The Vikings will hinge on the play of J.J. McCarthy in 2025, but who do we project to make the roster around him?
Quarterback (2)
J.J. McCarthy, Sam Howell
Minnesota acquired Sam Howell to be the backup to J.J. McCarthy, but we would not rule out a trade for Kirk Cousins with no clear landing spot where he would be a starter—so the Vikings make a ton of sense considering his success there and the possibility of McCarthy struggling. Most likely, though, we’ll see the team roll with Howell as the No. 2 and Brett Rypien making the practice squad.
Running back (4)
Aaron Jones Sr., Jordan Mason, Ty Chandler, C.J. Ham
A one-two punch of Aaron Jones Sr. and Jordan Mason behind a remade offensive line will help balance the offense this year, and C.J. Ham will again lead the way at fullback. Ty Chandler was talked up last summer but struggled during the season, so keep an eye on undrafted rookie Tre Stewart pushing him for the No. 3 job.
Wide receiver (6)
Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, Tai Felton (R), Jalen Nailor, Rondale Moore, Tim Jones
The offense will obviously revolve around Justin Jefferson with Jordan Addison in the “Robin” role—but Minnesota spent a third-round pick on Tai Felton and signed Rondale Moore as a player who can do damage with the ball in his hands. Tim Jones was signed from Jacksonville and is the clear favorite if the Vikings keep six wideouts.
Tight end (3)
T.J. Hockenson, Josh Oliver, Gavin Bartholomew (R)
Having T.J. Hockenson healthy for a full season will be a boost for Kevin O’Connell’s offense, and Josh Oliver should still play about half the snaps with the running game being more of a focus. The final spot will come down to a rookie group of sixth-rounder Gavin Bartholomew and undrafted free agents Ben Yurosek and Bryson Nesbit.
Offensive tackle (4)
Justin Skule, Brian O’Neill, Logan Brown (R), Walter Rouse
Justin Skule is set to be the swing tackle for the Vikings after showing well in starts with the Buccaneers last season, but he might begin the season in the starting lineup if franchise left tackle Christian Darrisaw (knee) isn’t cleared for the opener—which could be the case with Minnesota leaning on the conservative side when it comes to injuries. That would open the door for undrafted rookie Logan Brown and second-year tackle Walter Rouse to both make the team out of camp.
Interior offensive line (5)
Donovan Jackson (R), Ryan Kelly, Will Fries, Blake Brandel, Michael Jurgens
Donovan Jackson was a home-run selection at No. 24 overall for a team that frankly hasn’t drafted very well under general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, and he should create a long-term dominant duo with Christian Darrisaw on the left side. Overall, the interior is expected to be a strength with Ryan Kelly and Will Fries coming over from the Colts, and Blake Brandel is a strong backup.
Interior defensive line (6)
Jonathan Allen, Javon Hargrave, Harrison Phillips, Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins (R), Jalen Redmond, Taki Taimani
The Vikings made key additions on the defensive line with Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave—but Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins was the only draft pick there in the fifth round. Another veteran addition could happen at some point before or during the season, but Taki Taimani beats out Levi Drake Rodriguez and others for now.
Edge defender (5)
Jonathan Greenard, Andrew Van Ginkel, Dallas Turner, Bo Richter, Gabriel Murphy
Minnesota needs more out of Dallas Turner with the fate of Adofo-Mensah—who has yet to be extended (unlike O’Connell)—potentially hinging on the play of J.J. McCarthy and Turner as the 2024 first-rounders, but Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel combined for 23.5 sacks last season. The final two spots will likely be settled between Bo Richter, Gabriel Murphy, and undrafted rookie Tyler Batty.
Linebacker (5)
Blake Cashman, Ivan Pace Jr., Eric Wilson, Brian Asamoah II, Kobe King (R)
Veteran Eric Wilson is back where his career began, and he could push Blake Cashman and Ivan Pace Jr. for snaps—especially if the defense doesn’t play up to expectations versus a tough September schedule (@ CHI, v ATL, v CIN, @ PIT). Former third-round pick Brian Asamoah II is firmly on the roster bubble with limited defensive action through three seasons, but we have both him and sixth-round rookie Kobe King making it.
Cornerback (6)
Byron Murphy Jr., Mekhi Blackmon, Isaiah Rodgers, Jeff Okudah, Ambry Thomas, Tavierre Thomas
Cornerback has been brought up as a position where someone could be added for Minnesota, and there has been smoke around Jalen Ramsey recently. However, Mekhi Blackmon returns after a missed 2024 season and was thought to be in line for a starting role, and Isaiah Rodgers is said to be a guy viewed highly by defensive coordinator Brian Flores. If no one else is added, Ambry Thomas, Tavierre Thomas, and Dwight McGlothern will be among those battling to make the squad.
Safety (4)
Harrison Smith, Josh Metellus, Jay Ward, Theo Jackson
Harrison Smith is back for what could be his final season after some uncertainty heading into the offseason, but the Vikings didn’t add any succession plan after it was speculated ahead of the draft. Josh Metellus will be a do-it-all piece for Brian Flores, and Jay Ward is among the recent draft picks the team is banking on to emerge.
Special teams (3)
Will Reichard, Ryan Wright, Andrew DePaola
Will Reichard had a very encouraging rookie campaign, and we are projecting Minnesota to have the same battery back—but punter Ryan Wright will be pushed by undrafted rookie Oscar Chapman.
Players not available for Week 1 (1)
OT Christian Darrisaw