The Vikings’ 53-man roster projection is laid out after roughly three weeks of camp and one preseason game, pointing to a competitive two‑week window before the Aug. 26 cutdown. The QB picture centers on J.J. McCarthy at the top with Sam Howell and Max Brosmer in the mix; Howell’s uneven practice could trigger a veteran backup option if Minnesota seeks flexibility behind the rookie. The running back group is busy with Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason as the clear top duo, while X‑factor backs like Zavier Scott push Ty Chandler and Tre Stewart for the roster. Wideouts are thin with Addison suspended for three games and Jefferson leading a group that includes Nailor, Felton, Jackson, and Jones, with Silas Bolden pushing for return duties. Gavin Bartholomew’s back and Bartholomew’s placement on PUP create added depth questions at tight end, while T.J. Hockenson and Josh Oliver anchor a tight end room that could include Ben Yurosek. The offensive line appears solid with Darrisaw, O’Neill, Kelly, Brandel and Jurgens among returners, but Correll’s injury list opens an early swing‑tackle path for Skule. On defense, versatile Kahlef Hailassie has emerged at safety, with Flores valuing positional flexibility across linebackers Cashman, Pace Jr., Wilson, and Asamoah II, plus a ten‑guy defensive back group led by Harrison Smith, Metellus, Ward and Okudah. Special teams feature a tight contest at punter between Ryan Wright and Oscar Chapman, while the international spot belongs to Chapman. Minnesota’s joint practices with New England will be a key stage for final decisions.

Minnesota’s rookie class delivered in a 20-10 preseason win over Houston, with four of five picks taking the field. Gavin Bartholomew sat on the PUP list, but the rest of the rookie contingent flashed in limited action, led by Max Brosmer’s poised showing at quarterback and Tai Felton’s two-catch, first-down drives plus a notable punt-coverage moment. On defense, Kobe King and Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins logged solid snaps, while Silas Bolden and Tyler Batty offered intriguing special-teams and situational looks. The results hint at depth battles to watch as roster cut days approach.

The Minnesota Vikings are solidifying their tight end depth for the 2025 season, with T.J. Hockenson as the clear starter. Gavin Bartholomew, a promising sixth-round pick, has been placed on the PUP list, leaving Nick Muse as the lone backup behind Hockenson. This situation has rekindled chatter about the potential return of a familiar face. The Vikings may explore bringing in a former college teammate of Hockenson's, recently cut by the Seattle Seahawks, to bolster the position further.

With the NFL's free agency and draft complete, teams are eager to see how their new rookies will integrate into their systems as they gear up for the 2025 season. This analysis highlights the top ten rookie pass-catching duos, focusing exclusively on quarterbacks, wide receivers, and tight ends. Notably absent are running backs, who generally don’t dominate the passing game. Several duos have potential but are hampered by uncertainty at quarterback, while others boast rookies who have impressive collegiate records.

For example, the Indianapolis Colts have rookie tight end Tyler Warren poised to make an impact with a historically poor quarterback in Anthony Richardson. Meanwhile, the New York Giants see Malik Nabers teaming up with Jaxson Dart, whose starting role remains uncertain. The Carolina Panthers hope that elite wideout Tetairoa McMillan can elevate Bryce Young’s game, while the Tennessee Titans aim for a dynamic connection between Cam Ward and Calvin Ridley. Each pairing offers unique storylines and risk-reward scenarios for fantasy managers.

The Minnesota Vikings made a strategic impact in the 2025 NFL Draft, focusing on key team needs with five well-chosen picks. Their first-round selection of Donovan Jackson, a versatile guard, addresses the offensive line's struggles highlighted by coach Kevin O'Connell after the playoff exit. Jackson is expected to start from day one following his solid collegiate career.

In the third round, the Vikings picked Tai Felton, a wide receiver who brings dynamic playmaking ability to challenge existing depth. Their fifth-round pick, Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins, is seen as a potential future star despite limited college production. Meanwhile, the sixth-round selections of Kobe King and Gavin Bartholomew show promise for added depth at linebacker and tight end, respectively. Overall, if the class can yield two starters and a few contributors, it will be deemed a success.