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Way too early Vikings 53-man roster prediction

By Jake Andersen

Oct 18, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer (L) speaks with general manager Rick Spielman (R) prior to their game against the Kansas City Chiefs at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 18, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer (L) speaks with general manager Rick Spielman (R) prior to their game against the Kansas City Chiefs at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports /
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Defensive Back

Jan 1, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings cornerback Trae Waynes (26) celebrates his interception against the Chicago Bears in the third quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Vikings win 38-10. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings cornerback Trae Waynes (26) celebrates his interception against the Chicago Bears in the third quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Vikings win 38-10. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports /

DB: Xavier Rhodes, Terence Newman, Harrison Smith, Andrew Sendejo, Trae Waynes, Mackensie Alexander, Jayron Kearse, Marcus Sherels, Anthony Harris

The Vikings were third in total defense last season, as was their pass defense headlined by cornerback Xavier Rhodes.

In his fourth season, Rhodes broke out for 5 interceptions and according to Pro Football Focus, allowed the lowest passer rating to opposing quarterbacks at 47.0. On the other end, Terrance Newman was no slouch either, as the Vikings held opponents to an average of 207.9 yards a game.

The Vikings got great production from nickel corner Captain Munnerlyn as well. After signing with the Carolina Panthers as a free agent though, coach Zimmer will look to speed up the development of Mackensie Alexander, the club’s second round pick last season, to play nickel corner.

While Alexander gets the first crack at the job, Newman provides insurance in case the second-year player isn’t ready. In fact, he may end up with the job if Trae Waynes has anything to say about it.

Waynes had an up and down 2016 season, but he definitely showed glimpses of his potential highlighted by his interception of Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers in which sealed an early season victory over their division rival. Based on 2016, I am optimistic that Waynes can hold down a starting job in 2017.

On the back end, Harrison Smith anchors the safety group. Smith likely will be reunited with Andrew Sendejo unless beaten out by second-year player Jayron Kearse, which could become a real possibility.

The other two players that I have making the cut are Marcus Sherels and Anthony Harris.

Sherels has always been a consistent special team contributor and proves himself year and year out that his spot isn’t expendable. I don’t think anything is different this season, especially considering that losing him means that the Vikings have to fill both the punt and kick returning positions.

Harris is included as the fourth safety because of limited options at the position and his experience playing on special teams and defense. Don’t be shocked for his spot to be challenged by seventh round draft pick Jack Tocho, who is transitioning from corner to safety.

Another name to watch is Tre Roberson, who transitioned smoothly from quarterback to cornerback after signing as an undrafted free agent last season. He didn’t make the roster, but has stuck around to push for a spot this season.

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