A 53-man roster projection for the 2019 Vikings

[weimy froob]

Half of the preseason has already been played. What better time to unveil the Star Tribune’s regular-season roster projection for the 2019 Vikings?
By Andrew Krammer AUGUST 19, 2019 — 9:23AM

Quarterbacks (3)

Kirk Cousins, Sean Mannion and Kyle Sloter

Released: Jake Browning

The question here is would the Vikings dare keep two quarterbacks? History says that’s not likely, so Sloter stays. Each season since Rick Spielman was officially named general manager in 2012, he’s elected to keep at least three quarterbacks under team control for the 53-man roster, this includes 2016 and 2017 when Taylor Heinicke (non-football injury list) and Teddy Bridgewater (PUP) were stored on injury lists by Week 1.

Running backs/fullback (5)

Dalvin Cook, Alexander Mattison, C.J. Ham, Ameer Abdullah and Mike Boone

Released: DeAngelo Henderson, Khari Blasingame (P)

If the Vikings don’t keep Mike Boone, he’ll be on another team’s 53-man roster by Week 1. They know this, so it’s likely the Vikings keep five running backs once again. Fullback C.J. Ham is entrenched in multiple roles in the offense, and isn’t going anywhere. A promising camp may land Blasingame on the Vikings’ practice squad.

Receivers (5)

Adam Thielen, Stefon Diggs, Chad Beebe, Brandon Zylstra and Olabisi Johnson

Released: Laquon Treadwell, Jeff Badet (P), Dillon Mitchell (P), Jordan Taylor, Alexander Hollins and Davion Davis

The Vikings seem likely to keep just five receivers in the pivot to an under-center offense with more backs and tight ends, especially when young receivers like Badet and Mitchell may be easy to sneak onto the practice squad. In this projection, the Vikings move on from Treadwell before his fourth NFL season, saving more than $600,000 in cap space with his release.

Tight ends (3)

Kyle Rudolph, Irv Smith Jr., Tyler Conklin

PUP: David Morgan

Released: Cole Hikutini (P), Brandon Dillon

The Vikings have not made public a recovery timetable for tight end David Morgan, who “had some stuff done” this offseason, according to assistant head coach Gary Kubiak. Morgan has not even rehabbed off to the side of practice, which is an ominous sign with only three weeks before the regular season opener. His status is the only uncertainty among tight ends. If healthy, he’d make the roster. Should Morgan start the season on PUP, by rule he would have to miss at least six games.

Offensive linemen (9)

Riley Reiff, Pat Elflein, Garrett Bradbury, Josh Kline, Brian O’Neill, Rashod Hill, Aviante Collins, Dakota Dozier and Dru Samia.

Released: Oli Udoh (P), Brett Jones, Danny Isidora, Cornelius Edison (P), John Keenoy and Nate Wozniak

Injuries have been frustrating for Collins, the promising third-year backup who plays guard and tackle. He’s currently recovering from a leg injury and hasn’t played in the preseason, but Collins may have already done enough to again earn a spot. As has Dozier, the free-agent pickup who has played second-team left tackle in Collins’ absence. The question is does Samia, the fourth-round pick, get the nod over the third-year Isidora?

Defensive linemen (9)

Danielle Hunter, Everson Griffen, Linval Joseph, Shamar Stephen, Stephen Weatherly, Jaleel Johnson, Jalyn Holmes, Ifeadi Odenigbo and Hercules Mata’afa

Non-football injury list: Tashawn Bower (Achilles)

Released: Armon Watts (P), Stacy Keely, Karter Schult, Tito Odenigbo, Curtis Cothran, Anree Saint-Amour and Ade Aruna

The top seven are fairly solidified from Hunter down to Holmes. Odenigbo, entering his third NFL season, has risen quickly to be the Vikings’ No. 4 defensive end in lieu of a healthy Bower. He also has the flexibility to play defensive tackle. Mata’afa has flashed potential as a pass rusher and could be used situationally, so he stays. Rookie nose tackle project Armon Watts is a prime candidate for the practice squad.

Linebackers (6)

Anthony Barr, Eric Kendricks, Ben Gedeon, Eric Wilson, Kentrell Brothers and Cameron Smith

Released: Devante Downs (P), Reshard Cliett, Greer Martini

This is among the toughest positions to sort through. Zimmer recently said the Vikings’ linebacker depth is the best its been entering his sixth season as head coach. The last spot may come down to Smith, the rookie fifth-round pick, Downs and Cliett.

Defensive backs (10)

Xavier Rhodes, Trae Waynes, Mackensie Alexander, Harrison Smith, Anthony Harris, Jayron Kearse, Bene Benwikere, Duke Thomas, Derron Smith and Marcus Epps

PUP: Mike Hughes (knee)

Suspended: Holton Hill

Released: Kris Boyd (P), Craig James, Isaiah Wharton, Nate Meadors

The secondary is where the Vikings could look to acquire fresh faces whether via trade or the waiver wire. The current depth, including seventh-round rookie Kris Boyd, hasn’t shown much collectively. Benwikere, signed earlier this month for depth, has dove deep into the slot cornerback position, and could stick if he proves adept. It’s worth wondering if the Vikings even keep 10 defensive backs, or perhaps it’s more likely the ninth or 10th player is on a different team right now.

Specialists (3)

K Dan Bailey, P Kaare Vedvik, LS Austin Cutting

Released: P Matt Wile

The educated — and incomplete — guess here is Vedvik wins the punting job and serves as kicker insurance to Bailey, whether for this season or beyond. Vedvik could handle kickoffs, punts and perhaps the occasional long field goal, while receiver Chad Beebe takes over Wile’s holding duties.

[Oscar]

Treadmill is a 2.5M cap hit. They won’t cut him. They need to take any pick from a team to trade him. Even a 7th rounder.

When that happens, I will be here to tell you once again, Spielman sucks!

#MOIST

[D_B_U]

Treadmill is a 2.5M cap hit. They won’t cut him. They need to take any pick from a team to trade him. Even a 7th rounder.

When that happens, I will be here to tell you once again, Spielman sucks!

#MOIST

No team will trade for him and at this point I think they like the other guys enough that he will be cut.

Not ideal but I just dont think he gives you any upside.

[mlhouse]

1. I think Browning makes the practice squad. They have $140,000 guaranteed in his deal so I think they want to keep him around for another preseason.

2. Armon Watts should make the roster. Not sure if I risk him on the practice squad.

3. I do not see all of Bene Benwikere, Duke Thomas, Derron Smith and Marcus Epps making the team. Out of those 4 and Kris Boyd, three maximum make the roster. Two is more probable.

[RubeTube]

Let's hope Morgan doesn't hit that 6 week list.

Valuable blocker for us.

[HeHateMe]

Lots of names for defensive backs but not sure how many substance is there. With RB/WR/TE -- they need to make sure they keep the right pieces for this team. I'm assuming they're moving on from Treadwell too but are Zylstra/Beebe quality 3rd and 4th guys? If Diggs or Thielen were to go out for an extended time, are they ready? Makes me a little nervous because they seem to have the same depth issues at WR they did last year. Hopefully those two + Irv Smith Jr can produce plenty.

Is Abdullah only making it because he can return kicks? If so, I look for someone else, keep Boone, Mattison, Cook and Ham and leave a spot open there for a WR. Can Badet return kicks?

It will kind of surprise me if they cut Brett Jones. I know Elflein can move to center too so maybe that will happen.

Sloter absolutely needs to be on this roster. And I wouldn't be upset if they kept five linebackers since they play two most of the time.

[RubeTube]

Lots of names for defensive backs but not sure how many substance is there. With RB/WR/TE -- they need to make sure they keep the right pieces for this team. I'm assuming they're moving on from Treadwell too but are Zylstra/Beebe quality 3rd and 4th guys? If Diggs or Thielen were to go out for an extended time, are they ready? Makes me a little nervous because they seem to have the same depth issues at WR they did last year. Hopefully those two + Irv Smith Jr can produce plenty.

Is Abdullah only making it because he can return kicks? If so, I look for someone else, keep Boone, Mattison, Cook and Ham and leave a spot open there for a WR. Can Badet return kicks?

It will kind of surprise me if they cut Brett Jones. I know Elflein can move to center too so maybe that will happen.

Sloter absolutely needs to be on this roster. And I wouldn't be upset if they kept five linebackers since they play two most of the time.

They are completely fucked if Diggs or Thielen were to go down, That's no mystery. What could they do though? They were strapped for cash and those two are making a grip. Crabtree is still available? I'm not even sold on Beebe as the #3 but I hope he produces.

[HeHateMe]

Lots of names for defensive backs but not sure how many substance is there. With RB/WR/TE -- they need to make sure they keep the right pieces for this team. I'm assuming they're moving on from Treadwell too but are Zylstra/Beebe quality 3rd and 4th guys? If Diggs or Thielen were to go out for an extended time, are they ready? Makes me a little nervous because they seem to have the same depth issues at WR they did last year. Hopefully those two + Irv Smith Jr can produce plenty.

Is Abdullah only making it because he can return kicks? If so, I look for someone else, keep Boone, Mattison, Cook and Ham and leave a spot open there for a WR. Can Badet return kicks?

It will kind of surprise me if they cut Brett Jones. I know Elflein can move to center too so maybe that will happen.

Sloter absolutely needs to be on this roster. And I wouldn't be upset if they kept five linebackers since they play two most of the time.

They are completely fucked if Diggs or Thielen were to go down, That's no mystery. What could they do though? They were strapped for cash and those two are making a grip. Crabtree is still available? I'm not even sold on Beebe as the #3 but I hope he produces.

Yeah, I just thought 3rd WR would be a bigger priority but I keep telling myself as long as Irv Smith and Rudolph see the field together at times, hopefully that's the answer to all the attention Thielen and Diggs commanded last year.