the field come week one.
Marcus Davenport was brought in to fill the hole left by Za'Darius Smith. Davenport must improve significantly in 2023 from his 2022 season. Davenport only registered a half a sack last season, but the Vikings are expecting that number to jump significantly under the guidance of new defensive coordinator Brian Flores.
Brian Asamoah and Jordan Hicks are expected to man the middle of Brian Flores' defense in 2023. Former Los Angeles Ram Troy Reeder reunites with head coach Kevin O'Connell. Reeder has played in every game since he entered the league in 2019 and has 124 career solo tackles; his special teams ability gives him the edge over Troy Dye.
Ivan Pace Jr. should have been drafted, and it is still a mystery as to why he wasn't. Pace is a very physical and fast linebacker who loves to lay the lumber. The former Cincinnati Bearcat is a bit undersized, which could be an issue when in coverage against bigger tight ends, but the hope is that Pace and Asamoah become mainstays in the middle of the Vikings' defense in 2024 and beyond.