Minnesota Vikings Depth Chart
By Jon Dove
The Minnesota Vikings Depth Chart has the depth and talent to make a legitimate Super Bowl run.
This version of the Minnesota Vikings Depth Chart comes after several years of aggressive draft-day moves and smart free agent signings. The decision makers in Minnesota did a great job building depth across the roster.
Quarterback
Starter: Teddy Bridgewater
Backup: Shaun Hill
Minnesota’s offense will continue to feature a strong running game, but they need Teddy Bridgewater to starting make more big plays down the field. Bridgewater’s development is what will make or break this team.
Running Back
Starter: Adrian Peterson
Backups: Jerick McKinnon and Matt Asiata
Peterson remains one of the top running backs in the league, but Jerick McKinnon and Matt Asiata have both showed promise in limited roles. Overall, the running back position is in good hands.
Wide Receiver
Starters: Stefon Diggs and Laquon Treadwell
No. 3: Charles Johnson
Backups: Jarius Wright, Cordarrelle Patterson and Moritz Boehringer
Stefon Diggs is coming off an exceptional rookie season where he established himself as the team’s No. 1 target. However, it was obvious that Minnesota needed to upgrade the talent at the position which is why they drafted Laquon Treadwell in the 1st round.
Treadwell is a big-bodied receiver who plays a physical style of football. He’s the type of guy who can win in contested situations and be a difference maker in the red zone.
Fullback
Starter: Zach Line
Tight End
Starter: Kyle Rudolph
Backups: MyCole Pruitt, Rhett Ellison and David Morgan
Minnesota needs Kyle Rudolph to have a healthy season and provide Bridgewater with a reliable target over the middle. MyCole Pruitt is an intriguing player who showed flashes as a rookie.
Left Tackle
Starter: Matt Kalil
Backups: TJ Clemmings and Andre Smith
Matt Kalil’s career is still in a bit of a downward spiral despite playing a little better last year. This season is a make or break year as he is running out of time to re-establish himself as the team’s future at left tackle.
Left Guard
Starter: Brandon Fusco
Backups: Willie Beavers, Andre Smith and Phil Loadholt
Brandon Fusco was among several Vikings offensive linemen who missed significant time with injury last season. When healthy, he’s a physical blocker who excels at opening holes in the running game.
Center
Starter: John Sullivan
Backups: Brandon Fusco and Alex Boone
John Sulllivan is an underrated player and one of the keys to the success of the Vikings offensive line.
Right Guard
Starter: Alex Boone
Backups: Willie Beavers, Andre Smith and Phil Loadholt
Alex Boone fits in perfectly with the Vikings thanks to his toughness and run-blocking ability.
Right Tackle
Starter: TJ Clemmings
Backups: Andre Smith and Phil Loadholt
There’s a ton of depth at the right tackle position with Loadholt returning from injury and the signing of Andre Smith. However, TJ Clemmings played well enough as a rookie to get first crack at the starting job.
Defensive End
Starters: Everson Griffen and Brian Robinson
Backups: Danielle Hunter, Scott Crichton and Stephen Weatherly
Everson Griffen continues to develop into one of the better two-way defensive ends in the NFL. Brian Robison is on the back end of this career and will be challenged in training camp by Danielle Hunter.
Defensive Tackle
Starters: Linval Joseph and Sharrif Floyd
Backups: Shamar Stephen, Tom Johnson and Kenrick Ellis
The interior of the Vikings defense is stout thanks to the combination of Linval Joseph and Sharrif Floyd. Depth is a concern here, but Shamar Stephen has shown some upside.
SAM Linebacker
Starter: Anthony Barr
Backups: Emmanuel Lamur and Travis Lewis
Barr is a versatile and high-impact player for the Vikings. Both Lamur and Travis Lewis are capable backups that will also contribute on special teams.
Middle Linebacker
Starter: Eric Kendricks
Backups: Audie Cole and Kentrell Brothers
Kendricks had a strong rookie year and is locked in as the starter. The depth at this spot is really good with both Audie Cole and Kentrell Brothers capable of filling in.
WILL Linebacker
Starter: Chad Greenway
Backups: Emmanuel Lamur and Travis Lewis
Chad Greenway’s time in the NFL is running out, but he’s still capable of solid production. Both Emmanuel Lamur and Travis Lewis are more than capable of stepping in if needed.
Cornerback
Starters: Xavier Rhodes and Terence Newman
Nickelback: Trae Waynes
Backups: Mackensie Alexander, Captain Munnerlyn and Melvin White
Minnesota has good depth at the cornerback position with several intriguing youngsters ready to take on a bigger role. Look for Trae Waynes to potentially work his way into the starting lineup at some point this season.
Safety
Starters: Harrison Smith and Michael Griffin
Backups: Antone Exum, Andrew Sendejo and Jayron Kearse
Harrison Smith is a stud and one of the anchors of the defense. However, the other starting safety job is up for grabs with several players in the mix. Antone Exum is an intriguing player who showed some potential last year.