Tai Felton, Minnesota Vikings
Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
We are now less than a week from the Minnesota Vikings opening up their 2025 regular season against the Chicago Bears. It’s a primetime matchup fit for the debut of new quarterback J.J. McCarthy.
It has been obvious since the moment Sam Darnold signed with the Seattle Seahawks that this team was going to be quarterbacked by McCarthy. There has been an influx of new talent, and even up until last week the wide receiver position wasn’t set.
Adam Thielen saved the day there, but Kevin O’Connell has a few interesting developments on his first official depth chart of the season.
Week 1 depth chart has new wrinkles for Minnesota Vikings
When the Minnesota Vikings cemented their initial 53-man roster, it included a boatload of undrafted free agents. They cut some veterans, and that meant young talent would have a pathway to playing time. Now seeing how they are positioned, there are definitely some names to watch.
Postion First String Second String Third String
Quarterback J.J. McCarthy Carson Wentz Max Brosmer
Running Back Aaron Jones/Jordan Mason Ty Chandler Zavier Scott
Wide Receiver Justin Jefferson Adam Thielen Jalen Nailor
Strong Safety Josh Metellus Theo Jackson
Punt Returner Myles Price
Kick Returner Tai Felton Ty Chandler
Obviously this isn’t the entire lineup, but it’s where thing stand out. Despite being a late addition, it’s Wentz who will back up McCarthy ahead of everyone’s hero Max Brosmer. That could change as the year goes on, and will be a competition to watch.
It’s not necessarily shocking that Chandler would be the third running back behind the starting tandem. However, he was definitely outplayed in the preseason by Zavier Scott. He looked like a potential cut candidate too.
Adam Thielen just got back into town last week. He’s still ahead of Nailor on the depth chart, and that should continue once Jordan Addison returns from his suspension as well.
The usage of safeties by the Minnesota Vikings is a unique wrinkle to Brian Flores’ defense. Theo Jackson is going to see plenty of reps, but Metellus is listed as the starter alongside Harrison Smith. Metellus is a do-it-all talent that can line up everywhere. Tavierre Thomas is also penciled in as the starting nickelback.
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Matt Daniels is rolling out an entirely new return team. Undrafted free agent Myles Price will handle punt return duties. He had 23 attempts for Indiana last season in college, and he averaged 12.6 yards per return.
The hope is that Tai Felton develops into a starting caliber wideout, but he’s behind Nailor in that regard at this point. He’ll handle kick return duties. That’s a role he hasn’t held since 2022 (as a sophomore) with Maryland. He turned six kicks into 150 yards (25 yards per attempt).
Mentioned in this article: Adam Thielen Carson Wentz Myles Price Tai Felton Theo Jackson Zavier Scott More About:Minnesota Vikings