The Minnesota Vikings have settled on an unofficial depth chart heading into the 2022 preseason.
On Wednesday, fans got their first look at how coach Kevin O’Connell envisions the starting roster in its current state. This chart isn’t set in stone, and it could change before the team’s Week 1 opener against the Green Bay Packers.
But for now, it’s clear the rookies have their work cut out for them as far as in-camp battles are concerned. This isn’t a situation where O’Connell is simply going to crown them as starters because of where they were drafted.
It’ll be fun to revisit this list at the start of the season and talk about what changed and why. For now, here is the unofficial 2022 depth chart for the Vikings.
1
Quarterback - Kirk Cousins
Backups: Kellen Mond OR Sean Mannion
2
Running Back - Dalvin Cook
Backups: Alexander Mattison, Kene Nwangwu, Ty Chandler, Bryant Koback
3
Fullback - C.J. Ham
Backups: Jake Bargas
4
Receiver - Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen
Backups: K.J. Osborn and Ihmir Smith-Marsette, Bisi Johnson and Myron Mitchell, Trishton Jackson OR Jalen Nailor and Dan Chisena, Albert Wilson, Thomas Hennigan and Blake Proehl
5
Tight ends: Irv Smith Jr.
Backups: Johnny Mundt, Ben Ellefson, Zach Davidson, Nick Muse, Shaun Beyer
6
Tackles - Christian Darrisaw and Brian O'Neill
Backups: Blake Brandel (LT) and Olisaemeka Udoh (RT), Vederian Lowe (LT) and Timon Parris (RT)
7
Interior offensive line - Garrett Bradbury (C), Ezra Cleveland (LG), Jesse Davis (RG)
Backups: Chris Reed (LG), Austin Schlottmann (C) and Ed Ingram (RG), Kyle Hinton (LG), Josh Sokol (C) and Wyatt Davis (RG)
8
Nose Tackle - Harrison Phillips
Backups: T.J. Smith, T.Y. McGill, Jr., Tyarise Stevenson
9
Defensive end - Dalvin Tomlinson and Armon Watts
Backups: Jonathan Bullard and James Lynch, Jaylen Twyman and Esezi Otomewo, Jullian Taylor
10
Outside linebackers - Danielle Hunter and Za'Darius Smith
Backup: Patrick Jones II and D.J. Wonnum, Luiji Vilain and Janarius Robinson, Andre Mintze and Zach McCloud
11
Inside linebackers - Eric Kendricks and Jordan Hicks
Backups: Troy Dye and Brian Asamoah II, Chazz Surratt and Blake Lynch, Ryan Connelly and William Kwenkeu
12
Cornerbacks - Patrick Peterson and Cameron Dantzler
Backups: Chandon Sullivan and Andrew Booth Jr., Kris Boyd and Akayleb Evans, Parry Nickerson and Harrison Hand, Nate Hairston and Tye Smith
13
Safety - Harrison Smith and Camryn Bynum
Backups: Lewis Cine and Josh Metellus, Myles Dorn and Mike Brown
14
Special Teams
Kicker – Greg Joseph
Punter/Holder – Jordan Berry, Ryan Wright
Long snapper – Andrew DePaola
Kickoff returner – Kene Nwangwu, K.J. Osborn, Ty Chandler
Punt returners – Ihmir Smith-Marsette, Jalen Nailor
