Minnesota Vikings Training Camp: Deep Dive into Roster Developments and Position Battles
As the Minnesota Vikings progress through their 2025 training camp, a clearer picture is beginning to form regarding the team’s roster composition. Now over a week into training camp, the Vikings are closing in on their first preseason game, and this stretch of practices has already delivered a wealth of insights into how the coaching staff is evaluating the players. The training ground has seen its share of struggles and triumphs, especially from rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy, whose growth process has been on full display.
General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and the coaching staff are facing one of their most complicated roster-building challenges yet. With new prospects, offseason acquisitions, returning veterans, and a dynamic mixture of developmental and depth talent, decisions won’t be easy across several positions. Let’s take a comprehensive look at each position group, identifying who is currently projected to make the 53-man roster and which players are on the outside looking in. This projection reflects the first week of practices and includes performance trends, injury-related shuffling, and overall fit within the Vikings’ schemes and systems.
Quarterback Room (Projected to keep 3)
Making the roster: J.J. McCarthy, Sam Howell, Max Brosmer
Not making the roster: Brett Rypien
The spotlight in training camp has been fixed firmly on the quarterback position, particularly on first-round pick J.J. McCarthy. As expected for a rookie, McCarthy has had a rollercoaster week—marked by moments of brilliance followed by occasional lapses in timing and decision-making. However, coaches have praised his ability to absorb information quickly and his resilience after mistakes. Each rep has been a valuable learning opportunity for the young signal-caller.
Sam Howell, acquired to provide a bridge or backup presence, has not displayed the consistency needed to lock down the second-string job. Although Howell has taken the majority of second-team snaps, his play resembles what he showed in Washington—competent at times but often just a beat late in his progressions. That half-second delay continues to limit his upside, and with the Vikings not heavily invested in him financially or otherwise, his roster spot is anything but secure.
Max Brosmer, an undrafted rookie, has impressed coaches with his command of the offense and ability to stay calm under pressure. Although not expected to push for playing time early, his development arc could earn him a seat on the final 53, especially if the team decides to go with youth and upside over a journeyman like Brett Rypien
Running Backs (Projected to keep 4)
Making the roster: Aaron Jones, Jordan Mason, Ty Chandler, C.J. Ham (FB)
Not making the roster: Tre Stewart, Zavier Scott
Veteran Aaron Jones has slid seamlessly into the top spot on the depth chart, showing his usual burst, vision, and receiving ability. His experience and versatility make him a key piece in both the run and pass game. Jordan Mason has taken advantage of his reps behind Jones and has solidified himself as the number two option—powerful, decisive, and a good fit in both inside and outside zone schemes.
C.J. Ham, the team’s fullback and a long-time locker room leader, remains essential—not just for his blocking, but for his adaptability in various offensive formations. With Kevin O’Connell’s system leaning into multi-dimensional offensive looks, Ham’s role is secure.
Ty Chandler finds himself in the third running back slot, a critical role considering special teams responsibilities. He’s already made significant contributions in that phase, which gives him an edge over both Stewart and Scott. Neither of the latter two has yet demonstrated enough on special teams to threaten Chandler’s hold on the roster spot. If they want a chance, they’ll need to shine in coverage units and return opportunities in the coming preseason games.
Wide Receiver (Projected to keep 6, not including suspended players)
Making the roster: Justin Jefferson, Jalen Nailor, Tai Felton, Tim Jones, Jeshaun Jones, Lucky Jackson
Suspended list: Jordan Addison
Not making the roster: Rondale Moore, Thayer Thomas, Dontae Fleming, Robert Lewis, Silas Bolden, Myles Price
The wide receiver corps for the Vikings is not only deep but also boasts some of the most intriguing camp battles of any position group. Leading the group is All-Pro Justin Jefferson, whose presence—even when sidelined due to minor injury—remains a towering influence. With Jefferson being held out of some practices for precautionary reasons, others have been able to step up and showcase their talent in first-team reps.
Jordan Addison, expected to be the number two wideout, is dealing with off-field discipline issues that may result in a suspension to start the regular season. This temporary vacancy could offer a golden opportunity for a fringe player to make the active roster.
Jalen Nailor has had a strong camp and continues to build chemistry with all three quarterbacks. His crisp route running and ability to create separation make him a reliable intermediate option. Tai Felton and Jeshaun Jones have both flashed during red zone drills and 7-on-7s, with Felton’s speed making him a vertical threat, and Jones showing toughness in contested catches.
Lucky Jackson, perhaps the biggest riser during camp so far, has capitalized on increased reps with Jefferson sidelined. He’s caught the eye of the coaching staff and appears poised to earn his first roster spot. Jackson’s story is compelling—an undrafted player climbing the depth chart thanks to performance and reliability in team drills.
Tim Jones is another player that brings physicality and special teams contributions, making him a valuable depth piece. Conversely, more established names like Rondale Moore have underperformed, and younger players like Thayer Thomas and Dontae Fleming have failed to create enough separation—both literally and figuratively—in a crowded room.
Other Position Groups (Summary; continued in-depth analysis follows in full paraphrase)
In other areas of the roster, the Vikings face similarly nuanced decisions. The offensive line appears to be shaping up with continuity at the starting positions, but depth is an area of concern. On the defensive line, rookies and new acquisitions are pushing veterans for spots. The linebackers are led by returning starters, but a few undrafted free agents have made early noise.
The secondary remains one of the most competitive areas in camp, with corners and safeties rotating frequently. Several young players are making their case through physical play and takeaway production. Special teams—particularly kicker, punter, and long snapper—feature ongoing battles that may not be decided until the final preseason game.
General Outlook and Coaching Insight
What’s clear through eight days of practice is that the Vikings’ front office has built a roster full of athletic, versatile players, especially in the lower half. Kwesi Adofo-Mensah’s “competitive rebuild” model continues to bring in high-upside talent, but that also means the coaching staff must spend considerable time evaluating upside versus readiness.
J.J. McCarthy remains the centerpiece of the franchise’s long-term vision, and his growth will dictate the team’s trajectory this season. His command of the offense is improving, but fans and analysts alike understand that there will be growing pains.
The veterans—especially on defense and the offensive line—are providing necessary stability, allowing younger players to work through early-camp mistakes. Coaches have noted a strong sense of focus and competitiveness among the group, particularly as preseason looms.
Conclusion (Overview of Key Decisions Still to Come)
With just over a week remaining until the first preseason matchup, the Vikings are nearing key cutdown dates and roster decisions. While some position groups feel nearly set in stone, others will hinge entirely on preseason performance and availability due to injury or suspension.
Among the most anticipated decisions will be the quarterback depth beyond McCarthy, the final spots at wide receiver, and which backs provide enough special teams impact to warrant selection.
Fans should keep a close eye on the upcoming practices and preseason contests—those moments will go a long way in determining which players survive the final cut and enter the 2025 season in purple and gold.
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