Minnesota Vikings 53-man roster projection 3.0: Secondary sees multiple changes

Quarterback

• Sam Darnold
• J.J. McCarthy (IR)
• Nick Mullens
• Jaren Hall

After a rough game against the Las Vegas Raiders, Hall stepped up in a major way against the Browns. His throw to Jeshaun Jones is one of the best throws you'll see all year, layering the ball beautifully over a defender while on the run.

Running back

• Aaron Jones
• Ty Chandler
• Kene Nwangwu
• C.J. Ham

The Vikings running back room isn't sexy after the top two but it feels much stronger now than it did prior to the start of the preseason. Nwangwu feels like a much-improved player this year and he stays ahead of Myles Gaskin and DeWayne McBride.

Wide receiver

• Justin Jefferson
• Jordan Addison
• Jalen Nailor
• Brandon Powell
• Trishton Jackson

This group is one of the few that has seen changes. Jones takes the spot of Sherfield despite both of them having a drop on Saturday. Sherfield has made multiple drops in the preseason and has struggled across the board. Jeshaun Jones is a candidate to make the final 53-man roster as well with his solid camp and $225k guaranteed salary.

Tight end 

• T.J. Hockenson (PUP/IR)
• Josh Oliver
• Johnny Mundt
• Nick Muse

Muse continues to look like the third tight end. Initially, the smart money would have been on Robert Tonyan. However, he has been out for two weeks with back spasms and has ended up falling behind.

Offensive tackle

• Christian Darrisaw
• Brian O'Neill
• David Quessenberry
• Walter Rouse

This won't be too controversial, as the group is pretty chalk. Doug Nester played well against the Browns and could push for a practice squad spot.

Interior offensive line

• Garrett Bradbury
• Blake Brandel
• Ed Ingram
• Dan Feeney
• Michael Jurgens

Why isn't Dalton Risner on here? Well, you can't make the club in the tub. Feeney has proven himself as the numberd one option off the bench. Jurgens struggled against the Browns after thriving against the Raiders. Having one more solid game against the Philadelphia Eagles will likely seal his roster spot.

Edge rusher

• Jonathan Greenard
• Dallas Turner
• Andrew Van Ginkel
• Jihad Ward
• Bo Richter
• Gabriel Murphy

The Vikings need to find a way to add draft picks since they only have three this year with a potential fourth coming via compensatory selection. Pat Jones II feels like a trade candidate with the Vikings having some intriguing young depth at edge rusher.

The Vikings could keep six but with Murphy not having played in both preseason games, that could end up changing.

Defensive line 

• Harrison Phillips
• Jerry Tillery
• Jonathan Bullard
• Jaquelin Roy
• Levi Drake Rodriguez

There are some intriguing pieces in this room. It hasn't changed from last week's rendition, but watch for Taki Taimani and Jalen Redmond. Both players have shown out the last two weeks and have made an impact in all phases.

Inside linebacker

• Blake Cashman
• Ivan Pace Jr.
• Brian Asamoah
• Kamu Grugier-Hill

This group is chalk. Jabril Cox was a player I believed could make an impact but he didn't play a defensive snap last week against the Raiders before being waived with an injury designation.

Cornerback

• Byron Murphy Jr.
• Shaquill Griffin
• Stephon Gilmore
• Akayleb Evans
• Fabian Moreau
• Dwight McGlothern

This group is an interesting one that now has six players after the signing of Gilmore. Considering what the room looked like after losing both Khyree Jackson and Mekhi Blackmon, the Vikings should feel comfortable now.

Safety

• Harrison Smith
• Camryn Bynum
• Josh Metellus
• Theo Jackson
• Lewis Cine
• NaJee Thompson (PUP)

This group sees some major changes. Ward has been shifted from safety to cornerback and he doesn't make the final 53-man roster after his poor performance against the Browns. On the flip side, Cine had a great performance against the Browns which propels him to making the team.

Specialists

• K Will Reichard
• P Ryan Wright
• LS Andrew DePaola

The only spot here up for grabs is at punter. Wright is still the main holder which makes the difference here.