Now that the Minnesota Vikings have played their second preseason game, some players may have dropped out of favor when it comes to who will make the team's 53-man roster and who will be cut from the team.
The Week 2 preseason loss to the New England Patriots was frustrating since the Vikings dominated the joint practices, but it was an opportunity to get another look at some players who might be on the bubble heading into the 2025 NFL season.
Minnesota has already started making some adjustments, as evidenced by the release of linebacker Brian Asamoah II. Many more roster moves will come in the next couple of weeks, leading up to the August 26 deadline to trim the roster to 53 players.
Here is what the 53-man roster of the Minnesota Vikings could look like this season.
What could the 53-man roster of the Minnesota Vikings look like following the team's second preseason game?
Minnesota Vikings offense (25)
Quarterbacks (3)
- Max Brosmer
- J.J. McCarthy
- Brett Rypien
Just because the Minnesota Vikings traded to acquire Sam Howell doesn't mean that he is guaranteed to have a spot on the roster. After his abysmal performance in Week 2 of the preseason that cast a bright light on his poor decision-making, it wouldn't be shocking if the team moves on.
On the other hand, 2025 undrafted free agent quarterback Max Brosmer and 2019 undrafted free agent Brett Rypien have looked like capable options to be behind J.J. McCarthy on the depth chart. It could come down to the final preseason game and practices before a decision is made.
Running backs (4)
- C.J. Ham
- Aaron Jones
- Jordan Mason
- Zavier Scott
Another 2025 undrafted free agent could get a big opportunity on the 53-man roster if running back Zavier Scott can beat out Ty Chandler for the third halfback spot behind Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason.
Meanwhile, C.J. Ham continues to be a solid fullback that Minnesota will use heavily this season. An undrafted free agent in 2016, Ham is entering his ninth season and has become a fixture for the modern purple and gold football team.
Wide receivers (6)
- Jordan Addison
- Tai Felton
- Justin Jefferson
- Jeshaun Jones
- Jalen Nailor
- Myles Price
Jeshaun Jones was an undrafted free agent in 2024 who has spent time on the practice squad in Minnesota, but might get a crack at the 53-man roster due to a season-ending injury to Rondale Moore and Jordan Addison serving a three-game suspension.
Myles Price looks like a great option to be the return specialist for Minnesota this season. The 2025 undrafted free agent could fill the hole left by Moore's injury and handle the return duties while developing as a wide receiver.
Tight ends (3)
- T.J. Hockenson
- Josh Oliver
- Nick Vannett
T.J. Hockenson and Josh Oliver make sense as returning tight ends for the Vikings, but that third spot is pretty wide open. Nick Vannett has the experience to win the job, but there are other options if the team wants to go that way.
Multiple tight ends on the roster lack the experience of Vannett, but no matter who Minnesota chooses as TE3, they are unlikely to see a lot of reps on offense unless something unfortunate happens.
Offensive line (9)
- Blake Brandel
- Christian Darrisaw
- Will Fries
- Donovan Jackson
- Michael Jurgens
- Ryan Kelly
- Brian O'Neill
- Walter Rouse
- Justin Skule
Assuming that Christian Darrisaw doesn't have to start the season on the Physically Unable to Perform list, the starting five should be pretty obvious. Minnesota's decision to make major changes to the offensive line should pay off in a big way this season.
Backups are where there could be some variation. Blake Brandel, Michael Jurgens, Walter Rouse, and Justin Skule provide versatility and potential and should be solid options to step into action if they are needed.
Minnesota Vikings defense (25)
Defensive line (6)
- Jonathan Allen
- Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins
- Levi Drake-Rodriguez
- Javon Harrgrave
- Harrison Phillips
- Jalen Redmond
Even though it has been a few years now, it feels weird not projecting for a 4-3 defensive front. That said, Minnesota should feel pretty good with Jonathan Allen, Harrison Phillips, and Javon Hargrave up front.
Having three backups for this spot may seem like overkill, but Jalen Redmond, Levi Drake-Rodriguez, and Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins have all flashed enough that letting them walk could be a big mistake for the Vikings.
Edge rushers (5)
- Jonathan Greenard
- Gabriel Murphy
- Bo Richter
- Dallas Turner
- Andrew Van Ginkel
Andrew Van Ginkel and Jonathan Greenard were a dynamic duo last year that consistently got pressure on opposing quarterbacks and should be able to be similarly effective during the 2025 NFL season.
2024 undrafted free agent Gabriel Murphy continues to shine in practices and the preseason, just like fellow UDFA from the same class, Bo Richter flashed last season. Plus, it will be run to see the evolution of Dallas Turner.
Interior linebackers (4)
- Blake Cashman
- Kobe King
- Ivan Pace Jr.
- Eric Wilson
The release of Brian Asamoah II opens up an opportunity for another linebacker who can play special teams to earn their way onto the 53-man roster. This will be a fun battle to watch during the preseason since the competition is pretty wide open.
Kobe King is a rookie who was a sixth-round pick out of Penn State. The competition will be tough for him, but the young defender has been getting some solid opportunities in preseason games and seems to be the frontrunner.
Cornerbacks (6)
- Mekhi Blackmon
- Dwight McGlothern
- Byron Murphy Jr.
- Jeff Okudah
- Isaiah Rogers
- Ambry Thomas
Fans haven't had much of a chance to see Byron Murphy Jr. or Isaiah Rogers this preseason, but they should be considered locks for the 53. Behind them, Mekhi Blackmon seems like the other player assured to get an opportunity.
The buzz for Jeff Okudah and the flash of Ambry Thomas gives hope that they can step up and be contributors this season. Meanwhile, 2024 undrafted free agent Dwight McGlothern has been flashing since arriving in Minnesota.
Safeties (4)
- Theo Jackson
- Josh Metellus
- Harrison Smith
- Jay Ward
The Minnesota Vikings seem prepared to have Harrison Smith and Theo Jackson as the starting safeties this year. Jackson is a bit of a question mark, but the team believes in him, and he will get an opportunity to prove himself.
Josh Metellus is the Swiss army knife of the team. He can do anything that is asked of him on defense, while Jay Ward will need to prove his worth to get the fourth safety spot on the 53-man roster this season.
Minnesota Vikings special teams (3)
Specialists (3)
- Andrew DePaola
- Will Reichard
- Ryan Wright
For now, it is safest to plug in all three returning specialists for the 53-man roster. Kicker Will Reichard has looked great this preseason despite some early training camp hiccups, and Andrew DePaola is an All-Pro long snapper.
The biggest question comes at punter. The Minnesota Vikings have tried Oscar Chapman as a punter and holder, and he's looked very good. If he can continue to thrive in those roles, he could unseat Ryan Wright.