1 Vikings Roster Battle Looks Like it Will Be a Bloodbath

The Vikings roster battle that’s creating the most intrigue — by a Minnesota mile — is quarterback. No doubt, there’s good reason to consider what’s occurring there, but don’t forget the other spots that warrant attention.

As it relates to sheer numbers and intensity, the wide receiver position jumps off the page. Minnesota has a ton of talent out there. In the end, the Vikings roster crunch is going to lead to good players being shown the door, the byproduct of having so many guys competing for so few positions.

A Vikings Roster Battle Towering Above All Others

Some may quibble with the precise arrangement on the depth chart, but the top three names are set in stone.

Justin Jefferson is going to be the WR1. There’s then Jordan Addison as the likely WR2 and Jauan Jennings as the WR3. Minnesota can toss those three receivers onto the field and put a scare into just about every secondary in the NFL. That’s an excellent place to be. Not too many targets for other receivers are going to be available.

As a basic starting point, consider who else is jostling for a spot on the field at receiver:

• Justin Jefferson
• Jordan Addison
• Jauan Jennings
• Tai Felton
• Myles Price
• Dillon Bell
• Dontae Fleming
• Jeshaun Jones
• Michael Briscoe
• Luke Wysong
• Terrill Davis
• Trayvon Rudolph
• Marcus Sanders Jr.

A basic tally shows thirteen players. At most, there will be six spots for receiver talent but possibly only five openings. Worse yet (for the depth guys), the top three jobs are secured.

Moreover, the hurdle that exists for those challenging for a spot is that Felton is a 3rd-Round talent from a year ago. He is a sensational gunner. Price returns, as well, after showing much promise as a punt returner and kickoff returner.

Ironically, Price may be more assured of his roster spot since his skills are more unique. The UDFA talent secured $0 in guaranteed cash but found a way to hang around. Hard not to cheer for somebody who has been overcoming long odds.

In Dillon Bell, the Vikings appear to have a true weapon in town.

He played for Georgia but didn’t set the world on fire in college, boasting statistics that are just average. Watching him with the ball in his hands is a treat, though. He moves with violent explosion. Bell carries a lot of momentum rolling into training camp.

Michael Briscoe is a notable name since he got brought over from Seattle, suggesting Nolan Teasley likes him. Jeshaun Jones got praise from Jefferson recently. The Vikings have been working with Dontae Fleming for a bit, evidently intrigued by his 6’2″ and 180-pound frame.

Add it all up and there’s an intense competition taking place. Some talent is going to deserve a shot but get cut regardless. Somebody could even be traded, with Felton looking like the likeliest option since he was drafted by the past leadership regime and had a modest rookie year. Some team out there would likely send over a Day 3 pick — a 6th, perhaps — to see if he can help on offense.

The Vikings still have plenty of time to figure out how things sort themselves out at receiver. What’s evident, though, is that the position is among the most intense Vikings roster battles, if not the toughest position to secure a depth job.

Rookies report to TCO Performance Center on Sunday, July 26th.

Senior Editor for Vikings Territory & PurplePTSD . Twitter & Bluesky: @VikingsGazette. Email: k.joudry[at]vikingsterritory[dot]com. Canadian. Jude 1:24-25.