Vikings Release 1st Depth Chart, With Few Surprises
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- The Minnesota Vikings released their first preseason depth chart Monday, with very few surprises across the roster.
On offense, one thing to note is Charles Johnson starting at WR2 rather than rookie Laquon Treadwell. At this point, it's probably a matter of experience. And while Treadwell could very well overtake Johnson at some point in the preseason, many expected Johnson to have a breakout year last year before he was hampered by injury.
The quarterbacks look exactly as you'd expect, with Teddy Bridgewater starting, backed up by Shaun Hill and Joel Stave. Taylor Henicke, the Vikings' usual third stringer, injured his foot and will be out for a few weeks. Once he's back, it's safe to assume he'll replace Stave, barring a breakout preseason performance by the former University of Wisconsin quarterback.
The offensive line, which was a focus in the offseason and has been a matter of much debate during training camp, matches most people's predictions. Matt Kalil and free-agent acquisition Andre Smith hold down the tackle spots, with Alex Boone -- another free agent -- and Brandon Fusco starting at guard. Fusco played at the left guard spot last season due to lack of depth and injuries, but he returns to his natural position this year.
John Sullivan, who missed the 2015-2016 season due to back surgery, takes the center spot back from Joe Berger. Berger had an excellent season in Sullivan's absence, even being named Pro Football Focus' top-rated center.
On the defensive side of the ball, the depth chart remains largely unchanged from last year. The defensive line of Everson Griffen, Linval Joseph, Sharrif Floyd and Brian Robison should have another strong year. Second-year defensive end Danielle Hunter could compete with Robison at some point after a rookie year in which he recorded six sacks in limited playing time.
Chad Greenway holds onto his starting spot at weak side linebacker, but he will play limited snaps and could be surpassed by free agent Emmanuel Lamur. Unsurprisingly, the standout duo of Eric Kendricks and Anthony Barr remain at the top of the depth chart.
A problem the Vikings have been trying to solve for several seasons is who to put next to Harrison Smith in the secondary. Former undrafted free agent Anthony Harris, 2014 sixth round pick Antone Exum, Jr. and former Tennessee Titan Michael Griffin were all expected to compete for the spot. As of now, it looks like the Vikings will stick with Andrew Sendejo. Sendejo, known for his big hits and not much else, may not hold on to the job for long.
2015 first-round pick Trae Waynes hasn't earned a starting job quite yet, according to this first depth chart. Terence Newman, now 37, holds onto one outside cornerback job, with Xavier Rhodes holding firmly onto the other. Captain Munnerlyn, who greatly improved last year after a lackluster debut season with the Vikings, will start in the slot.
Finally we get to the special teams. Perhaps the only surprise here is that the Vikings didn't bring in competition for punter Jeff Locke, who has been a disappointment since he was drafted. Despite Blair Walsh's heartbreaking miss in the playoffs, he remains the Vikings kicker and has been solid, if not spectacular, in his four seasons with the team.
Cordarelle Patterson remains the kick returner, and will have to prove his worth at that spot if he hopes to stay with the team after this season, as he has done nothing as a wide receiver since his rookie year. Though Marcus Sherels is perennially pegged as a potential cut, the Vikings have not found anyone capable of replacing his value as a punt returner.
This is just the first depth chart of the year, so it should be taken with a grain of salt. It's sure to change, maybe even as soon as next week after the first preseason game.
