• Latest
  • Trending
  • All
  • NFL
  • NHL
  • MLB
  • NBA
  • Pro Wrestling
  • MMA
Aug 18, 2019; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Devante Downs (57) celebrates his interception during the fourth quarter against the Seattle Seahawks at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

Vikings Final Roster Projections: Defense/ST

August 28, 2019
Kansas City Chiefs: Senior Bowl Watchlist

2021 Chiefs Draft Prospect: Jordan Smith

March 1, 2021
LeBron James Puts His Money Where His Mouth Is

LeBron James Puts His Money Where His Mouth Is

March 1, 2021
ADVERTISEMENT
NHL Trade Speculation Swirling About Struggling Predators

NHL Trade Speculation Swirling About Struggling Predators

March 1, 2021
NXT TakeOver Draft: Who Can Build The Best All-Time TakeOver Card?

NXT TakeOver Draft: Who Can Build The Best All-Time TakeOver Card?

March 1, 2021
Five of the Top 2021 First-Round Prospect Options for New Orleans

Five of the Top 2021 First-Round Prospect Options for New Orleans

March 1, 2021
NFL Pioneer Irv Cross

Opinion: Farewell to Irv Cross, Pioneering TV Analyst

March 1, 2021
2021 Raiders Draft Prospect: EDGE Azeez Ojulari

2021 Raiders Mock Draft: Early March Edition

March 1, 2021
Two-Man Race Between McDavid & Matthews for 2021 Hart Trophy

Two-Man Race Between McDavid & Matthews for 2021 Hart Trophy

February 28, 2021
2021 Dolphins Draft Profile: Safety Jevon Holland

2021 Dolphins Draft Profile: Safety Jevon Holland

February 28, 2021
“It’s Like Disney World” – Blue Jays Unveil Player Development Complex

“It’s Like Disney World” – Blue Jays Unveil Player Development Complex

February 27, 2021
The Ottawa Senators Are Winning “The Right Way”

The Ottawa Senators Are Winning “The Right Way”

February 27, 2021
Who Is The Logical Choice To Replace Jerry West As The NBA Logo?

Who Is The Logical Choice To Replace Jerry West As The NBA Logo?

February 27, 2021
  • Apply to Write
  • Contact Us
  • FullPressRadio.com
  • SHOP FPC
  • FullPressHockey.com
  • FullPressWrestling.com


Monday, March 1, 2021
Full Press Coverage
  • Latest
    • Full Press Radio Network
    • Apply to Write
    • Feedback
    • Privacy Policy
  • NFL
    • AFC
      • Baltimore Ravens
      • Buffalo Bills
      • Cincinnati Bengals
      • Cleveland Browns
      • Denver Broncos
      • Houston Texans
      • Indianapolis Colts
      • Jacksonville Jaguars
      • Kansas City Chiefs
      • Las Vegas Raiders
      • Los Angeles Chargers
      • Miami Dolphins
      • New England Patriots
      • New York Jets
      • Pittsburgh Steelers
      • Tennessee Titans
    • NFC
      • Arizona Cardinals
      • Atlanta Falcons
      • Carolina Panthers
      • Chicago Bears
      • Dallas Cowboys
      • Detroit Lions
      • Green Bay Packers
      • Los Angeles Rams
      • Minnesota Vikings
      • New Orleans Saints
      • New York Giants
      • Philadelphia Eagles
      • San Francisco 49ers
      • Seattle Seahawks
      • Tampa Bay Buccaneers
      • Washington Football Club
  • NBA
  • MLB
  • NHL
  • Fantasy Sports
  • Pro Wrestling
  • Other Sports
    • College Sports
    • MMA
    • XFL
    • Futbol
    • AAF
  • Podcasts
    • FPC Radio LIVE
    • Dylan and Ross Save Sports
    • The Eye Test for Two
    • Big Bad Bruins Podcast
    • Black Tuesday
    • Get Off My Lawn
    • The Sap and Kat Show
    • Talkamania
    • Crossbody of Work
    • The Salvaggio and Cratty Sports Podcast
    • All Shows
No Result
View All Result
Full Press Coverage
No Result
View All Result
Home NFL NFC NFC North Minnesota Vikings

Vikings Final Roster Projections: Defense/ST

Sam Smith by Sam Smith
August 28, 2019
in Minnesota Vikings, NFC, NFC North, NFL
Reading Time: 6min read
0
Aug 18, 2019; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Devante Downs (57) celebrates his interception during the fourth quarter against the Seattle Seahawks at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

Aug 18, 2019; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Devante Downs (57) celebrates his interception during the fourth quarter against the Seattle Seahawks at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

1.5k
SHARES
3.3k
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Just four days remain until final cut day, and much is still yet to take shape with the Vikings’ roster. Chances are good that most battles are already settled. However, the final preseason game could dictate much for the back end of the roster. As we approach the final stretch of preseason, here are my final projections for the Vikings’ defense and special teams. I will provide final projections for the offense later in the week. 

On Roster (As of August 27): Ade Aruna, Tashawn Bower (NFI), Everson Griffen, Danielle Hunter, Stacy Keely, Ifeadi Odenigbo, Anree Saint-Amour, Karter Schult, Stephen Weatherly

More FromFPC

Kansas City Chiefs: Senior Bowl Watchlist

2021 Chiefs Draft Prospect: Jordan Smith

March 1, 2021

Five of the Top 2021 First-Round Prospect Options for New Orleans

March 1, 2021

Opinion: Farewell to Irv Cross, Pioneering TV Analyst

March 1, 2021

2021 Raiders Mock Draft: Early March Edition

March 1, 2021

Prediction: LDE: Hunder RDE: Griffen DE3: Weatherly DE4: Odenigbo

Defensive Tackle

On Roster: Cutris Cothran, Jalyn Holmes, Jaleel Johnson, Linval Joseph, Hercules Mata’afa, Tito Odenigbo, Shamar Stephen, Armon Watts

Prediction: NT: Joseph 3T: Stephen DT3: Johnson DT4: Holmes DT5. Mata’afa 

I really want to keep 10 here, but 10 probably too many defensive linemen.  Six guys are absolute locks, and Jalyn Holmes is also a comfortable distance from the bubble. Behind those seven, there is simply too much intrigue. Odenigbo has looked great as he always does, only this time, there is no one challenging him for fourth end. Plus, he took some snaps at tackle in week three, so there is versatility there. 

The real struggle comes with the other tackles. There is obviously much excitement around Mata’afa. He was a college stud, looks a whole lot bigger this year and has played nose and three-technique with the first team for pass rush downs. And Watts, while working mostly with the third team, has only impressed with his combination of size and athleticism. He is a specimen at nose who could have a bright future ahead of him. The problem is that Watts is pretty clearly the 10th guy. And with Odenigbo working inside, the Vikings are probably going to go with nine and move Watts to the practice squad. If and when that happens, it will not be long before he is snatched up by another team.

Linebacker

On Roster: Anthony Barr, Kentrell Brothers, Reshard Cliett, Devante Downs, Ben Gedeon, Eric Kendricks, Greer Martini, Cameron Smith, Eric Wilson

Prediction: MLB: Kendricks SLB: Barr WLB: Gedeon LB4: Wilson LB5: Brothers LB6: Smith

It does not appear that any of the top four are in any danger. So really, this comes down to four guys going for two spots: Downs, Cliett, Brothers and Smith. Downs is the only one among them who made the roster out of camp last season, but there were extenuating circumstances. Brothers was suspended for the first four games and ultimately played the other 12. With that in mind, and his apparent depth chart advantage, Brothers seems the safest bet.

The sixth spot is far more open, and truth be told, may not even be available. Six may be a lot of linebackers to keep, made possible by no defensive backs serving as primary return specialists. Three of the Vikings projected top special teamers (Gedeon, Wilson, Brothers) are linebackers. As such, they can sacrifice a secondary spot and keep a spot open for a developmental linebacker. Smith has been behind Downs on the depth chart and Downs has played fairly well. However, Smith is a fifth-round pick this year and has taken some second-team reps. That would indicate Minnesota is looking to do things with Smith in the near future and earns him an intrinsic edge over Downs and Cliett.

Cornerback

On Roster: Mackensie Alexander, Kris Boyd, Holton Hill, Mike Hughes, Craig James, Nate Meadors, Xavier Rhodes, Duke Thomas, Trae Waynes

Prediction: CB1: Rhodes CB2: Waynes CB3: M. Alexander CB4: Hughes CB5: Thomas 

Safety

On Roster: Marcus Epps, Anthony Harris, Jayron Kearse, Derron Smith, Harrison Smith, Isaiah Wharton

Prediction: SS: Harris FS: H. Smith S3: Kearse S4: Epps S5: D. Smith

With Hughes officially off PUP, seven players are guaranteed spots on the 53. I have the Vikings keeping a sixth linebacker and a fifth running back, so only 10 defensive backs go here. That leaves three spots largely up for grabs. Hill would have had one of the spots in all likelihood, but he will miss eight games, so the Vikings can keep him around without using a roster spot. 

The two players I am fairly confident keeping in are Thomas and Epps. Epps is a sixth-round pick who the Vikings seem to have some versatile plans for, and Thomas has looked good playing mostly with the second team. The last spot to me is a toss-up between Derron Smith and Boyd. Boyd has the benefit of being a recent draft pick, but he has not wowed in any sense to date. Smith, on the other hand, despite a shaky week three performance, has seen a lot of action as second team safety for much of the preseason. The Vikings can afford to cut one of their recent draft picks since they had more than any other team and have a glut of back end secondary talent. As such, Boyd moves to the practice squad.

Long Snapper

On Roster: Austin Cutting

Prediction: Cutting

Punter

On Roster: Matt Wile, Kaare Vedvik

Prediction: Vedvik

Kicker

On Roster: Dan Bailey, Kaare Vedvik

Prediction: Bailey

Vedvik’s two missed field goals last week may have put an end to his shot at stealing Bailey’s job. That said, his other duties (kick-offs and punts) have gone swimmingly, and Chad Beebe’s run as Bailey’s holder seems to be working out. As a result, Wile’s job seems the most precarious. With Bailey hanging around, Minnesota’s lingering kicking problems under Zimmer will remain on the mind of every Vikings fan.

–Sam Smith is the Managing Editor for Full Press Coverage Vikings and Deputy Editor for Full Press NFL. Like and Follow @samc_smith.

 Follow @fpc_vikings and Follow @fpc_nfl

Latest Vikings News

  • Fall from Grace for the Once-Proud Minnesota Vikings Defense
  • Vikings at Buccaneers: Preview and Prediction
  • NFL Monday Night Football Odds: Vikings Favored to Claim Rare Win in Chicago
  • Lions Commit Three Turnovers, Get Run Over in Loss to Minnesota
  • Disappointing Vikings Poised for a Second Half Run
Tags: 2019 NFL SeasonMinnesota VikingsNFLRoster ProjectionsVikings Preseason
Share604Tweet377
Previous Post

Wrestling Roundup: August 27, 2019

Next Post

Grading the Miami Dolphins’ recent roster moves

Sam Smith

Sam Smith

Next Post
Grading the Miami Dolphins’ recent roster moves

Grading the Miami Dolphins' recent roster moves

Chiefs 53 Man Roster Predictions: Offensive Line

Chiefs 53 Man Roster Predictions: Offensive Line

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

A Twitter List by iglen31

FPC Podcasts

  • Ep. 193: From Rocky Top to Beale Street
    by Full Press Coverage on March 1, 2021 at 6:58 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV6079720572.mp3
  • Ep. 192: A Second Try
    by Full Press Coverage on March 1, 2021 at 4:30 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV9501382331.mp3
  • 3/1 - Rodgers/Brady, This Day in History; Wilson/Watson
    by Full Press Coverage on March 1, 2021 at 3:54 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV9357618891.mp3?updated=1614626720
  • Ep. 70: Commissioner's Classic Wrap: Justin Robinson
    by Full Press Coverage on March 1, 2021 at 10:00 am

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV7823044541.mp3
  • Ep. 57: Free Agency Preview
    by Full Press Coverage on March 1, 2021 at 10:00 am

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV1398047175.mp3
  • Predicting the Yankees 2021 Opening Day Roster
    by Full Press Coverage on February 28, 2021 at 4:58 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV9671934669.mp3
  • Ep 55: Bruins Depth Issues; Time to Panic?
    by Full Press Coverage on February 27, 2021 at 11:28 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV2230585722.mp3
  • Ep 65: Tiger Woods Update/Russell Wilson Is Unhappy
    by Full Press Coverage on February 27, 2021 at 8:00 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV3251896052.mp3?updated=1614450807
  • Ep. 188 - Potato Head / Wrestlemania Predictions
    by Talkamania on February 27, 2021 at 7:16 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdcn.co/e/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/43665499/talkamania_episode_188.mp3
  • Full Press EP 7: Chris Rosvoglou joins the show!
    by Full Press Coverage on February 27, 2021 at 3:52 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/43663692/full_press_ep_7_thu_1830.mp3

  • NXT TakeOver Draft: Who Can Build The Best All-Time TakeOver Card?
    by Evan Gomes on March 1, 2021 at 2:30 pm

    Who can create the best NXT TakeOver card? One of the most consistent events in wrestling over the […]

  • Crossbody of Work Episode 52: Jacqueline
    by Evan Gomes on February 27, 2021 at 3:05 pm

    Welcome to Crossbody of Work, a show where we break down a wrestler’s career through five of […]

  • WWE: The Latest Performance Center Class & Debuts
    by Evan Gomes on February 26, 2021 at 1:45 pm

    Who has WWE added to their talent pool? WWE has brought in it’s largest Performance Center class […]

  • AEW Signs “The Big Show” Paul Wight
    by Evan Gomes on February 24, 2021 at 4:35 pm

    Well… AEW has announced the signing of wrestling legend Paul Wight, known in WWE as The Big Show, […]

  • WWE Raw Results, Grade & Opinion: February 22, 2021
    by Evan Gomes on February 23, 2021 at 5:04 am

    WWE Raw Results, Grades & Opinion: February 22, 2021 A.K.A. The One Where Bobby Lashley Makes […]

More Wrestling News

  • Penguins’ Offense Goes Cold in Shutout Loss to Islanders
    by Luke Talotta on March 1, 2021 at 11:09 pm

    The Pittsburgh Penguins dropped the second of back-to-back meetings with the New York Islanders in […]

  • Lost Weekend Casts Doubt on Sabres Direction And Future
    by Michael Augello on March 1, 2021 at 6:51 pm

    The case could be made that the Buffalo Sabres have been the most troubled franchise in the NHL […]

  • NHL Trade Speculation Swirling About Struggling Predators
    by Lyle Richardson on March 1, 2021 at 5:38 pm

    There is plenty of trade speculation this time of year and this time, much of it is centered around […]

  • The Best NHL Teams To Bet … And Bet Against
    by Bob Duff on February 28, 2021 at 4:52 pm

    Who are some of the best and worst bets through the first half of the NHL season? The post The Best […]

  • Two-Man Race Between McDavid & Matthews for 2021 Hart Trophy
    by Lyle Richardson on February 28, 2021 at 4:45 pm

    As we near the midway point of the shortened 2021 NHL season, two players have separated themselves […]

More Hockey News

  • Ep 54: Boston Strong Through First Quarter; Bruins Ready For Tahoe; Trade Rumors
    by Full Press Coverage on February 19, 2021 at 1:42 pm

    Ian and Chris discuss the Bruins first quarter of the season, the upcoming […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/26944781/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2021-02-19%2F9842e3b3bd832cd255d0058b2a68b0b5.m4a
  • Ep 53: Bruins On a Roll; Brad Marchand and Charlie McAvoy; Blackey Family History
    by Full Press Coverage on February 3, 2021 at 10:40 pm

    Ian and Chris are joined by Eric Blackey to talk Bruins' hot streak, […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/26174126/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2021-02-03%2F66793c2461c1f0eaf37253a4e481f46b.m4a
  • Ep 52: Bruins Early Season Struggles
    by Full Press Coverage on January 21, 2021 at 10:51 pm

    Ian and Chris react to the first few games of the season and wonder what […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/25536904/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2021-01-21%2F3056b20d5e95c23e9c23b40f379c9029.m4a
  • Ep 51: Bergeron Dons The "C", Picking Up the Chara/Krug Slack; Season Expectations
    by Full Press Coverage on January 13, 2021 at 10:20 pm

    Mike Cratty of the Sal and Cratty Show and BlackNGoldHockey.com joins Ian […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/25157918/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2021-01-13%2F4542c465ec7a3234f146bea647ede57e.m4a
  • Ep 50: Mr. Chara Goes to Washinton
    by Full Press Coverage on December 31, 2020 at 9:14 pm

    Ian and Chris react to the Capitals signing of Bruins longtime captain, […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/24623669/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2020-12-31%2F26d5b85c06ec2255c2f6cfc78b24cf94.m4a
  • Ep 49: Bruins New Division; Chara's Future in Boston
    by Full Press Coverage on December 23, 2020 at 7:21 pm

    Ian and Chris return to discuss the NHL's 56-game season, the Bruins new […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/24356084/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2020-12-23%2F5755949a0115f50df8582cc32916323a.m4a
  • Ep 48: Jake DeBrusk Signs; Reverse Retro Jerseys; Thanksgiving Food Draft
    by Full Press Coverage on November 26, 2020 at 5:54 pm

    On this Thanksgiving episode of the Big Bad Bruins Podcast, Ian and Chris […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/23142833/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2020-11-26%2F52d6fc857b1cd37d19b4fe24752398f6.m4a
Full Press Coverage

© 2020 Full Press Coverage

Navigate Site

  • Staff Portal
  • Apply to Write
  • Contact Us
  • Have a news tip?
  • Privacy Policy
  • FPC Radio Network
  • NFL
  • NBA
  • MLB
  • FullPressHockey.com

Follow Us

No Result
View All Result
  • Latest
    • Full Press Radio Network
    • Apply to Write
    • Feedback
    • Privacy Policy
  • NFL
    • AFC
      • Baltimore Ravens
      • Buffalo Bills
      • Cincinnati Bengals
      • Cleveland Browns
      • Denver Broncos
      • Houston Texans
      • Indianapolis Colts
      • Jacksonville Jaguars
      • Kansas City Chiefs
      • Las Vegas Raiders
      • Los Angeles Chargers
      • Miami Dolphins
      • New England Patriots
      • New York Jets
      • Pittsburgh Steelers
      • Tennessee Titans
    • NFC
      • Arizona Cardinals
      • Atlanta Falcons
      • Carolina Panthers
      • Chicago Bears
      • Dallas Cowboys
      • Detroit Lions
      • Green Bay Packers
      • Los Angeles Rams
      • Minnesota Vikings
      • New Orleans Saints
      • New York Giants
      • Philadelphia Eagles
      • San Francisco 49ers
      • Seattle Seahawks
      • Tampa Bay Buccaneers
      • Washington Football Club
  • NBA
  • MLB
  • NHL
  • Fantasy Sports
  • Pro Wrestling
  • Other Sports
    • College Sports
    • MMA
    • XFL
    • Futbol
    • AAF
  • Podcasts
    • FPC Radio LIVE
    • Dylan and Ross Save Sports
    • The Eye Test for Two
    • Big Bad Bruins Podcast
    • Black Tuesday
    • Get Off My Lawn
    • The Sap and Kat Show
    • Talkamania
    • Crossbody of Work
    • The Salvaggio and Cratty Sports Podcast
    • All Shows

© 2020 Full Press Coverage