The Minnesota Vikings on Monday unveiled the first “unofficial” depth chart of training camp, just in time for Thursday’s preseason opener against the Seattle Seahawks. Let’s dive into it…
Offensive starters
- QB: Kirk Cousins
- RB: Alexander Mattison
- FB: C.J. Ham
- WR: Justin Jeffreson, K.J. Osborn
- TE: T.J. Hockenson
- LT: Christian Darrisaw
- LG: Ezra Cleveland
- C: Garrett Bradbury
- RG: Ed Ingram
- RT: Brian O’Neill
Nick Mullens and Jaren Hall are the second and third string quarterbacks, respectively, while Kene Nwangwu is listed as the No. 2 running back ahead of Ty Chandler, DeWayne McBride and Abram Smith.
With Jefferson and Osborn as the top two wide receivers, the primary backups are Jalen Nailor and Jordan Addison, followed by Jalen Reagor and Brandon Powell.
Josh Oliver is the backup tight end, though he figures to work in regularly as one of the top blocking tight ends in the NFL. Johnny Mundt is the third tight end.
The top two backup tackles are Vederian Lowe and Oli Oduh. Josh Sokol is the backup left guard, Austin Schlottmann is the backup center and Blake Brandel is the second string right guard. Jack Snyder, Alan Ali and Chris Reed are the third string interior linemen.
Defensive starters
- OLB: Danielle Hunter, Marcus Davenport
- ILB: Brian Asamoah II, Jordan Hicks
- DE: Dean Lowry, Harrison Phillips
- NT: Khyriris Tonga
- CB: Brian Murphy Jr., Akayleb Evans
- S: Harrison Smith, Camryn Bynum
Backing up Hunter and Davenport at the outside linebacker positions in Minnesota’s 3-4 base defense are Pat Jones II and D.J. Wonnum, followed by Luiji Vilain and Benton Whitley.
Jonathan Bullard and Ross Blacklock back up Lowry and Phillips at defensive end, with rookie Jaquelin Roy and ex-Gopher Esezi Otomewo on the third unit. T.J. Smith and Calvin Avery are the second and third nose tackles, respectively.
Ivan Pace, the undrafted free agent who is getting rave reviews at camp, is actually listed way down on the depth chart at inside linebacker. After starters Asamoah and Hicks, the Vikings are going with Troy Dye and Troy Reeder as the backups, followed by William Kwenkeu and Pace on the third string.
The top two backup cornerbacks are Andrew Booth Jr. and Joejuan Williams, followed by rookie Mekhi Blackmon and Kalon Barnes.
Lewis Cine is Harrison Smith’s backup and Josh Metellus is the top backup to Camryn Bynum, though Metellus could very well be a hybrid used at safety and linebacker in Brian Flores’s scheme.
Special teams starters
- K: Greg Joseph
- P: Ryan Wright
- LS: Andrew DePaola
- KR: Kene Nwangwu
- PR: Jalen Reagor
The Vikings have said there is a kicking competition, but this unofficial depth chart lists Joseph ahead of Jack Podlesny.
Ty Chandler and Brandon Powell are the backup kick returners, while Powell and then Thayer Thomas are ranked as the second and third punt returners, respectively.
Check out the full depth chart on the Vikings website here.
