Current Vikings Depth Chart
The Vikings have a solid core of players, but they also have some areas where they could use some improvement. Here’s a look at the Vikings’ current depth chart, along with some thoughts on their strengths and weaknesses at each position.
Vikings Depth Chart
| 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 | Jordan Addison |
| Wide Receiver | 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 | Chris Reed |
| Right Guard | Ed Ingram | Josh Sokol | Chris Reed |
| Right Tackle | Brian O’Neill | Blake Brandel | Vederian Lowe |
| Defensive End | Danielle Hunter | Patrick Jones II | D.J. Wonnum |
| Defensive End | Za’Darius Smith | Luiji Vilain | Janarius Robinson |
| Defensive Tackle | Jaren Hall | Khyiris Tonga | James Lynch |
| Defensive Tackle | Harrison Phillips | Sheldon Day | Esezi Otomewo |
| Linebacker | Eric Kendricks | Jordan Hicks | Troy Dye |
| Linebacker | Brian Asamoah | Blake Lynch | Ivan Pace Jr. |
| Cornerback | Patrick Peterson | Akayleb Evans | Andrew Booth Jr. |
| Cornerback | Cameron Dantzler | Mekhi Blackmon | Jay Ward |
| Safety | Harrison Smith | Josh Metellus | Lewis Cine |
| Safety | Jayron Kearse | Theo Jackson | Jordan Akins |
Strengths and Weaknesses of the Vikings Depth Chart
The Vikings have a solid starting lineup, but their depth is a bit of a concern. Here’s a breakdown of the strengths and weaknesses of the Vikings’ depth chart at each position:
- Quarterback: The Vikings are in good shape at quarterback with Kirk Cousins as the starter. However, they could use a reliable backup option. Jaren Hall is a promising young player, but he’s still raw. Nick Mullens is a veteran, but he’s not a proven starter.
- Running Back: The Vikings have a solid one-two punch at running back with Alexander Mattison and DeWayne McBride. Ty Chandler is a good third option, but the Vikings could use a bit more depth here.
- Wide Receiver: The Vikings have one of the best wide receiver duos in the league with Justin Jefferson and K.J. Osborn. Jordan Addison is a talented rookie who has the potential to be a star. However, the Vikings could use another reliable receiver.
- Tight End: The Vikings have a strong tight end in T.J. Hockenson. Josh Oliver is a solid backup, but the Vikings could use a bit more depth here.
- Offensive Line: The Vikings have a solid offensive line, but they could use a bit more depth at center and right guard.
- Defensive End: The Vikings have a great pass rush duo in Danielle Hunter and Za’Darius Smith. Patrick Jones II is a solid backup, but the Vikings could use another pass rusher.
- Defensive Tackle: The Vikings have a good defensive tackle rotation with Jaren Hall, Khyiris Tonga, and Harrison Phillips. However, they could use another reliable option.
- Linebacker: The Vikings have a strong linebacker duo in Eric Kendricks and Brian Asamoah. Jordan Hicks is a good backup, but the Vikings could use another reliable option.
- Cornerback: The Vikings have a solid cornerback duo in Patrick Peterson and Cameron Dantzler. Akayleb Evans is a promising young player, but he’s still raw. Andrew Booth Jr. is a talented player, but he’s coming off an injury.
- Safety: The Vikings have a strong safety duo in Harrison Smith and Jayron Kearse. Josh Metellus is a solid backup, but the Vikings could use another reliable option.
Key Positions Where the Vikings May Need to Make Improvements in the Off-Season
The Vikings have a few areas where they could use some improvement in the off-season:
- Quarterback: The Vikings need to find a reliable backup quarterback. They could look to draft a quarterback in the later rounds or sign a veteran free agent.
- Running Back: The Vikings could use another reliable running back. They could look to draft a running back in the later rounds or sign a veteran free agent.
- Wide Receiver: The Vikings could use another reliable receiver. They could look to draft a receiver in the later rounds or sign a veteran free agent.
- Tight End: The Vikings could use a bit more depth at tight end. They could look to draft a tight end in the later rounds or sign a veteran free agent.
- Offensive Line: The Vikings could use a bit more depth at center and right guard. They could look to draft an offensive lineman in the later rounds or sign a veteran free agent.
- Defensive End: The Vikings could use another pass rusher. They could look to draft a defensive end in the later rounds or sign a veteran free agent.
- Defensive Tackle: The Vikings could use another reliable defensive tackle. They could look to draft a defensive tackle in the later rounds or sign a veteran free agent.
- Linebacker: The Vikings could use another reliable linebacker. They could look to draft a linebacker in the later rounds or sign a veteran free agent.
- Cornerback: The Vikings could use a bit more depth at cornerback. They could look to draft a cornerback in the later rounds or sign a veteran free agent.
- Safety: The Vikings could use another reliable safety. They could look to draft a safety in the later rounds or sign a veteran free agent.
Key Players to Watch: Vikings Depth Chart
The Vikings have a handful of key players who are expected to lead the team to success this season. These players bring a unique blend of experience, talent, and leadership to the Vikings’ roster.
Key Players
The Vikings have a number of key players to watch for this season. Here is a list of players who are expected to have a significant impact on the team’s success.
- Justin Jefferson (WR): Jefferson is a dynamic wide receiver who has already established himself as one of the best in the league. He led the NFL in receiving yards in 2022, and he’s expected to continue his dominance this season. His ability to create separation and make big plays downfield makes him a nightmare for opposing defenses.
- Kirk Cousins (QB): Cousins is a seasoned veteran who has been a consistent performer for the Vikings. He has a strong arm and a good understanding of the game. His ability to make quick decisions and distribute the ball effectively is crucial to the Vikings’ offensive success.
- Christian Darrisaw (LT): Darrisaw is a young but talented left tackle who is expected to be a cornerstone of the Vikings’ offensive line. He is known for his physicality and athleticism, which makes him a tough matchup for opposing pass rushers.
- Patrick Peterson (CB): Peterson is a veteran cornerback who brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the Vikings’ secondary. He has a knack for making big plays and is a reliable defender in coverage.
- Za’Darius Smith (EDGE): Smith is a powerful edge rusher who can disrupt opposing offenses with his speed and strength. He is a proven pass rusher who has the ability to generate pressure on the quarterback.
Projected Starting Lineup
The Vikings’ projected starting lineup offers an exciting glimpse into their potential for the upcoming season. Based on the current depth chart, this lineup reflects the team’s strengths and areas for improvement.
Projected Starting Lineup
The projected starting lineup for the Vikings is as follows:
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| Quarterback | Kirk Cousins |
| Running Back | Dalvin Cook |
| Wide Receiver | Justin Jefferson |
| Wide Receiver | Adam Thielen |
| Wide Receiver | K.J. Osborn |
| Tight End | T.J. Hockenson |
| Left Tackle | Christian Darrisaw |
| Left Guard | Ezra Cleveland |
| Center | Garrett Bradbury |
| Right Guard | Ed Ingram |
| Right Tackle | Brian O’Neill |
| Defensive End | Danielle Hunter |
| Defensive Tackle | Jaren Hall |
| Defensive Tackle | Harrison Phillips |
| Defensive End | Patrick Jones II |
| Linebacker | Eric Kendricks |
| Linebacker | Jordan Hicks |
| Cornerback | Patrick Peterson |
| Cornerback | Cameron Dantzler |
| Safety | Harrison Smith |
| Safety | Josh Metellus |
Comparison to Previous Season, Vikings depth chart
Comparing the projected starting lineup to the previous season’s starting lineup reveals some key changes. The most notable change is the addition of T.J. Hockenson at tight end, acquired in a trade from the Detroit Lions. Hockenson’s presence significantly bolsters the Vikings’ offensive weapons, providing a reliable target for Kirk Cousins. Additionally, the Vikings have made adjustments on the offensive line, with Ed Ingram taking over the right guard position.
On defense, the Vikings have a strong core returning, but there are some new faces in the lineup. The addition of Patrick Jones II at defensive end adds depth and potential for disruption. The Vikings have also made changes at the safety position, with Josh Metellus expected to start alongside the veteran Harrison Smith. These changes reflect the Vikings’ commitment to building a competitive roster with a mix of experienced players and promising young talent.
Vikings depth chart – The Vikings’ depth chart is always a topic of discussion, especially as injuries can quickly disrupt the team’s momentum. One such injury, a meniscus tear , can sideline a player for weeks, forcing coaches to rely on backups. This emphasizes the importance of having a strong bench and a flexible roster to navigate the inevitable bumps in the road.
The Vikings depth chart at quarterback has become a topic of much discussion, with questions lingering about the potential for young talent to step up. The emergence of jj mccarthy stats has certainly added intrigue to the situation, as he’s shown flashes of promise in limited opportunities.
With Kirk Cousins as the established starter, the Vikings are in a good position to assess the potential of McCarthy and other young quarterbacks, ultimately strengthening their depth chart for the future.
