Though there have been ups and downs for young quarterback J.J. McCarthy throughout training camp at TCO Performance Center, he’s already done enough to prove himself as the unquestioned starter.
The biggest question that needs to be answered this week is whether McCarthy will play in the preseason game between the Vikings and the Houston Texans on Saturday afternoon at U.S. Bank Stadium.
A couple of series would likely be all the Vikings need to see out of McCarthy as he continues his progression under center.
As for the rest of the roster, the Vikings are using training camp to figure out where everybody stands, and will use the preseason contests to make final decisions when it comes to who’s in and who’s out.
Here’s our first 53-man roster projection:
Quarterback (3)
In: J.J. McCarthy, Sam Howell, Max Brosmer
Out: Brett Rypien
Analysis: Everything outside of McCarthy is still in flux. It’s been a rather underwhelming training camp for Howell to this point. His spot on the roster seems safe, however, until his replacement is brought in. The reason Brosmer makes the team is because it might be hard to sneak him onto the practice squad. As for Rypien, he will be a prime candidate for the practice squad.
Running Back (3)
In: Aaron Jones, Jordan Mason, Ty Chandler
Out: Zavier Scott, Tre Stewart
Analysis: The backfield will be led by Jones and Mason and everybody else will have to get in where they fit in. The most redeeming quality about Chandler right now might be his ability on special teams. That should help Chandler win over Scott and Stewart.
Fullback (1)
In: C.J. Ham
Out: N/A
Analysis: The only player that Ham is competing with is himself. He’s going to make the team.
Receiver (6)
In: Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, Jalen Nailor, Tai Felton, Rondale Moore, Lucky Jackson
Out: Jeshaun Jones, Thayer Thomas, Tim Jones, Dontae Fleming, Myles Price, Robert Lewis
Analysis: There are seemingly a couple of spots up for grabs after Jefferson, Addison, Nailor, and Felton. The nod goes to Moore because of his abilities as a punt returner and Jackson because of his strong training camp.
Tight End (3)
In: T.J. Hockenson, Josh Oliver, Ben Yurosek
Out: Gavin Bartholomew, Giovanni Ricci, Bryson Nesbit,
Analysis: After getting drafted in the spring, Bartholomew might get cut in the summer. He’s been on the physically unable to perform list throughout training camp. You can’t make the club in the tub. That opens the door for Yurosek. He’s been on a steady climb over the past couple of weeks and recently got some reps with the starters.
Offensive Line (9)
In: Christian Darrisaw (LT), Donovan Jackson (LG), Ryan Kelly (C), Will Fries (RG), Brian O’Neill (RT), Justin Skule (OT), Walter Rouse (OT), Blake Brandel (OG), Michael Jurgens (C)
Out: Logan Brown (OT), Matt Nelson (OT) Marcellus Johnson (OT), Leroy Watson IV (OT), Joe Huber (OG), Henry Byrd (OG), Vershon Lee (OG), Zeke Correll (C)
Analysis: The starting offensive line is set in stone, as is most of the backup offensive line. There are a handful of players that could challenge for a spot on the roster depending on how the preseason goes.
Defensive Line (6)
In: Jonathan Allen, Javon Hargrave, Harrison Phillips, Jalen Redmond, Levi Drake Rodriguez, Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins
Out: Taki Taimani, Jonathan Harris, Travis Bell, Elijah Williams
Analysis: There’s no doubt that Allen and Hargrave are a massive upgrade in the trenches alongside Phillips. That has been on display throughout training camp. The rest of the defensive line is made up of rotational pieces that can be subbed in and out depending on personnel.
Edge Rusher (5)
In: Jonathan Greenard, Andrew Van Ginkel, Dallas Turner, Bo Richter, Gabe Murphy
Out: Tyler Batty, Chaz Chambliss
Analysis: You’d be hard pressed to find a player who has been more impressive than Turner in training camp. He looks like a beast out there wherever he’s lining up on the field. There isn’t any room for either of the undrafted free agents.
Linebacker (4)
In: Blake Cashman, Ivan Pace Jr., Eric Wilson, Kobe King
Out: Brian Asamoah, Austin Keys, Dorian Mausi
Analysis: The writing has been on the wall for Asamoah ever since King was drafted. They are likely competing for the same spot on the roster. The edge goes to the rookie until further notice.
Cornerback (6)
In: Byron Murphy Jr., Isaiah Rodgers, Jeff Okudah, Mekhi Blackmon, Dwight McGlothern, Zemaiah Vaughn
Out: Ambry Thomas, Kahlef Hailassie, Reddy Steward, Keenan Garber
Analysis: The starting cornerbacks appear to be Murphy, Rodgers, and Okudah. Though the rest of the group is battling, Blackmon, McGlothern, and Vaughn have separated themselves from their peers.
Safety (4)
In: Harrison Smith, Josh Metellus, Theo Jackson, Jay Ward,
Out: Tavierre Thomas, Mishael Powell, Gervarrius Owens
Analysis: After using a trio of safeties more than any team in the NFL, it wouldn’t be surprising to see this group look a little bit more traditional. That would leave Smith and Metellus as the starting safeties with Jackson and Ward playing spot minutes here and there.
Specialists (3)
In: Will Reichard (K), Ryan Wright (P), Andrew DePaola (LS), Oscar Chapman (P)
Out: N/A
Analysis: Because he’s a part of the International Player Pathway Program, Chapman can essentially be kept around for free.
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