



After steadily working their way through voluntary workouts, the Vikings are finally set to host mandatory minicamp. The expectation is that pretty much everybody on the roster will be in attendance this week at TCO Performance Center.
Here is a look at the projected Vikings depth chart as things currently stand.
Quarterback
Starter >> J.J. McCarthy
Backup >> Sam Howell
Reserves >> Brett Rypien, Max Brosmer
Analysis >> There’s no question that the Vikings are moving forward with McCarthy as the starter. The future is now. He has been getting a majority of the reps this spring, and that will continue this summer. It appears Howell is firmly in the driver’s seat to be the backup. That leaves Rypien and Brosmer presumably battling it out for the right to be the reserve.
Running back
Starter >> Aaron Jones
Backup >> Jordan Mason
Reserves >> Ty Chandler, Zavier Scott, Tre Stewart
Analysis >> It wouldn’t be shocking to see the Vikings list Jones as the starter and Mason as the backup. That said, Jones and Mason are expected to share most of the workload in the backfield, which will be a good thing for everybody involved. The best way for Chandler to secure his spot on the roster is to make himself indispensable as a kick returner.
Fullback
Starter >> C.J. Ham
Analysis >> It’s no secret that the Vikings adore what Ham brings to the table. He’s a leader on and off the field and should be sticking around for the foreseeable future.
Receiver
Starters >> Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, Jalen Nailor
Backups >> Tai Felton, Rondale Moore, Tim Jones
Reserves >> Lucky Jackson, Thayer Thomas, Jeshaun Jones, Silas Bolden, Robert Lewis, Dontae Fleming, Myles Price
Analysis >> The fact that the Vikings have Jefferson, Addison and Nailor leading the charge is a luxury. You’d struggle to find a better a receiving corps in the NFL. There’s a clear break after that trio, though, with the rest of the pack jockeying for position. The ability to contribute on special teams will likely serve as the tiebreaker when it comes to cuts.
Tight end
Starter >> T.J. Hockenson
Backup >> Josh Oliver
Reserves >> Gavin Bartholomew, Ben Yurosek, Bryson Nesbit
Analysis >> If the Vikings want to compete at a high level, Hockenson needs to prove himself as a matchup nightmare once again. They know what to expect from Oliver at this point. It should be a pretty good competition with Bartholomew, Yurosek and Nesbit trying to carve out a niche for themselves.
Offensive line
Starters >> Christian Darrisaw (LT), Donovan Jackson (LG), Ryan Kelly (C), Will Fries (RG), Brian O’Neill (RT)
Backups >> Justin Skule (LT), Blake Brandel (LG), Michael Jurgens (C), Henry Byrd (RG), Walter Rouse (RT)
Reserves >> Leroy Watson IV (LT), Joe Huber (LG), Zeke Correll (C), Marcellus Johnson (RG), Logan Brown (RT)
Analysis >> The biggest unknown for the Vikings on the offensive line is how long it will take Darrisaw to get back to 100 percent. He’s recovering from torn anterior cruciate and medial collateral ligaments. The other question is whether Jackson will actually start. He’s currently being given every opportunity to separate himself. As for Fries, though he hasn’t been around this spring, he should be good to go by this summer.
Defensive line
Starters >> Jonathan Allen (DE), Harrison Phillips (NT), Javon Hargrave (DE)
Backups >> Jalen Redmond (DE), Taki Taimani (NT), Levi Drake Rodriguez (DE)
Reserves >> Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins (DE), Jonathan Harris (DE), Travis Bell (NT), Alexander Williams (DE), Elijah Williams (DE)
Analysis >> There’s a new look for the Vikings up front with additions of Allen and Hargrave. They should pair nicely with Phillips as the starters in the trenches. The gluttony of young talent across the board on the defensive line will keep everybody fresh.
Edge rushers
Starters >> Jonathan Greenard, Andrew Van Ginkel
Backups >> Dallas Turner, Bo Richter
Reserves >> Gabe Murphy, Tyler Batty, Chaz Chambliss, Matt Harmon
Analysis >> As much as the Vikings are going to lean on Greenard and Van Ginkel, they are also going to need a jump from Turner. Even if he’s not being listed as starter for this thought exercise, Turner’s growth could help unlock another dimension for the defense.
Linebackers
Starters >> Blake Cashman, Ivan Pace Jr.
Backups >> Eric Wilson, Kobe King
Reserves >> Brian Asamoah II, Max Tooley, Austin Keys, Dorian Mausi
Analysis >> The production of Cashman and Pace is something the Vikings should be able to rely on regardless of who’s behind them. The main position battle here could be between King and Asamoah. There probably isn’t room for both of them.
Cornerbacks
Starters >> Byron Murphy Jr., Isaiah Rodgers, Jeff Okudah,
Backups >> Mekhi Blackmon, Dwight McGlothern, Tavierre Thomas,
Reserves >> Reddy Steward, Ambry Thomas, Kahlef Hailassie, Zemaiah Vaughn, Keenan Garber
Analysis >> This could look different down the road if the Vikings end up signing a free agent. In the meantime, Murphy, Rodgers and Okudah have been getting a majority of the reps with the starters, with Blackmon and McGlothern mixing in. It might be worth keeping an eye on Vaughn; he has made some plays this spring and will be looking to keep that momentum rolling this summer.
Safeties
Starters >> Harrison Smith, Josh Metellus
Backups >> Theo Jackson, Jay Ward
Reserves >> Bubba Bolden, Mishael Powell
Analysis >> It would behoove the Vikings to sign Metellus to a contract extension sooner rather than later. He’s an irreplaceable part of the defense and deserves to be compensated as such. As for the rest of the position group, Smith should continue to be a stalwart, and Jackson should thrive while stepping into an increased role.
Specialists
Starters >> Will Reichard (K), Ryan Wright (P), Andrew DePaola (LS)
Backups >> Oscar Chapman (P)
Analysis >> There shouldn’t be any surprises from the Vikings when it comes to the group of specialists.