Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kyler Murray (1) warms up before a game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium.
Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
The Minnesota Vikings came to the conclusion last season that they did not have good enough play from the quarterback position. That's why they lost 8 of their first 12 games and it was the primary reason they were out of playoff contention before Thanksgiving.
The Vikings were not fooled into thinking their 5-game winning streak at the end of the season was significant. They knew they had to bring in an experienced quarterback in order to give the team a chance to win. They did that by acquiring Kyler Murray from the Arizona Cardinals and he is now the starting quarterback over former hot prospect J.J. McCarthy.
If the Vikings are going to be a winning team and contend for the NFC North title, Murray will have to come through on a consistent basis, but there is much more to the team than just the play by the QB1.
The Vikings will open the season Sept. 13 by hosting the archrival Green Bay Packers. They have one more preseason game before head coach Kevin O'Connell and his coaches have to finalize the roster. Here's our projection as to what that 53-man roster will look like at 6 p.m. ET Sunday.
Quarterbacks (3)
Kyler Murray, Carson Wentz, J.J. McCarthy
After O'Connell named Murray as the starting quarterback, the battle for the No. 2 quarterback was at hand between Wentz and McCarthy. The belief here is that Wentz will be the backup and McCarthy will be a very disappointing No. 3 quarterback. Max Brosmer will have a spot on the practice squad, but once other teams finalize their rosters, the Vikings could get a call to trade McCarthy because he could be a solid backup elsewhere. If that happens, that will remove some of the tension in the Vikings locker room and give Brosmer an opportunity as the No. 3 quarterback.
Running Backs (5)
Aaron Jones, Jordan Mason, Demond Claiborne, Zavier Scott, Max Bredeson (FB)
Jones and Mason should give the Vikings an excellent 1-2 punch at the RB spot and they may come very close splitting the RB responsibilities on a 50-50 basis. Claiborne has explosive 4.37 speed and Scott's time in Minnesota could be coming to a close even though he is fairly versatile. Bredeson will serve as an extra blocker in the backfield, but he will surprise opponents with an occasional carry.
Wide Receivers (5)
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) makes a catch against New York Giants cornerback Paulson Adebo (21) during the first half at MetLife Stadium.
Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images
Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, Jauan Jennings, Myles Price, Tai Felton
Jefferson is motivated to regain his status as the best receiver in the NFL, and he should have a chance to do that with Murray under center. Addison is an explosive No. 2 receiver, while Jennings looks like a perfect fit at the No. 3 receiver. Price may prove to be capable of providing game-changing plays late in the fourth quarter.
Tight Ends (3)
T.J. Hockenson, Josh Oliver, Gavin Bartholomew
The Vikings are hoping for a big season from Hockenson, but that will require him staying off the Injured List. Oliver is a blocker who can make some surprising catches. Bartholemew (neck) was injured last year but he has looked good in camp.
Offensive Line (10)
Christian Darrisaw, Donovan Jackson, Blake Brandel, Will Fries, Brian O'Neill, Ryan Van Demark, Michael Jurgens, Joe Huber, Caleb Tiernan, Walter Rouse
This may be the most critical area for the Vikings. The offensive line has regularly looked imposing at this point in the year, but weaknesses have always cropped up. Darrisaw and O'Neill are potential All-Pros at the OT spots if they can stay healthy. The big issue is interior blocking, and Jackson, Brandel and Fries have to come through. Depth appears to be better than it has been in the past, with Van Denmark looking solid at tackle while Huber can get the job done at guard.
Defensive line (6)
Jalen Redmond, Levi Drake Rodriguez, Caleb Banks, Domonique Orange, Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins, Elijah Williams
This is a position that could be vulnerable for the Vikings since they are going with multiple inexperienced players. Defensive coordinator Brian Flores is counting on Redmond being the leader, but he also needs rookies Banks and Orange to make serious contributions
Linebackers (7)
Minnesota Vikings outside linebacker Andrew van Ginkel (43) reacts after a tackle against the New York Giants during the second half at MetLife Stadium.
Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images
Andrew Van Ginkel, Dallas Turner, Eric Wilson, Blake Cashman, Jake Golday, Bo Richter, Tyler Batty
This is the position that must come through for the Vikings with big plays throughout the season. Van Ginkel excels at setting up opposing quarterbacks for interceptions and bringing them back a long way. Turner has an excellent chance to record double-digit sacks. Cashman is probably the surest tackler on the team. Ivan Pace Jr. has been a solid contributtor in the past, but he is likely to find himself on the outside looking in.
Cornerbacks (5)
Byron Murphy Jr., Isaiah Rodgers, James Pierre, Charles Demmings, Dwight McGlothern Jr.
This has been a position that has been a problem area for the Vikings for multiple seasons. Murphy has a chance to become an All-Pro, while Rodgers is a dynamic cover man who can make big plays for Flores' defense. However, consistency has been an issue. The Vikings may not have the depth that will allow them to shut down high-level receivers for 60 minutes.
Safeties (6)
Joshua Metellus, Jay Ward, Theo Jackson, Jakobe Thomas, Tavierre Thomas, Jacob Thomas
Metellus has been an ideal player in Flores' defense for multiple seasons, and his role will increase this year since the Vikings no longer have Harrison Smith in the secondary. The injury suffered by Jamal Adams means the Vikings will depend on rookies Jakobe Thomas and Jacob Thomas — with their near-identical names — to provide depth in this crucial area.
Special teams (3)
Will Reichard (K), Brett Thorson (P), Andrew DePaola (LS)
Reichard is an All-Pro and may be the best placekicker in the league. Thorson had a tough assignment this summer as he battled veteran Johnny Hekker, but he comes away with the Vikings punting job.