Before the NHL Trade Deadline, general manager Bill Guerin decided not to put injured stars Kirill Kaprizov and Joel Eriksson Ek on Long Term Injured Reserve. That left little to no wiggle room to add additional talent before the deadline. Now that both players are back in the lineup, it looks like the right move.

Up-to-Date Minnesota Wild Depth Chart and Lines (2024-25)

Newly signed rookie defenseman and Minnesota Wild top prospect, Zeev Buium was in the game-one lineup on Sunday vs the Knights, and has played since. Below, you will see the MN Wild’s projected line combinations and depth chart for game one, via our friends at PuckPedia.com.

Related: Minnesota Wild game today; TV Schedule, Channel and more

Kirk Cousins is gone, Sam Darnold and rookie 1st round pick, JJ McCarthy are here. There has been some discussions about whether or not McCarthy can surpass Darnold, on the Minnesota Vikings’ depth chart, before week one of the regular season.

Sam Darnold “unofficially” listed as Minnesota Vikings starting QB

We have to wait before we see how that plays out, but on Tuesday, the Vikings released their first “unofficial” depth chart of the preseason. Sam Darnold is listed as the starting quarterback. Below him, you see JJ McCarthy OR Nick Mullens, followed by Josh Dobbs.

• Starter: Sam Darnold
• Backups: J.J. McCarthy OR Nick Mullens; Jaren Hall

We see a lot of “OR”s on the Minnesota Gophers football game-week depth charts. They essentially mean that those two players are considered equals. In other words, JJ McCarthy and Nick Mullens are both listed as the Vikings’ QB2.

Related: Vikings Insider Projects Undrafted Rookie as Surefire 53-Man Roster Candidate

None of this is a surprise, especially prior to any preseason games being played. But that will end on Saturday, when we get to see JJ McCarthy and a bunch of other Minnesota Vikings backups suit up and hit another team’s football players again.

Minnesota Timberwolves Depth Chart vs Lakers – 2025

Here’s how the Timberwolves’ depth chart currently shakes out as they continue their round one Western Conference playoff series vs the Los Angeles Lakers. The series is currently tied 1-1.

Below is the up-to-date MN Timberwolves depth chart. Below that is the most up recent injury report put out by the team before game 3 (April 24).

Players listed at one position in the below chart likely play other positions, as well. Basketball is becoming more and more positionless each year. Still, the chart reflects rather accurately where players are getting the most minutes recently.

Related: What We Learned About the Minnesota Timberwolves in Ugly Game Two Loss vs Lakers

Latest Minnesota Timberwolves injury report (status report)

The Timberwolves are nearly healthy in the middle of the series vs the Lakers. Rob Dillingham popped up on the injury report a few days ago, and is out of Friday’s matchup.

Out:

• Rob Dillingham – Right Ankle Sprain

Minnesota Vikings Depth Chart (Wk 1) – Offense

The Vikings return 8 of 11 starters on offense, led by (QB) Kirk Cousins, (WR) Justin Jefferson and newly extended (TE) TJ Hockenson. There really aren’t any surprises, on the offensive side of the football. TJ seems to have fully recovered from the “ear and back problems” that plagued him throughout training camp and preseason contract negotiations.

Jordan Addison isn’t labeled as a starter but I’d expect him to get most of the run, when the Vikings put three wide receivers on the field. It is interesting, however, that Addison and 2nd year receiver, Jalen Nailor were both listed as backups, while Brandon Powell was listed a notch below them.

Minnesota Vikings Depth Chart (Wk 1) – Defense

There aren’t as many returning starters on defense, but the Vikings still return over half of their number one depth chart offense from 2022. Patrick Peterson has been replaced by Byron Murphy Jr, who will move inside when Minnesota goes to their nickel package.

Brian Asamoah Jr replaces Eric Kendricks, at inside linebacker. It’s not surprising to see him listed as a starter but questions were raised after he spent much of the preseason nursing injuries. Many thought Ivan Pace Jr would take Asamoah’s starting job. Instead, he’s the 4th linebacker listed, though he and Troy Dye are both listed as backups, not depth pieces.

One other surprise comes from the interior of the defensive line. Many thought Khyiris Tonga would man the middle of Brian Flores’ base 3-4 defense. Instead, Harrison Phillips will move inside to nose tackle. Jonathan Bullard and Dean Lowry will start at the defensive end positions.

Minnesota Vikings Depth Chart (Wk 1) – Special Teams

The Vikings return all three specialists from last season, including (K) Greg Joseph, (P) Ryan Wright and (LS) Andrew DePaola. The mystery on who will return punts and kicks is also over. Ty Chandler gets the starting job as kick returner and veteran Brandon Powell will return punts.

A win in week one would go a long way toward success in the 2023 season. Tampa is expected to be one of the worst teams in the NFL this year and the Viking schedule gets much more difficult after week one, including games against predicted playoff contenders the Eagles, Chargers and Chiefs in the first five weeks.

The Minnesota Vikings vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers will be broadcast on FOX-TV (Get 7-Day Free Fubo Subscription) and KFAN (Radio).

Young hopefuls — like RB DeWayne McBride WR Trishton Jackson, OLB Luiji Vilain and (former Gopher) Esezi Otomewo — are three of the more notable roster casualties but none of them were roster locks. The Vikings plan to bring the former two names back as practice squad players. Veteran cuts on Monday evening included defensive tackles Ross Blacklock and Sheldon Day.

Trade Rumors and Cut Confusion

Kwesi Adofo-Mensah may try to clear a roster spot by trading former 1st round wide receiver, Jalen Reagor, too, and the Vikings, per Adam Schefter (ESPN) have multiple interested teams.

But Tuesday’s roster news was headlined by confusion, when it was initially reported that preseason standout and special teams favorite, (CB) Najee Thompson, was cut. About 10 minutes later, while hardcore Vikings Twitter was still grieving over Thompson’s supposed release, insiders retracted their initial report and named Najee to the 53-man roster.

The #Vikings waived LB Luiji Vilain, per source.

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) August 29, 2023

Clearing up some miscommunication: The #Vikings have NOT waived CB Najee Thompson. The impressive undrafted rookie from Georgia Southern remains on the roster.

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) August 29, 2023

Final Vikings 53-man roster

Here is the Minnesota Vikings’ updated 53-man roster, including cuts from Tuesday (strikethrough). They kept (3) quarterbacks, (3) running backs, (1) fullback, (6) wide receivers, (4) tight ends, (8) offensive linemen, (5) defensive linemen, (5) outside linebackers, (4) inside linebackers, (5) cornerbacks, (6) safeties, (1) kicker, (1) punter and (1) long-snapper.

Offense

Defense

Special Teams

Find everything you need to know about the 2023 Minnesota Viking season HERE.

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan

They found a way to get Danielle Hunter back on roster, added Za’Darius Smith on the other EDGE and re-upped with Patrick Peterson. But that wasn’t all. Let’s take a look at a very turned over defensive depth chart that is guaranteed to change more before the draft later this month. You can find the pre-draft offensive depth chart HERE.

Vikings free agency spending so far (total dollars):

Defense – $80,380,000
Offense – $7,652,500

— Sean Borman (@SeanBormanNFL) March 31, 2022

Defensive Line

• LDE: Harrison Phillips — Kenny Willekes
• NT: Dalvin Tomlinson — Armon Watts, James Lynch
• RDE: Jaylen Twyman OR Janarius Robinson OR James Lynch

The Vikings have a lot left to fix on their defensive line. They don’t want to go into training camp deciding between Jaylen Twyman, Janarius Robinson (neither have played an NFL snap) or James Lynch as one of their 3-4 defensive ends. So look for Kwesi to add depth at all DL positions when possible but, he needs to find another starting defensive end before the season rolls around, too.

The Vikings have been tied to free agents like Akiem Hicks but money is obviously an issue. How early could they go with a defensive lineman in the draft? Of course, there are candidates projected to go on day one but, if not, they’ll be trying to upgrade the front-3 by the end of day two, for sure.

Outside Linebackers

• WLB: Danielle Hunter — Chazz Surratt
• SLB: Za’Darius Smith — DJ Wonnumm

Heading into the offseason, EDGE rushers were right up there with the cornerback group, as the biggest concern for the Minnesota Vikings defensive depth chart. Danielle Hunter’s status on the team was up in the air and they, quite literally, didn’t have anyone else. But Kwesi & Co knew, in today’s NFL, their undermanned defense wouldn’t stand a chance without requisite QB pressure.

So, they moved some money around on Hunter’s deal, something he didn’t have a say in, locking him up for 2022 and 2023. Then, they found a way to land former Packer All-Pro, Za’Darius Smith in free agency. Just like that, the Vikings have one of the scariest EDGE duos in the NFL… if they can stay on the field. Hunter has played in just seven games during the last two seasons and Za’Darius Smith missed almost all of 2021, after back surgery. And depth, as with much of the roster, is a problem.

Za’Darius Smith: professional sack celebrator

Happy birthday to the @packers Pro Bowl DE, @TheRealZSmith! ???? pic.twitter.com/E9DVZEY3Lt

— NFL (@NFL) September 8, 2020

Here are all four of Danielle Hunter’s sacks through the first two weeks of the year: pic.twitter.com/ZNYqt6GLIW

— Nick Olson (@NickOlsonNFL) September 22, 2021

Inside Linebackers

• LILB: Eric Kendricks — Troy Dye
• RILB: Jordan Hicks — Blake Lynch

The Vikings will pay three starting 3-4 inside linebackers during the 2022 season, but just two will play on the team. Anthony Barr won’t be on the field but he will count nearly $10 million against the cap. That’s way more than his replacement, Jordan Hicks, who will make just $3.5M.

Meanwhile, there are some questions about how effective Eric Kendricks will be in a 3-4 base defense, especially if the Vikings can’t further upgrade the defensive line in front of him. But Kendricks, a former 2nd round draft pick, has consistently exceeded expectations at every level of his football career. We need to hope that’s the case again.

Cornerback

• CB1: Patrick Peterson — Harrison Hand OR Nate Hairston
• CB2: Cameron Dantzler — Kris Boyd
• SLOT: Chandon Sullivan

The Minnesota Vikings were able to lock Patrick Peterson up for a very team-friendly $3.25M against the 2022 salary cap. He’s the only proven asset on the CB depth chart, and he’s past his prime. Still, he will hold his own. We can’t guarantee the same for Cam Dantzler, though he’s shown some promise in his first two seasons, or newly acquired Chandon Sullivan.

Vikings CB situation as of today:

Out of 129 qualified CBs last season, Patrick Peterson graded 63rd overall (almost exactly avg), per @PFF

Cam Dantzler, by the way, graded 19th — and 1st (!!) in run defense.

Chandon Sullivan bad vs. run, serviceable in slot coverage.

— Phil Mackey ???? (@PhilMackey) March 31, 2022

That’s why the Vikings are expected to heavily consider cornerback with their #12 overall draft pick later this month. Most draft analysts agree that Sauce Gardner — Cincinnati (unlikely), Trent McDuffie — Washington (more likely) or Derek Stingley Jr — LSU (more likely) would all be upgrades over Dantzler and would be perfect targets for Kwesi & Co, when they go “On the Clock” April 28.

Safety

• SS: Harrison Smith
• FS: Camryn Bynum — Josh Metellus OR Miles Dorn

There isn’t much to say about the safeties. Harrison Smith is still a menace and Cam Bynum showed a lot of promise as a rookie. Still, don’t be surprised if they find an upgrade to go next to Smith, before games matter in September. If the right guy comes along, at the right price, the Vikings would pounce. If not, I’m fine with seeing what Bynum has on a longer-term trial run.

What’s next?

Kwesi has a few more million to work with but needs money available for his first draft class too. The only contract where the Vikings could go to find money, would be Eric Kendricks’. If the right piece came along, that’s where Rob Brzezinski would probably look. But it’s clear, once again, that the Minnesota Vikings will draft a lot of defensive players between April 28 and April 30. Nice to see some things never change.

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan

Kwesi & Co extended Kirk Cousins and plugged holes throughout the defense. Do they have a depth problem throughout the roster? Yes. But the front office did find a way to sure up the defensive line and, after getting Patrick Peterson back under contract on Wednesday, the secondary might have a chance too.

You can read more on about the defensive depth chart HERE. Below is a look at where the Vikings offensive depth chart currently sits (with some help from ESPN) and where the front office might look to improve early in the draft.

Quarterback

1. Kirk Cousins
2. Sean Mannion
3. Kellen Mond

The only interesting conversation at quarterback, beyond everyone’s obsession with Kirk Cousins, has to do with Kellen Mond. He was drafted in the 3rd round last year and there have been some reports that Rick Spielman going rogue on draft night to get it done. Since, he’s been completely forgotten by two different regimes. If Mond can’t beat Mannion out at Training Camp, do the Vikings dress three QB’s? Given Kirk’s ironman streak of health, that feels like a waste.

Running (Half) Back

1. Dalvin Cook
2. Alexander Mattison
3. Kene Nwangwu
4. AJ Rose Jr

We all know who the #1 running back is on this team but Dalvin Cook is getting older and more expensive with every year that goes by. Alexander Mattison is what he is, at this point. But Kene Nwangwu showed his intense level of skill in the kick return game, as a rookie. We’ll see what Kevin O’Connell’s offensive mind cooks up for Nwangwu. The talent is there if the Vikings new offensive guru can unlock it.

KENE NWANGWU RETURNS THE KICK FOR 98 YARDS ????

TOUCHDOWN VIKINGS

(via @NFL)pic.twitter.com/XnocnOyRbQ

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) November 7, 2021

Fullback

1. CJ Ham

Ham is one of the few fullbacks who remain in the NFL. Dalvin Cook loves him some good Ham and Kevin O’Connell claims he’s excited to use him, as well. We’ll see if that actually comes to fruition because the Vikings can save money by cutting CJ Ham and O’Connell isn’t known to run a 21-personell offense (two RBs). Under McVay, the Rams created one of the best offenses in the league using almost all 11 (one RB, one TE, three WR) or 10 (one RB, no TE, four WR) personnel.

Wide Receiver

1. Justin Jefferson
2. Adam Thielen
3. KJ Osborn
4. Ihmir Smith-Marsette
5. Bisi Johnson

How good will Justin Jefferson — and the Vikings passing game, in general — be with an offensive-minded head coach? We’re about to find out. He and KJ Osborn blossomed under the Zimmer coaching regime and WR coach Keenan McCardell was one of the only coaches held over because of it. Still, the NFL world expects even more, with O’Connell steering the ship. I’d be surprised to see Kwesi & Co go WR in the first two days of next month’s draft, though anything is possible if they get good enough value.

Tight End

1. Irv Smith Jr.
2. Johnny Mundt
3. Ben Ellefson

Tyler Conklin left in free agency so the Vikings will rely on Irv Smith Jr returning to full health and contributing heavily in the passing game. He was ascending as a guy Kirk Cousins was looking to on a regular basis last preseason, before he was injured and ruled out for the year. The Vikings will take it slow with him this offseason. Mundt and Ellefson total 11 receptions and 18 targets in their combined 7 years of NFL experience.

Irv Smith Jr. using all of his tools to create separation.

*Hesitation & eyes freeze DB
*It puts DB in trail tech (Smith by DB)
*Uses eyes and body language to sell corner route
*Drag & plant to make an immediate & sudden break#Vikings pic.twitter.com/mddkMSQ7Ow

— Cover 1 (@Cover1) July 18, 2020

Offensive Line

• LT: Christian Darrisaw — Blake Brandel
• LG: Ezra Cleveland — Chris Reed OR Wyatt Davis OR Oli Udoh
• C: Garrett Bradbury — Austin Schlottmann
• RG: Chris Reed OR Jesse Davis OR Oli Udoh OR Wyatt Davis
• RT: Brian O’Neill — Timon Parris

There is still plenty for the to worry about on the Minnesota Vikings depth chart at offensive line. It’s probably sad, in fact, that I’m somehow relieved at only having two huge concerns. Right guard could be a dumpster fire. Wyatt Davis was supposed to be the answer, when he was drafted in the 3rd round of last year’s draft, but he struggled to even dress on game days for most of the season.

Now, due to cap constraints, the only improvement Kwesi could dig up was Jesse Davis, who graded (PFF) as the worst offensive lineman on the league’s worst offensive line (Dophins) during 2021. Can J. Davis improve with a move back to the inside? Is W. Davis still alive? God, I hope so.

Update: The Vikings signed former Minnesota State – Mankato Maverick, Chris Reed, to compete for the open right guard position. Read more about him HERE. He’s the favorite to start.

Center position is the other cause for concern on the O-line. Well, for those of us who have watched Garrett Bradbury play for the last few years, since being picked in the first round of the 2018 draft. But Kevin O’Connell has repeatedly vowed his love for Bradbury, making it clear he will be the guy come August/September.

Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell said there’s a lot to like with the team’s offensive line, noting the talent at tackle. Asked specifically about Garrett Bradbury’s inconsistencies, O’Connell said he liked Bradbury’s athleticism. pic.twitter.com/OROPmvRt31

— Chad Graff (@ChadGraff) March 2, 2022

Draft Targets

On offense, the only first round targets I really see Minnesota honing in on, is the interior offensive line, especially if Tyler Lindenbaum (Iowa) falls to them. I’d be shocked to see them go anywhere else at #12, on the offensive side of the ball.

But that won’t be the case on defense, where Kwesi & Co have plenty of positions they’ll be looking to improve immediately. The defensive side of this depth chart blog will come out tonight.

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan

The Minnesota Gophers 2020 defense was awful. They allowed 416 yards and 30 points per game, but that’s only grazing the surface. Joe Rossi’s group struggled all season to put any pressure on opposing quarterbacks, totalling just 8 sacks through the seven-game season, good for 13th (out of 14) in the Big Ten. The run defense was just as bad, allowing 230 rush yards per game to opposing offenses, also good for 13th, barely edging Illinois (230.1 YPG).

A lot of young football players gained experience last season on the defensive side of the ball and Benjamin St-Juste was taken in the 3rd round of April’s NFL Draft. Beyond that, the glass is pretty half-empty when looking back at last year’s defense.

Heading into the 2021 season, PJ Fleck and his defensive coaching staff are hoping to turn things around in immediate fashion. The head coach seems optimistic that a few key transfer portal acquisitions and renewed health has them headed in the right direction.

But is a major turnaround realistic? Let’s project what the 2021 Minnesota Gophers defensive depth chart might look like and see if we can find out.

Cornerbacks

CB1

1. Coney Durr, Redshirt SR
2. Philip Howard, Redshirt SR
3. Victor Pless, Redshirt FR or Bishop McDonald, Redshirt SR or Steven Ortiz, FR

CB2

1. Terell Smith, SR,
2. Miles Fleming, Redshirt FR or Jalen Glaze, Redshirt FR or Justin Walley, FR

Nickel

1. Justus Harris, SR,
2. Jalen Glaze, Redshirt FR or Solomon Brown, Redshirt SO or Steven Ortiz, FR

Cornerback wasn’t the biggest problem for the Minnesota Gophers defense in 2021 (but that’s not saying much). This year, Coney Durr (a super senior) will lead the group. Durr has proven himself more than capable in pass coverage and a physical presence in the outside run game. He’s a 3-year starter with 31 starts, 82 tackles and 21 passes defended. A good season could vault Coney up 2022 NFL mock drafts.

The CB2 spot looks like an open competition from my angle, but for now, I’ll pencil in senior, Terell Smith. This is a guy who played a ton and impressed a lot as a freshman in 2018. But Smith wasn’t the same guy when he returned in 2019, suddenly grabby in coverage and avoiding contact in the run game. But Terell has all the talent and physical attributes to be great. He’s 6’1″, 215 lbs and one of the fastest players on roster. His MVP caliber spring game performance is why Terell Smith is currently my CB2 but we still need to see him translate that back to games that count.

Ball. Game.

Terell Smith (@TerellSmith7) picks it off in the end zone to seal the @GopherFootball spring game for Maroon. pic.twitter.com/KsIKhomp3H

— Minnesota on BTN (@MinnesotaOnBTN) May 1, 2021

Justus Harris was arguably one of the biggest surprises from last season. After struggling to find his footing early in his career, Harris finally got his shot to start last season, as a senior, and took advantage. As a Nickel CB you need to be physical and willing to tackle. Harris proved to be all of those things. But with talented youngsters like Jalen Glaze, Justin Walley and others making their own case for playing time this spring, there’s a lot on the line for both Harris and Smith.

The young dudes on this roster can absolutely push for early playing time. PJ Fleck and his staff are very excited about true freshmen, Steven Ortiz and Justin Walley and that’s why they’re listed above. Don’t be surprised if either one of those guys (or another corners listed) push for that CB2 spot.

Safeties

Safety A

1. Tyler Nubin, JR
2. Michael Dixon, SO
3. Calvin Swenson, Redshirt SR
4. Darius Green, FR

Safety B

1. Jordan Howden, SR
2. Michael Dixon, SO
3. Calvin Swenson, Redshirt SR
4. Darius Green, FR

This group, like much of the defense, struggled mightily last season. Bad angles, poor tackling, and less than great coverage all contributed. The departure of Antoine Winfield Jr certainly didn’t help, either. Now, they have to pick up the pieces and “change their best”, as PJ would say.

Nobody expected Tyler Nubin to be a direct replacement for Antoine Winfield Jr but the Gophers need him to be better than he was in 2020. He has all the physical attributes and previous expectations to be elite. We’ll see if he can put it together this year, with Michael Dixon still in competition for his starting role. Dixon played pretty well in limited action (2 games) last year.

Jordan Howden struggled early last season, but he got better as the year went on. I’m willing to allow him the adjustment period after losing Winfield, but he needs to have a big 2021. If the defense is to improve enough to be functional, the safety position needs to be a big part of it.

Defensive Line

rDE

1. Boye Mafe, Redshirt SR
2. Thomas Rush, SR
3. Danny Striggow, Redshirt FR

0/1 Tech (DT)

1. Nyles Pinckney, Grad Sr
2. Micah Dew-Treadway, Grad Sr or De’Angelo Carter, Redshirt SO
3. Logan Richter, Redshirt SO

3 Tech (DT)

1. De’Angelo Carter, Redshirt SO or Nyles Pinckney, Grad Sr
2. Rashad Cheney, Redshirt SO or Val Martin, Grad Sr
3. Gage Keys, Redshirt FR
4. Deven Eastern, FR

SDE

1. Esezi Otemewo, Redshirt SR
2. MJ Anderson, Redshirt SO
3. Jah Joyner, Redshirt FR or Jalen Logan-Redding, Redshirt FR

I guess you could say the lone bright spot on the defensive line last season was Boye Mafe. He racked up 27 tackles, including 4.5 sacks and 5.5 tackles for loss, also forcing 2 fumbles. It was a pretty solid season but there’s more there, specifically in his run defense. At 6’4″, 265 lbs, Mafe is a freak-of-nature athlete who could be a day-one edge rushing NFL draft prospect with a good season.

Biggest breakout star in 2021?@PFF_Anthony‘s top-5⬇️ pic.twitter.com/cP0aBJ2aGr

— PFF College (@PFF_College) June 8, 2021

Watch out for Minnesota EDGE Boye Mafe in 2021 ???? pic.twitter.com/cmNnY86oZI

— PFF College (@PFF_College) June 8, 2021

Esezi Otemewo, who started at strong side defensive end last year, needs to improve heavily in maintaining the edge and not over-committing too early, but he’s another HUGE (6’6″, 285), athletic dude with a high ceiling. A big year from Esezi could go a really long way for this defense and his future.

Two of the biggest additions this offseason came out of the (graduate) transfer portal. Nyles Pinckney was a defensive captain and National Champion with the Clemson Tigers and figures to be a large part of the fix up the middle for the 2021 Minnesota Gophers. Val Martin, out of NC State, will also get his snaps at the 3-technique, but mainly in pass rush.

De’Angelo Carter and Rashad Cheney are younger guys who made really nice strides in 2020. They are the future of this interior DL and I expect them to flourish with the additional veteran depth now surrounding them. In fact, I’m feeling a breakout year for De’Angelo Carter.

Jah Joyner and MJ Anderson should both be able to help improve a horrid 2020 pass rush and I have Deven Eastern in there too. I think he’s the lone true freshman on the defensive line who find some play time. But admittedly, some injuries or poor play would have to force him into any kind of regular action.

The Minnesota Gophers DL is the most experienced and could be the best unit of this defense. If they can plug up the middle in the run game and put more pressure on the QB when he drops back to pass, they could carry this entire team to another level.

Linebacker

Mike

1. Jack Gibbens, Grad Sr or Mariano Sori-Marin, SR
2. Jawqondis Burns, Redshirt FR

Will

1. Braelin Oliver, Redshirt SO
2. James Gordon, Redshirt SO or Cody Lindenberg, SO or Donald Willis, Redshirt SO or Josh Aune, Redshirt JR or Jawqondis Burns, Redshirt FR
3. Lucas Finnessy, Redshirt FR

This group was….. really, really bad last season. They were so bad, in fact, that it became difficult to judge how bad other positions were. Linebackers are crucial for a good run and pass defense. If they’re terrible… your entire defense can go down with it.

The LB struggles in 2020 started with Mariano Sori-Marin, who was utterly terrible. But to his defense, so were the majority of other linebackers on roster. Josh Aune, James Gordon, Donald Willis, and Cody Lindenberg all struggled. Some of it was expected, given the parting of Thomas Barber and Kamal Martin. But a lot of it was unexcusable.

PJ Fleck and Joe Rossi are hoping that a mix of Braelin Oliver’s return from injury, an incoming transfer to spell Sori-Marin at MIKE, and gained experience from last season will all lead to drastic overall improvement at linebacker. Personally, I’d like to see Donald Willis get some time in the blitzing linebacker role, which is where Oliver showed his talent in 2019. Willis could shine there too.

After missing the 2020 season due to injury, Braelin Oliver is healthy and should start on the outside. He’s really athletic, super physical and loves to hit. The Minnesota Gophers defense desperately missed him last season and need him back to form in 2021.

Jack Gibbens, who I really liked after watching the spring game, is a transfer from Abilene Christian University who racked up all sorts of accolades in his past college football life. From the film I’ve watched on Gibbens, he seems to identify and make his reads quickly.

He and Mariano Sori-Marin will split snaps at inside linebacker early. We’ll see who wins the job. This is a talented group of linebackers, but it needs to translate to the field or this defense will be in for another ugly season.

Max Carroll | Minnesota Sports Fan

Just over the horizon, on September 2, the Gophers will host a week 1 matchup vs Ohio State at the *new* Huntington Bank Stadium. PJ Fleck is dangerously optimistic about 2021 and part of that is due to a lot of returning weapons on offense. So let’s dive in.

Quarterback

1. Tanner Morgan, Redshirt SR
2. Zack Annexstad, Redshirt JR
3. Cole Kramer, Redshirt SO
4. Jacob Clark, Redshirt SO
5. Athan Kaliakmanis, FR.

Tanner Morgan took a step back last season. Parts of that can be blamed on a change at offensive coordinator, a lot happening in his personal life and the toll 2020-2021 took on the entire world. But no matter the excuse, Morgan wasn’t very good. He started all seven games for the Gophers and threw for just 1,374 yards, 7 touchdowns and 5 interceptions. That’s a big drop from what we saw in 2019 (13 G, 3253 YDS, 30 TD, 7 INT). Tanner’s future outlook as a professional quarterback could depend on a 2021 turnaround.

The top-4 All-Big Ten QBs???? pic.twitter.com/TetMJ5c1y9

— PFF College (@PFF_College) July 3, 2021

Behind Morgan, sits Zack Annexstad, who has plenty of experience as a college quarterback in his own right. Remember, Annexstad was the projected starter heading into the 2019 season, until an injury in fall camp prevented him from a starting opportunity. Then, Morgan used that season to cement himself as the starter. Zack returned to backup Tanner in 2020 and didn’t see any legitimate action.

Some thought Zack Annexstad should’ve gotten a bigger opportunity, given Morgan’s noted struggles last year. The pullstring could be shorter in 2021, however.

The rest of the quarterback room is full of guys I don’t expect to see the field unless injuries become a problem. Cole Kramer and Jacob Clark are still developing and Athan Kaliakmanis is a true freshman.

Running Back

1. Mohamed Ibrahim, Redshirt SR
2. Treyson Potts, Redshirt SO
3. Cam Wiley, Redshirt SO
4. Bryce Williams, Redshirt JR
5. Ky Thomas, Redshirt FR
6. Mar’Keise Irving, FR.

This is a really solid position room and it’s led by 2020 Big Ten leading rusher, Mohamed Ibrahim. Mo was an absolute stud last year, rushing for 1057 yards and 15 touchdowns in just 7 games. Offensive coordinator, Mike Sanford, has stated his preference to use a “bell cow” back, who gets the majority of the team’s carries. Ibrahim will again be that guy, but there’s a lot of youth and veteran talent behind him too.

Mohamed Ibrahim: Preseason All-Big Ten RB

FIRST-TEAM ????

pic.twitter.com/hJIagHYrjP

— PFF College (@PFF_College) June 30, 2021

Trey Potts and Cam Wiley will be the other two who are scheduled to see competitive carries in 2021. Potts ran for 121 yards and 1 touchdown ( 6.4 YPC) but Wiley was right there with him, posting 179 yards and 1 touchdown (6.2 YPC).

People forget about Bryce Williams but he has quite a bit of game experience too. In 2018, as a true freshman, Williams posted 502 yards and 4 touchdowns on 117 carries (4.3 YPC) . The two youngsters, however, might have the most untapped talent of any running back in the room.

Ky Thomas was the 2019 Gatorade POY in the state of Kansas and one of Fleck’s top recruits that cycle (4-star – 90/100 Rating – 247Sports). Mar’Keise Irving won’t be outdone, however. He was one of PJ’s biggest gets in the 2020 cycle and holds an even higher rating at 247Sports (4-star – 92/100 rating). Neither kid is expected to get much run this season but the future is just as bright as the present when it comes to Minnesota Gophers running backs.

Wide Receiver

1. Chris Autman-Bell, Redshirt SR
2. Daniel Jackson, SO
3. Dylan Wright, Redshirt SO
4. Clay Geary, Redshirt SR
5. Micheal Brown-Stephens, Redshirt SO
6. Douglas Emilien, Redshirt FR
7. Jonathan Mann, Redshirt FR
8. Brady Boyd, FR
9. Lemeke Brockington, FR
10. Peter Udoibok, Redshirt SO
11. Dylan McGill, FR

When Rashod Bateman first opted out of 2020, Chris Autman-Bell was thrust into the WR1 role around this time last year. Bateman would opt back in before the season got started, pushing CRAB back to WR2 on the depth chart. Still, he had his moments and certainly established himself as one of the better point-of-catch receivers in the Big Ten.

.@T_morg2 slings it to Chris Autman-Bell who makes an insane grab for the TD! @GopherFootball x #RTB pic.twitter.com/owtauuSSPw

— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) October 31, 2020

David isn’t the only Bell balling out tonight.

Chris Autman-Bell with the HUGE catch to set up the 1-yard score! pic.twitter.com/kT5AGrl1pt

— PFF College (@PFF_College) November 21, 2020

Chris enters 2021 as the clear leader in the Gopher wide receiver room. In his three seasons wearing maroon and gold, CRAB has 1,250 yards receiving and 6 touchdowns. WR2 and beyond is completely up for grabs. For now, Daniel Jackson holds this spot after a freshman season with 167 yards receiving on 12 catches.

Texas A&M transfer Dylan Wright, who currently sits at WR3, is the wildcard of the receiving room. Wright has the physique (6’4″, 215 lbs) and talent that doesn’t hit this campus often and his 247Sports high school recruiting profile, of 4-stars and a 95/100 rating, is a reflection of what could be below the surface. We’ll see if Fleck can pull his best out of him.

Tight End

1. Ko Kieft, Redshirt SR
2. Brevyn Spann-Ford, Redshirt JR
3. Bryce Witham, Redshirt SR
4. Nick Kallerup, Redshirt SO
5. Austin Henderson, Redshirt FR
6. Nnamdi Adim-Madumere, Redshirt SO.

I have Ko Keift listed as the starter of this group but the top three should all get plenty of action, especially in blocking for Mo Ibrahim. It’s been a long time since the Minnesota Gopher football program actually threw footballs to their tight ends but that’s expected to change under Mike Sanford and Matt Simon.

If it does, some think Brevyn Spann-Ford is due for a breakout season.

Offensive Line

Left Tackle – Sam Schlueter, Redshirt SR, Aireontae Ersery, Redshirt FR

Left Guard – Blaise Andries, Redshirt SR, Axel Ruschmeyer, Redshirt SR

Center – John Michael-Schmitz, Redshirt SR, Connor Olson, Redshirt SR

Right Guard – Connor Olson, Redshirt SR, Curtis Dunlap, Redshirt Junior

Right Tackle – Daniel Faalele, SR, Blaise Andries, Redshirt SR

I expect this group, with Mo Ibrahim lining up behind them, to be dominant this year. I mean, Curtis Dunlap is expected to be a future NFL draft pick and he is literally the 6th man with all guys healthy. Let that sink in for a moment. Daniel Faalele returns, after opting out of the 2020 season and both Olson and Schlueter decided to take advantage of a 6th year of eligibility.

I’m excited to see them in action come September. If they can open enough holes for Mo and keep Tanner Morgan safe, the sky is the limit for this offense. Here are some up to date odds on Football.

Left tackle Sam Schlueter will be back next season, the latest Minnesota senior to take advantage of the extra year of eligibility.

If right guard Conner Olson also opts to return, the Gophers will have their most experienced offensive line in years. https://t.co/e42tydRDKW

— The Daily Gopher (@TheDailyGopher) January 3, 2021

Max Carroll | Minnesota Sports Fan

The Minnesota Gophers had one of the most electric offenses in all of college football in 2019. For 2020, PJ Fleck and Co. have lost some of the talent from last season’s record-breaking depth chart, but by-and-large most of the squad is still intact. Let’s dive in!

Quarterback

For the first time in a long time, the Gophers seem to be in a really good spot at quarterback, heading into the season. You have a potential heisman candidate, in Tanner Morgan at QB1, who put up absolutely stupid stats last season

3,253 Passing Yards + 30 Touchdown Passes + 66% Completion Percentage + 250 Passing Yards per game and….

Holy Tanner Morgan……… ? (via @CFB_Data) #Gophers pic.twitter.com/y57cky2Xbh

— Minnesota Sports Fan (@realmnsportsfan) October 2, 2020

And he only threw seven interceptions on top of that. That’s pretty damn good, and to have Tanner coming back this year is huge. Depth wise, you have a reliable 2nd stringer in Zack Annexstad, who started half the 2018 season for the Gophers as a true Freshman before getting hurt. Jacob Clark and Cole Kramer will battle for that third spot this upcoming season.

Running Back

Expect a heavy dose of Mo Ibrahim this fall. With Rodney Smith and Shannon Brooks now gone, Mo is expected to carry more of a workhorse load. Some might argue that Ibrahim was the best running back out of the three, last season, and I have a hard time disagreeing.

Mo plays with an edge, that helps him bulldoze and truck right through defenders. He’s not the fastest, and he may not be the biggest (5’10”, 210 lbs) but he is a pain to bring down. He ran the ball 114 times last year for 604 yards (5.3 ypc) and added seven touchdowns to that.

Mohamed Ibrahim (@_MoIbrahim) is a name to watch next season. He’s wildly underrated. He’s so difficult to tackle and should have a great season with Minnesota as their featured back in 2020. He was great against Auburn #RowTheBoat #SkiUMah #GoGophers #Minnesota #NFL #NFLTwitter pic.twitter.com/wTKRrycxL9

— Jared Barsness (@JaredBarsNFL) May 23, 2020

When Brooks and Smith were both out due to injuries in 2018, Ibrahim ran 202 times for 1,160 yards (5.7 ypc) and 9 touchdowns, as a redshirt freshman. He’s a bowling ball once he gets going. As for depth, the Gophers will need at least one more guy to step up and it’s anyone’s job. The guy I’m watching here is Cam Wiley. He’s 6’2″, 210 lbs; and he’s a freakish athlete.

Wide Receiver

This is a group that looked to have a lot of uncertainty, with the loss of Tyler Johnson to the NFL, and with Rashod Bateman initially opting out. Now, Bateman is officially back for the 2020 season, to build on his monster 2019. How good was he last year? He caught 60 balls for 1,219 yards and 11 touchdowns while sharing Morgan’s targets with Tyler Johnson.

Chris Autman-Bell has been the #3 wide receiver in Minnesota for the past two seasons. Because he’s sat behind two legitimate NFL receivers, we don’t know yet what his ceiling is. Chris steps into the WR2 role now, after catching 28 passes for 371 yards and five touchdowns in 2019. Expect those numbers to skyrocket in 2020.

True Freshman, Douglas Emilien has yet to take a snap in a Gopher uniform but I firmly believe he will earn the WR3 role by the time Michigan and Minnesota lineup at TCF Bank Stadium on October 24. He’s a very shifty and quick Wide receiver, who knows how to create seperation. Here’s his Hudl.

We will still see Seth Green again, for his Wildcat QB role. Don’t sleep on Daniel Jackson either, especially if any injury issues were to sprout up.

Tight End

I don’t know that there will be a true “starter” at tight end this season. The four veterans will mainly split snaps, depending on the role that needs filled for that play. Keep an eye on Brevyn Spann-Ford, though. He’s a big 6’7″ kid, who could be a threat in the pass game, now that Kirk Ciarrocca (who hates TE’s) isn’t calling the shots.

#Gophers back at it today for fall practice.

And let me tell ya, Brevyn Spann Ford could be quite the end zone target this season. pic.twitter.com/lTAj5q85uz

— Hobie Artigue (@HobieFOX9) August 6, 2019

One of the plays of the day yesterday turned in by Brevyn Spann-Ford from St. Cloud. More on him in our recap: https://t.co/OldNmIXhtc pic.twitter.com/4jYAQtXCH2

— Allen Trieu (@AllenTrieu) April 3, 2017

Offensive Line

This will be a very interesting group to watch, come October 24th. While I have Curtis Dunlap with the 1’s for now, I’m not so sure that’s what unfolding at practice. Dunlap Jr. put his name in the transfer portal about a month ago, just to pull it out a day later. Curtis might have to earn his spot back, but I’m fairly certain come game one, he will be starting. He’s too talented.

This was a solid group last year, that had some growing pains early on, but found their footing by the B1G Ten season. They return all 6 starters, which certainly helps. The improvement of Sam Schlueter and Curtis Dunlap really elevated the Gopher OL to another level in 2019. If they take another step forward in 2020… watch out.

As a group, this Minnesota Gophers offense is loaded with talent. They put up numbers so ridiculous in 2019, it’s possible we see regression in some statistical categories. As a whole, however, I expect this offense to take another step forward, behind the leadership of Tanner Morgan and veteran talent that riddles this side of the ball.

More consistency from the front of the schedule, to the back, would go a long way toward a successful 2020.

Max Carroll | Minnesota Sports Fan