A pre-camp 53-man roster projection

Taking a swing at what the Vikings' roster will look like come Week 1

Photo courtesy Minnesota Vikings

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By Matthew Coller

With just days to go before the Minnesota Vikings hit the field at TCO Performance Center for Training Camp 2025, let’s take a swing at projecting the 53-man roster…

Quarterback (3)

JJ McCarthy, Sam Howell, Max Brosmer

Biggest question: Can Brosmer unseat Brett Rypien for QB3?

Considering Howell’s past experience as a starter, it would be a pretty big surprise if anybody else ends up as QB2 but KOC did make a late-camp replacement at backup quarterback in 2022 when the Vikings acquired Nick Mullens. So it would seem that Howell is competing with himself to prove that he is a viable backup. Behind him there should be a legitimate competition between Rypien and Brosmer. While Rypien does have some NFL experience, Brosmer showed quickly in minicamp that he can pick up the offense quickly and throw the ball accurately. The preseason reps and performances from these two QBs will tell us which one will get the nod. The Vikings could also keep two QBs and have either Rypien or Brosmer on the practice squad. That might depend on whether they think Brosmer would get scooped up by another team.

Running back (4)

Aaron Jones, Jordan Mason, Ty Chandler, CJ Ham

Biggest question: Will the Vikings seek more options?

The only other running backs on the roster are UDFA Tre Stewart and former Maine RB Zavier Scott, who was previously on the Colts practice squad. At the running back position, you never want to count anyone out. There is always a chance that somebody clicks with the system or finds a spot on special teams and wins a job but if neither Stewart or Scott challenge Chandler for the RB3 position, will they roll with him or look elsewhere at other options? It’s possible that they want to give Chandler another chance because of the flashes he showed in 2023 and he might be the best kick returning option they have. If they aren’t impressed, however, there could be a free agent move (or another trade for Cam Akers?).

Wide receiver (6)

Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, Jalen Nailor, Rondale Moore, Tai Felton, Tim Jones

Biggest question: Can Silas Bolden force his way on the roster as a returner?

We know the third-rounder Felton is going to be on the 53 but everyone else’s spot is unclear. The Vikings have made similar signings to Moore in the past like Kendall Wright, Albert Wilson and Jordan Taylor that haven’t worked out like they planned. In the base-case scenario, Moore could end up being an impact player. He could also get cut out of camp. If that’s the case, who steps in? Lucky Jackson? Thayer Thomas? A surprise UDFA? There is also an open special teams spot left by Trent Sherfield that could be filled by Jones or Bolden, if he can win a kick/punt returning job.

Tight end (3)

TJ Hockenson, Josh Oliver, Gavin Bartholomew

Biggest question: Will either UDFA tight end take the TE3 job?

Ben Yurosek and Bryson Nesbit are two UDFAs vying for a chance at TE3 along with former Panther Giovanni Ricci. Right now the tie goes to the sixth-round draft pick but it could be any of them or somebody outside of the building.

Offensive line (9)

Christian Darrisaw, Donovan Jackson, Ryan Kelly, Will Fries, Brian O’Neill

Walter Rouse, Justin Skule, Blake Brandel, Michael Jurgens

Biggest question: Can any of the UDFAs make a case?

Darrisaw’s health could open the door for one more player to be included here if CD starts on the PUP list. If he’s on the active roster Week 1, it will be challenging for anybody else to make a case for a roster spot considering the Vikings have spent a decent amount of late-round draft capital on O-line in recent years. This crop of UDFAs does, however, include two intriguing players. Logan Brown and Joe Huber are most likely destined for the practice squad but they will also have a chance to get plenty of preseason action to show what they can do.

Defensive line (7)