Vikings 53-man roster predictions and depth chart after 2024 minicamp

Trying to guess which players will make the 53-man roster of the Minnesota Vikings is a huge challenge. The roster has a lot of young talent that could fight their way onto the team for the 2024 NFL season.

Even harder than that is trying to guess what the starting lineup will be. While there are players who are likely to return to a starting position this year, nothing is guaranteed in the NFL when it comes to roster spots or playing time.

With training camp on the way and excitement starting to build for the Vikings' 2024 season, taking a look at the talent available and trying to figure out who fits in which spots can be an interesting adventure.

Vikings 53-man roster predictions and depth chart after 2024 minicamp

Let's look at how the 53-man roster could shake out for the Minnesota Vikings in 2024 and which plyers might be Week 1 starters. Projected starters are bold while rookies have an asterisk next to their names.

Quarterbacks (3)

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

The Vikings could bring four quarterbacks if they want to make sure they don't lose Jaren Hall, but Mullens provides an experienced backup and someone who can help McCarthy progress.

Running Backs (5)

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

It is a bit of a toss-up if the final running back is Gaskin or DeWayne McBride but the team doesn't need to hold five halfbacks on the 53. Fullback C.J. Ham does not need an immediate backup and will likely not have depth behind him.

Wide Receivers (6)

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

The Vikings will need to see some development from their depth wide receivers in order to be comfortable with this unit, but it's hard to get frustrated about any Vikings unit that includes Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison.

Tight Ends (3)

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

While it is a bit dangerous to try to put Nick Muse on the practice squad, he will have a tough time making the 53 in this group. Even though N'Keal Harry switched to tight end and has good size, he will have an uphill battle in gaining a roster spot.

Offensive Line (9)

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

The Vikings appear to have Brandel penciled in as the starter to left guard, which leaves Dalton Risner to be a high-profile backup or rotational player. Depth seems good for an offensive line that has struggled in that area for a while.

Defensive Line (5)

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

Bullard and Phillips should be as close to locks to start in 2024 while Tillery may have to beat out Roy or Jonah Williams in training camp and the preseason to earn a starting role. Rodriguez acts as the primary backup for Phillips.

Edge rushers (5)

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

Although Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel are likely the starters, rookie Dallas Turner should see a solid rotation with plenty of playing time. Ward and Jones provide depth with potential to make an impact.

Interior Linebackers (4)

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

Normally, Cashman would be included as a starter, but the Vikings play a lot of nickel defense and will likely drop a linebacker to include an extra defensive back. Pace will be the primary defender in the middle, which is a big responsibility for the former undrafted free agent in 2023.

Cornerbacks (6)

- Byron Murphy Jr.
- Shaq Griffin
- Akayleb Evans
- Mekhi Blackmon
- Andrew Booth Jr.
- Dwight McGlothern*

The McGlothern hype train is in motion and Minnesota's impressive undrafted free agent could be a surprise player to make the Vikings' 53-man roster. Otherwise, there aren't many surprises in this group for the 2024 NFL season.

Safeties (5)

- Harrison Smith
- Camryn Bynum
- Josh Metellus
- Theo Jackson
- Lewis Cine

Can Cine prove himself worthy of a roster spot in 2024? It became a bit of a running joke how he was inactive for so many games in 2023 but there is nothing funny about a first-round draft pick struggling to see playing time.

Special Teams (3)

- Will Reichard
- Ryan Wright
- Andrew DePaola

Having a rookie kicker is scary. If Reichard can be a consistent asset for the Minnesota Vikings and Ryan Wright can rebound from a disappointing season, the special teams trio could be a strength during the upcoming year.