MN Vikings First Depth Chart Reveals Some Answers, More Questions

We are now less than a week from the Minnesota Vikings opening up their 2025 regular season against the Chicago Bears. It’s a primetime matchup fit for the debut of new quarterback J.J. McCarthy.

It has been obvious since the moment Sam Darnold signed with the Seattle Seahawks that this team was going to be quarterbacked by McCarthy. There has been an influx of new talent, but the team still has weaknesses, entering the season… at least on paper.

They still seem light at cornerback, even if those in the building disagree. Up until last week, they were extremely thin at wide receiver, too. Adam Thielen saved the day there, but nonetheless, Kevin O’Connell and the Minnesota Vikings still had a few interesting developments for the team’s first official depth chart of the season.

Week 1 depth chart reveals new wrinkles for Minnesota Vikings

When the Minnesota Vikings cemented their initial 53-man roster, it included a boatload of undrafted free agents. They cut some veterans, and that meant young talent would have a pathway to playing time. Now seeing how they are positioned, there are definitely some notable names to key in on.

Despite being a late addition, it’s Wentz who will backup McCarthy ahead of everyone’s hero Max Brosmer. That could change as the year goes on, and will be a competition to watch. But it’s interesting that, after just one week on the roster, he’s already listed as QB2

It’s not necessarily shocking that Chandler would be the third running back behind the starting tandem. However, he was definitely outplayed in the preseason by Zavier Scott, and looked like a potential cut candidate for much of training camp. Also, the Vikings are clearly serious about Jones and Mason splitting carries near 50/50.

Adam Thielen just got back into town last week. He’s still ahead of Nailor on the depth chart, and that should continue once Jordan Addison returns from his suspension as well.

The usage of safeties by the Minnesota Vikings is a unique wrinkle to Brian Flores’ defense. Theo Jackson is going to see plenty of reps, but Metellus is listed as the starter, alongside Harrison Smith, who hasn’t practiced in nearly a month. Yet, there he is listed at the top of the depth chart for free safeties week one.

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Matt Daniels is rolling out an entirely new return team. Undrafted free agent Myles Price will handle punt return duties. He had 23 attempts for Indiana last season in college, and he averaged 12.6 yards per return.

The hope is that Tai Felton develops into a starting caliber wideout, but he’s behind Nailor in that regard at this point. He’ll handle kick return duties. That’s a role he hasn’t held since 2022 (as a sophomore) with Maryland. He turned six kicks into 150 yards (25 yards per attempt).