Current Vikings Depth Chart
The Minnesota Vikings enter the 2023 season with a talented roster and high expectations. They have a strong core of players on both sides of the ball, but there are some areas where they could use improvement. Here’s a look at the current Vikings depth chart and an analysis of their strengths and weaknesses.
Offensive Depth Chart
The Vikings offense is led by quarterback Kirk Cousins, who is entering his sixth season with the team. He has a strong arm and is accurate, but he can be prone to turnovers. The Vikings have a solid group of wide receivers, led by Justin Jefferson, who is considered one of the best in the league. They also have a reliable tight end in T.J. Hockenson, who was acquired in a trade last season. However, the offensive line is a bit of a question mark, and the running game has been inconsistent in recent years.
| Position | Starter | Backup | Third String |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quarterback | Kirk Cousins | Jaren Hall | Nick Mullens |
| Running Back | Alexander Mattison | DeWayne McBride | Ty Chandler |
| Wide Receiver | Justin Jefferson | K.J. Osborn | Jalen Nailor |
| Wide Receiver | Jordan Addison | Brandon Powell | Trishton Jackson |
| Tight End | T.J. Hockenson | Josh Oliver | Ben Ellefson |
| Left Tackle | Christian Darrisaw | Blake Brandel | Vederian Lowe |
| Left Guard | Ezra Cleveland | Oli Udoh | Josh Sokol |
| Center | Garrett Bradbury | Austin Schlottmann | Brett Neely |
| Right Guard | Ed Ingram | Wyatt Davis | Alan Ali |
| Right Tackle | Brian O’Neill | Oli Udoh | Blake Brandel |
Defensive Depth Chart
The Vikings defense is led by a strong defensive line, featuring Danielle Hunter and Patrick Peterson. The secondary is also solid, with Patrick Peterson, Harrison Smith, and Cam Dantzler. However, the linebacker corps is a bit thin, and the team could use more depth at that position.
| Position | Starter | Backup | Third String |
|---|---|---|---|
| Defensive End | Danielle Hunter | D.J. Wonnum | Luiji Vilain |
| Defensive Tackle | Jaren Hall | Khyiris Tonga | Esezi Otomewo |
| Defensive Tackle | Harrison Phillips | James Lynch | Jaylen Twyman |
| Defensive End | Patrick Peterson | Zach Allen | De’Angelo Malone |
| Linebacker | Eric Kendricks | Jordan Hicks | Troy Dye |
| Linebacker | Brian Asamoah | Ivan Pace Jr. | Blake Lynch |
| Cornerback | Patrick Peterson | Cam Dantzler | Akayleb Evans |
| Cornerback | Andrew Booth Jr. | Mekhi Blackmon | Jay Ward |
| Safety | Harrison Smith | Josh Metellus | Lewis Cine |
| Safety | Jordan Love | Jay Ward | Jaren Hall |
Key Position Battles
The Vikings’ roster is filled with talent, but there are a few key position battles that will shape the team’s success in the upcoming season. These battles will not only determine the starting lineup but also impact the overall depth and competitiveness of the roster.
Impact of Position Battles on Roster
The outcome of these battles will have a significant impact on the Vikings’ overall roster. For instance, the competition at wide receiver could lead to the emergence of a breakout player who becomes a valuable asset to the team. Similarly, the battle at left tackle could influence the team’s offensive line stability and protection for quarterback Kirk Cousins.
Key Position Battles, Vikings depth chart
The following table highlights the key position battles, the players involved, and their respective strengths:
| Position | Players | Strengths |
|---|---|---|
| Wide Receiver | Justin Jefferson, Adam Thielen, K.J. Osborn, Jalen Nailor, and T.J. Hockenson | Jefferson is a proven star with elite route-running and playmaking ability. Thielen brings veteran leadership and reliable hands. Osborn has shown flashes of potential. Nailor and Hockenson are young players with upside. |
| Left Tackle | Christian Darrisaw, Blake Brandel, and Oli Udoh | Darrisaw is a talented young player with the potential to be a dominant left tackle. Brandel is a solid backup who has experience at both tackle positions. Udoh is a versatile lineman who can play multiple positions. |
| Linebacker | Eric Kendricks, Jordan Hicks, Brian Asamoah, and Troy Dye | Kendricks is a veteran leader and playmaker. Hicks is a reliable veteran who can contribute in a variety of roles. Asamoah is a young player with the potential to be a star. Dye is a solid backup who can contribute on special teams. |
Potential Roster Moves
The Vikings have a strong foundation but could benefit from strategic roster moves to address specific areas of need and enhance their overall competitiveness. The team might look to make adjustments in the coming weeks, focusing on bolstering depth, filling specific positional voids, and maximizing their chances of making a deep playoff run.
Potential Roster Moves
The Vikings might explore several options to improve their roster before the season starts. This could involve acquiring players through free agency, trades, or the waiver wire, or releasing players to create salary cap space or to give younger players opportunities.
- Wide Receiver: The Vikings could look to add depth at wide receiver, particularly a reliable slot receiver who can create separation and provide consistent production. With Justin Jefferson as the undisputed No. 1, adding a complementary option would give Kirk Cousins more targets and create more offensive flexibility.
- Offensive Line: The Vikings could explore options to improve the depth and overall talent on the offensive line. A veteran guard or center with experience could provide stability and protection for Cousins, while a young, athletic tackle could provide competition for the starting spot.
- Defensive Back: The Vikings might seek to add depth at cornerback or safety, particularly a player with experience and versatility. This would provide valuable insurance in case of injuries and give the Vikings more options in defensive schemes.
The Vikings depth chart at running back is looking solid, with Dalvin Cook still a force to be reckoned with. But there’s a young, hungry talent waiting in the wings: Jahmyr Gibbs. He’s got the potential to be a real game-changer, and his presence could push the Vikings to the next level.
The competition for carries could be fierce, but it’s a good problem to have in the pursuit of a championship.
The Vikings’ depth chart is looking a bit thin at the moment, particularly with the recent news of Gibbs’ injury. It’s a significant blow to their offensive line, and it will be interesting to see how they manage the situation going forward.
Hopefully, they can find a way to fill the void and maintain their momentum.
