Prior to McCarthy’s season-ending knee injury, the vibes at TCO Performance Center felt fresh. It was the start of a new era. That is still partially true, even after McCarthy was placed on season-ending injured reserve, instead of the 53-man roster. With Kirk Cousins out of the picture, the atmosphere is naturally going to feel different.

Geriatric 2024 Minnesota Vikings?

But now that NFL rosters have been whittled down, a closer look at the ages of Minnesota Vikings players does not reveal a young roster busting with young 20-something talents. In fact, the Vikings will enter the 2024 season with one of the oldest rosters in the National Football League.

Despite seemingly getting younger, the @Vikings have the second oldest team (average age) in the #NFL at 27.2 😳

The #Dolphins are the oldest at 27.3.

📸: All Sports Culture / IG pic.twitter.com/X31X7g2N5y

— The Purple Persuasion (@TPPSkol) August 30, 2024

The above chart has the Viking currently the 2nd oldest team in the NFL, at 27.2 years old, on average. You think about some of the most important players on this roster.

Harrison Smith is 35, Stephon Gilmore is (pretty much) 34, Brian O’Neill is (pretty much) 29, Aaron Jones is 29. So are Shaq Griffin and Garrett Bradbury. Of course, rosters are changing everyday, throughout the NFL. That’s not only true right now, but all the time. There are other factors in-play, too.

For example, Bookies.com claims to use a more exact science of totaling up ages for each team. Their rankings dropped on Thursday, and they had the Minnesota Vikings at No. 7. But no matter how you slice it, our favorite football team is one of the oldest in the NFL.

1. Browns – 27 years, 11 months, 17 days
2. 49ers – 27 years, 7 months, 14 days
3. Dolphins – 27 years, 7 months, 2 days
4. Jets – 27 years, 6 months, 31 days
5. Panthers – 27 years, 6 months, 30 days
6. Bills – 27 years, 5 months, 29 days
7. Vikings – 27 years, 4 months, 23 days
8. Commanders – 27 years, 1 month, 29 days
9. Bears – 27 years, 1 month, 24 days
10. Titans – 27 years, 1 months, 14 days

Is being old bad?

Is that a bad thing? Not necessarily. But it does add to some of the pressure that Kwesi Adofo-Mensah is under to prove to ownership that this organization, and the direction it is currently traveling, is in a good place. The Wilfs do not like to lose, and both KOC and Kwesi have just two years remaining on their contracts.

Veteran teams are supposed to win and the Vikings are not projected to do a whole lot of that, in 2024. Most sportsbooks have them at 6.5 wins and a dead-last finish in the NFC North. If that’s how things play out, then what? We’ve all heard about the stacks of cash they will have to spend, under the salary cap, for the 2025 season.

Related: Minnesota Vikings Interested in Another Talented Young Quarterback?

But would it make sense to double down on a losing team that is way older than they are good? Time will tell, but any talk about 2024 being a rebuild year needs to be thrown out the window, given the veteran status of this team. The expectation should be playoffs or bust.

This Vikings’ regime really seems to value the undrafted free agent market. They’ve hit on some diamonds in the rough such as Ivan Pace Jr., Andre Carter II, and NaJee Thompson. Pace Jr. started most of 2023 and has even shown glimpses of elite inside linebacker play.

Although most of them likely won’t make the final 53-man roster, the Vikings have tipped their hand a bit on which players they have the most faith in, based on the amount of money they have guaranteed them.

How much money are Minnesota Vikings UDFAs guaranteed?

While not all of the undrafted free agent class contracts have been posted, there are a few of them that have. Let’s just say, some of the numbers may surprise you. At least for a few of them.

Some total guaranteed money from the #Vikings UDFA class per Over the Cap. For reference, last year OLB Andre Carter II got $340K and ILB Ivan Pace Jr. got $236K:
💥OLB Gabriel Murphy: $245K
💥CB Dwight McGlothern: $30K
💥WR Jeshaun Jones: $235K
💥OLB Bo Richter: $15K
💥DL Taki… pic.twitter.com/hSGbOEoJRH

— The Purple Persuasion (@TPPSkol) May 20, 2024

According to Over the Cap, here are several Vikings’ undrafted free agents guaranteed money given by the Vikings:

Related: Will Justin Jefferson Show Up For Any Minnesota Vikings Offseason Workouts?

It’s quite the spectrum of guaranteed money given out. Everything from $15K (Bo Richter) to $245K (Gabriel Murphy). Comparing those to this year, you can see that Murphy and Jones got exponentially more money compared to the others.

Guaranteed money this year vs last year

Looking at how much they individually guaranteed UDFAs from last year’s class, Gabriel Murphy and Jeshaun Jones’ deals stand out as very similar to what Andre Carter II ($340K) and Ivan Pace Jr. ($236K ) got last year. Both, as already mentioned, made the final 53-man roster and contributed to the 2023 Vikings in significant ways..

Related: ESPN Expert Reveals Two NFL Free Agents the Vikings Should Target; One You Might Know

While the money mentioned above is guaranteed, UDFA roster spots are not. But without a doubt, the Minnesota Vikings have a lot of faith in at least a few guys, just given how much they paid them. From there, we’ll have to see how things play out over these next few months.

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

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

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

The Minnesota Vikings roster is now set and the first unofficial depth chart has been released, as we prep for week one at US Bank Stadium, vs the Green Bay Packers. Some players and position groups look ready to take on the world, while others are… as good as they’re going to get.

In a salary cap world, it’s impossible for an NFL team to be strong at every single position. Which groups you build up and who you leave in charge of your weaker spots, will decide your fate as a franchise and as a general manager. The Minnesota Vikings are no different, and now that the roster has been cut down to its “final” form, I wanted to rank the roster construction, from the weakest position group, to the strongest one.

Which positions can we expect to win their matchups week-in and week-out vs the groups that will give us constant headaches? Let’s dive into it.

Qualifiers:

In making these rankings, I focused on starters and players who will be consistently rotating into games. I used backups to help round out the rankings, but heaviest consideration went into the starting groups. I don’t care about special teams and fullback is considered a running back.

Weakest: Offensive Line

Shocker alert…. the offensive line is the Minnesota Vikings’ worst position group, heading into the 2020 season. How did we get here? Call it a lack of funds or qualified candidates, but results are what GM’s are judged on and Rick Spielman has found it impossible to build a competent offensive line, since the team moved on from Adrian Peterson, after the 2016 season.

Luckily, Riley Reiff chose not to call Spielman’s bluff last week, and agreed to a pay cut over being cut. Reiff is one of two players on the 2019 o-line, who you could grade as “competent” or better. Unfortunately for the Vikings, teams have five players who start on the offensive line. Kirk Cousins was also elated to see Reiff return.

Kirk Cousins said he’s thrilled to have #Vikings LT Riley Reiff back:

“So grateful that’s he’s back because he’s obviously a great player but he’s also a key piece of the dynamic in the locker room, offensive line room and being a leader on our football team.”

— Sean Borman (@SeanBormanNFL) September 2, 2020

On the right side of Riley Reiff, is Dakota Dozier at guard. No comment. Garrett Bradbury will be a sophomore center and the jury is still out on him. He wasn’t very good as a rookie, but he was also surrounded by swing-gate guards like Dakota Dozier and…. Pat Elflein, who was drafted in the 3rd round of the 2017 draft, to be a key piece of the interior OL. Since then, he has mostly sucked.

—

There is one ultra-bright spot on the Minnesota Vikings offensive line and his name is Brian O’Neil. Picked in the second round of the 2018 draft, O’Neil has not only proven himself as (easily) the best player on the Vikings OL, but one of the better RT in the NFC. I am thankful for Brian O’Neil. So is Rick Spielman.

Ezra Cleveland was scooped up in the 3rd round of this year’s draft and the Minnesota Vikings need him to develop quickly. If he can, and Bradbury bounces back in his Sophomore year… who knows where we rank the OL next season. Those are some big “if’s” though, and recent history isn’t on our side.

Cornerbacks

The Vikings lost all of their starting cornerbacks from 2019. Xavier Rhodes, Trae Waynes and Mackenzie Alexander were all released into free agency. They are replaced with Mike Hughes, Holton Hill plus two rookies, Cam Dantzler and Jeff Gladney.

Mike Hughes and Holton Hill have shown how good they can be, as long as they can stay on the field. We haven’t seen a lot of that from either guy. Hughes has struggled with injury issues while Hill has struggled with drug suspensions. If both guys can play to their potential and stay on the field, the CB position could shoot up this list.

The unknowns pile up quickly in 2020, though. Behind Hughes and Hill, are rookies Gladney and Dantzler. Gladney was drafted higher but Dantzler has been the one who splashed in training camp. Gladney was listed ahead of Dantzler on the first unofficial depth chart, which was released by the team on Monday.

"I feel pretty good about it really. I think these guys have done a nice job. All of the corners have shown strides. They've all improved, I think they're all gotten coached well and I think they're trying to do things the way we want them done." – Coach Zimmer on CB depth

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) September 4, 2020

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To add to the confusion, Mike Hughes is expected to slide over to nickel when the Vikings play with five defensive backs. With all of these changes and movement, Zimmer didn’t have a preseason game to test anything.

No matter who plays where and when, the Vikings will need to heavily rely on on two rookies in Mike Zimmer’s system. That is a scary thought. It took Rhodes, Waynes and Alexander years, before they conquered it. There are just a lot of unknowns at CB in 2020.

Wide Receiver

Decisions are starting to get more difficult now. I don’t necessarily worry about the Vikings wide receiver group, especially if Justin Jefferson can live up to his 1st round draft pick expectations. But once you look past Adam Thielen, who has proved himself as one of the league’s premier pass catchers, the Vikings have a lot to prove.

We assume Jefferson will become a starter at some point this season, but he hasn’t won that job for week 1. He does his best work from the slot too, so Jefferson would have to gain WR2-status on the outside, where he isn’t as strong, to be on the field as often as possible.

Bisi Johnson is currently listed as the WR2 and Chad Beebe rounds out the top-4 at the position. For both, staying on the field will be key. One thing the Vikings clearly lack at WR after Stefon Diggs departed, is a big downfield threat. As a run-heavy team with a careful QB, expect teams to force the Vikings to beat them deep.

Spielman and Co. did keep SEVEN wide receivers on the 53-man roster for whatever reason. Tajae Sharpe is immediate depth, (rookie) KJ Osborn will return both punts and kicks, and Dan Chisena must make really good coffee.

Of the seven wide receivers on the #Vikings roster, two have are on it for special teams: Dan Chisena and K.J. Osborn. If Osborn were to falter as the possible top kickoff returner, Ameer Abdullah remains on the roster.

— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) September 5, 2020

Linebacker

Mike Zimmer was known for two things when he started with the Vikings. He’s a defensive backs guru and he will fuck your shit up with the AA-Gap linebacker blitz.

Teams figured out that blitz scheme eventually, and we’ve seen a lot less of it in recent years. The consistency at the linebacker position seemed to go with it… or it goes with Anthony Barr.

We all know how rock-solid Eric Kendricks is. He is one of the best middle linebackers in all of football and by-far the most undervalued. Anthony Barr, Eric’s college roommate who was drafted by the Vikings out of UCLA one year before Kendricks, lacks the same consistency.

Whether you believe he’s forced to play his position with handcuffs on or you think he lacks consistent effort, the result is the same. When Anthony Barr is playing with an edge, he can ruin entire game plans. If not, you forget he’s on the field.

In their base 4-3 defense, the Vikings will play Eric Wilson next to Kendricks and Barr. Wilson is… ok. He’s just ok.

Defensive Line

The D-line has jumped up my rankings over the last couple of weeks. They addressed a weaknesses at Right DE, by trading for Yannick Ngakoue. Ngakoue is one of the only young defensive ends in the league who can compare to Danielle Hunter, who will hold up the other side of the DL. That’s if he ever takes the field.

Does Mike Zimmer expect Danielle Hunter to practice and play versus Green Bay after a "tweak" has kept him out of practice since August 14?

"Yeah, I expect so. We’ll just have to see."

— Courtney Cronin (@CourtneyRCronin) September 7, 2020

Hunter is one of the most feared men in the league but hasn’t touched the practice field yet, beyond some stretching drills. With their first game just five days away, that’s scary, but makes the Ngakoue trade that much more important.

At the defensive tackle positions, you have Jaleel Johnson and Shamar Stephen. Those two are far cries from the “Williams Wall” Minnesota Vikings fans got so used to a decade ago, but they are suitable. The DT group took a big hit when Michael Pierce opted out but, if he hadn’t, Ngakoue isn’t here.

The depth across the entire defensive line can be debated. The Viking have a lot of young talent in guys like Armon Watts and Ifeadi Odenigbo… but nothing that is proven.

Quarterback

The QB position sits near the top of this ranking list because the Vikings have a guy named Kirk Cousins. If Kirk Cousins isn’t afraid of coronavirus, then you can be damn sure he isn’t afraid of playing behind another shitty offensive line.

While everyone tries to save Kirk Cousins’ “good guy” reputation, let’s not forget that on a scale of 1-10, my man is afraid of COVID at a level .00001.

“If I die, I die.”

That’s my QB1.

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

Kirk has a bunch of haters but he’s yet to play on a good team that has a competent offensive line. It’s TBD on whether he will have that during his 2020 campaign… but Cousins will take advantage of what he is given and he certainly won’t be the cause of a tanked year, should it happen.

He could, however, be the difference between a playoff team and a Super Bowl team.

Backups don’t matter here. If you follow Kirk Cousins or know anything about his history in the NFL, you know why. Only one QB can take the field at at time. I won’t jinx anything while writing this blog, though.

Tight End

This may not be the sexiest position to be really strong at, but the Minnesota Vikings are, nonetheless. Kyle Rudolph is still on the squad and looking good enough at his old age, to hold the starting spot while Irv Smith Jr. starts garnering the attention of coaching staffs and reporters, alike.

Because this is such a strength for Gary Kubiak and his run-heavy, play-action offense, expect to see a lot of two-tight end sets. That doesn’t mean we won’t see spread formations. It just means spread formations… that include TE’s. Bill Belichick salivates when he looks at the Minnesota Vikings’ tight end group.

Safety

Honestly, I had this as my strongest position group before cut day. Why? You can’t get a better safety duo than Harrison Smith and Anthony Harris. Both guys are considered to be elite, by anyone paying attention.

Anthony Harris doesn’t get the respect he deserves but Pro Football Focus sees him every time they break down safety numbers. Unfortunately for Smith and Harris… there wasn’t another safety on roster behind them after cuts were complete so they dropped down a spot.

Highest graded safeties in coverage this season

1. Anthony Harris (91.6)
2. Harrison Smith (91.4) pic.twitter.com/5V4DycOJ7i

— PFF (@PFF) January 10, 2020

I can’t put a position without any backups, at #1. Can we please get a couple guys in so our two star safeties can take a breather or two at practice?

Strongest – Running Back

At the running back position, the Vikings have what they don’t at safety: Depth. Dalvin Cook is one of the best backs in the NFL even if the Minnesota Vikings don’t want to pay him like one.

Dalvin is still without a new contract but says he will play no matter what. If he can stay healthy and continue his career path, the Vikings will regret not paying him sooner.

Behind Cook, is Alexander Mattison. Many fans would rather see Mattison start than Cook get paid, but that’s a blog for another day. It does show how good Mattison is, though.

The Vikings actually kept four total running backs and all of them can (and have) handled starting reps. Ameer Abdullah made the roster for his special team prowess but Spielman couldn’t part with Mike Boone, either, which shows how much they like the youngster out of Cincinnati.

Don’t forget about CJ Ham, either. He gets the Dalvin Cook train rolling and is one of the only remaining full backs left in the league.

I'm a little stunned by Vikings fans readiness to dismiss Dalvin Cook. He's one of the best running backs in the game.

— Paul Charchian (@PaulCharchian) August 30, 2020

One week until dalvin cook plays football pic.twitter.com/EMjmbVKqUz

— Gianni (@Gianni2225) September 7, 2020

Let’s Play.

Overall, the Minnesota Vikings have another shot to conquer the NFC North but their biggest threat will come to the doorstep on Sunday. We’ll quickly get answers for many of the questions that come up in this blog.

Mostly, will the offensive line be able to hold up well enough for Cook to find holes and Cousins to find receivers? Can Ngakoue and (hopefully) Hunter get enough pressure to take some off our new cornerbacks?

If the answer to those two questions are both “yes”, then it will ge a very good season to be a Vikings fan. If not, anything could happen…

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan

The Minnesota Twins have released their 30-man roster, ahead of Friday’s Opening Day matchup against the Chicago White Sox. There are definitely some nice little surprises to unpack. That includes some younger prospects and the return of center fielder Byron Buxton.

BUXTON ON HIS WAY TO CHICAGO

Dan Hayes of The Athletic is reporting that Byron Buxton will join the team in Chicago, after missing the last week of “Summer Camp” due to a strained left foot. The Gold Glover is driving himself down from the Twin Cities, to meet up with the team before Friday’s game.

This doesn’t come as too much of a surprise. Buxton was seen practicing throughout the week but the training staff held him in Minnesota, to make sure he was taking it easy. That makes sense, considering he’s made of glass.

Byron Buxton is listed on the #MNTwins Opening Day roster. He's driving from the Twin Cities today to join the team in Chicago.

— danhayesmlb (@DanHayesMLB) July 23, 2020

Byron Buxton had a full day of work in St. Paul today, running and taking live swings. Sounds like it went well. The #MNTwins could very well have him here in time for the weekend series vs. #WhiteSox. They only have 32 players in town, are allowed 33.

— danhayesmlb (@DanHayesMLB) July 23, 2020

30-MAN ROSTER RELEASED

Outside of Byron Buxton, the Twins shocked quite a few with the rest of their Opening Day 30-man roster. While most could have guessed the starting lineups with ease, it was the potential addition of prospects and minor leaguers that was a bit murkier.

The most shocking addition was corner outfielder Aaron Whitefield. He got some playing time during the intrasquad scrimmages, and must have impressed Baldelli & Co.. On the other side of that conversation, people (including myself) thought the team would bring up infielder, Travis Blankenhorn, and maybe even Trevor Larnach or Brent Rooker for the outfield.

Here’s the #MNTwins’ 30-man roster and 3-player Taxi Squad, which includes Jorge Alcala. Alcala has been throwing much better this month than he was in spring training 1.0. pic.twitter.com/1ekJucNeWA

— danhayesmlb (@DanHayesMLB) July 23, 2020

Outfielder/pinch runner Aaron Whitefield also is listed on the #MNTwins Opening Day roster. He gets the nod over Travis Blankenhorn for the final spot. With Jake Odorizzi on the IL, Lewis Thorpe, Randy Dobnak and Devin Smeltzer all made it. Twins go 15 pitchers, 15 players.

— danhayesmlb (@DanHayesMLB) July 23, 2020

Although they showcased their potential in camp, the Twins likely believed it best to keep their best prospects back in St. Paul, practicing. Otherwise, they’re likely sitting on the bench, seeing minimal playing time. It would be great to see those top prospects make the jump this year. But that would likely mean a slew of injuries that leads to their call-ups. So, wish carefully.

TAXI SQUAD DEPTH

As for additional depth, catcher Willans Astudillo (COVID-19) and starting pitcher Jake Odorizzi (back stiffness) are starting the season on the 10-day injured list. The team went with their best minor league options at long-relief and catcher, calling upon relievers Jorge Alcala and Caleb Thielbar (who we also saw pitch against the Cubs Wednesday night), plus journeyman catcher, Tomas Telis.

Jake Odorizzi could be back in time for Cleveland series, which starts July 30. Believe players can be backdated 3 days from start of season.

— danhayesmlb (@DanHayesMLB) July 23, 2020

? Jorge Alcala 99 mph swinging strikeout #MNTwins pic.twitter.com/I57fUvHi2f

— Tom Froemming (@TFTwins) July 23, 2020

Overall, there’s not a lot of shock value from this release, which is a good thing. It highlights the current stability and depth the Minnesota Twins have on their roster. It’s never completely out of the question that we see some of the prospects who missed the cut, anyway. Who knows what this 60-game sprint of a season will bring. Buckle up.

Jack Kewitsch | Minnesota Sports Fan