Minnesota Vikings: Final roster prediction after the final preseason game

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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – AUGUST 27: Everson Griffen (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

Defense

DL (10): Everson Griffen, Linval Joseph, Tom Johnson, Danielle Hunter, Brian Robison, Jaleel Johnson, Shamar Stephen, Tashawn Bower, Stephen Weatherly, Ifeadi Odenigbo

Cuts: Datone Jones, Will Sutton, Dylan Bradley, Sam McCaskill, Chunky Clements

PUP/IR: Sharrif Floyd

10 defensive linemen may feel like a lot, but the line is just crazy deep. Bower, Weatherly and Odenigbo have had fantastic preseasons creating all kinds of pressure up front. Jaleel Johnson looks like he could step into the starting spot opposite Joseph in a matter of time and Stephen has recovered nicely in training camp and the preseason after a rough year in 2016. Defensive tackles Sutton or Jones could make the roster over a sixth defensive end (likely Odenigbo, in my opinion). Interestingly, Jones didn’t play against the Dolphins. Is that a sign he’s making the roster?

LB (6): Anthony Barr, Eric Kendricks, Ben Gedeon, Edmond Robinson, Kentrell Brothers, Eric Wilson

Cuts: Emmanuel Lamur, Elijah Lee, Noor Davis

I added Wilson to the final prediction because he’s consistently made plays throughout the preseason. Yes, he has a ways to go, but I love his nose for the football. In my view, he’s down right earned a spot on the roster. Gedeon likely starts on the weakside with Robinson backing up. Lamur is out because he lost the weakside competition and makes too much to justify being a special teams player. Brothers makes the team because he’s a special teams ace and backups Kendricks at middle linebacker. Seventh round draft pick Elijah Lee is a good bet for the practice squad.

CB (5): Xavier Rhodes, Trae Waynes, Terence Newman, Mackensie Alexander, Marcus Sherels

Cuts: Jabari Price, Tre Roberson, Horace Richardson, Sam Brown, Terrell Sinkfield

I considered Price after the third preseason game, but against the Dolphins, he was exposed in pass coverage. Overall, I don’t think he’s performed well enough to make the roster. The five guys listed are locks, but this group could use more depth. Maybe they pick someone up on waivers? They also have Exum Jr., who is a cornerback/safety hybrid.