Minnesota Vikings Week 1 depth chart has few surprises with the biggest on special teams

Ahead of their week one matchup on Monday night against the Chicago Bears, the Minnesota Vikings have released their first depth chart. There aren't a lot of major surprises going into the season, which is a good thing. J.J. McCarthy is the unquestioned starting quarterback of the team, and they have starters with convincing resumes with some solid depth at most spots.

It's important to note that the Vikings release their depth chart in a 3-4 base defense and 21 personnel on offense (two running backs, one tight end).

Minnesota Vikings first depth chart

The Vikings' first depth chart is as follows with the starters in bold:

Offense

• Quarterback: J.J. McCarthy, Carson Wentz, Max Brosmer
• Running back: Aaron Jones, Jordan Mason, Ty Chandler, Zavier Scott
• Fullback: C.J. Ham (IR)
• Wide receiver: Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, Adam Thielen, Jalen Nailor, Tai Felton, Myles Price
• Tight end: T.J. Hockenson, Josh Oliver, Ben Yurosek
• Left tackle: Christian Darrisaw, Justin Skule
• Left guard: Donovan Jackson, Joe Huber
• Center: Ryan Kelly, Michael Jurgens
• Right guard: Will Fries, Blake Brandel
• Right tackle: Brian O'Neill, Walter Rouse

Defense

• Edge rusher: Jonathan Greenard, Andrew Van Ginkel, Dallas Turner, Bo Richter, Chaz Chambliss, Tyler Batty (IR)
• Defensive tackle: Jonathan Allen, Jalen Redmond, Javon Hargrave, Levi Drake Rodrigues, Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins, Elijah Williams
• Inside linebacker: Blake Cashman, Ivan Pace Jr., Eric Wilson, Kobe King, Austin Keys
• Cornerback: Byron Murphy Jr., Isaiah Rodgers, Jeff Okudah, Dwight McGlothern
• Safety: Harrison Smith, Josh Metellus, Theo Jackson, Jay Ward, Tavierre Thomas
• Kicker: Will Reichard
• Punter: Ryan Wright
• Long snapper: Andrew DePaola
• Kick returner: Myles Price, Ty Chandler, Tai Felton
• Punt returner: Myles Price, Adam Thielen

When we take a look at all the positions, the only real surprises came on special teams. The offensive and defensive lines are pretty fluid, as most positions are interchangeable. Special teams are where we see the most surprises.

Price earned the return jobs this season with excellent returns in multiple games. He's not going to see the field other than the rare offensive snap other than special teams, and a mistake or two could make him expendable. It's also noteworthy that Felton is the third string kick returner.

The other interesting thing is seeing Thielen as the backup punt returner. He's not the backup because of his return skills, but rather his ability to catch the punt. That's incredibly important, and the Vikings learned their lesson the hard way last year against the Green Bay Packers

We may see some differences over the first few weeks from this depth chart, but that will likely come due to injuries and roster moves.

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