As the Minnesota Vikings dive into their OTA program, the countdown to the 2025 regular season has begun. In just 89 days, they’ll face the Chicago Bears in a primetime Sunday Night Football showdown. Before that, the coaching staff faces the daunting task of trimming the roster from 90 players to 53 and determining the 22 starters on offense and defense. With tough decisions looming, here are the four position groups set to ignite the fiercest battles for roster spots and starting roles this summer.
4. Defensive Tackle
The Vikings’ starting defensive tackle trio is all but set after aggressive moves in free agency. Jonathan Allen (three-year, $51 million contract) and Javon Hargrave (two-year, $30 million contract) join Harrison Phillips to form a formidable front. Beyond these anchors, however, the competition for the remaining 2-3 roster spots is wide open.
Minnesota added Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. The Georgia product was a disruptive force in college, racking up eight tackles for loss and three sacks in his senior year. Meanwhile, Taki Taimani, a massive presence, is vying to establish himself as a true NFL nose tackle. Levi Drake Rodriguez, a 2024 seventh-round pick, brings relentless energy to the mix, and Jalen Redmond, who notched six tackles for loss and a sack in his first taste of NFL action, isn’t far behind. With only a couple of spots likely available, one or two of these players may find themselves on the outside looking in when the season kicks off in September.
3. Wide Receiver
At the top of the wide receiver depth chart, there’s no debate: Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison are locked in as the Vikings’ top two options. The real intrigue lies in the fight for the WR3 spot and the remaining 1-2 roster spots
The Vikings raised eyebrows by selecting Tai Felton in the third round of the 2025 draft. The Maryland standout capped his college career with an impressive 96 receptions, 1,124 yards, and nine touchdowns, but he’ll need to prove he can translate that production to the NFL. Jalen Nailor, coming off his best professional season in 2024, held down the WR3 role last year and won’t relinquish it easily. Rondale Moore, a free-agent signing, brings consistency with 40+ receptions and 350+ yards in each of his first three NFL seasons.
The battle for the final roster spot is equally intense. Undrafted free agent Silas Bolden, signed this spring, offers blazing speed and could carve out a role as a return specialist. Tim Jones, another free-agent addition from Jacksonville, and Lucky Jackson, entering his third season with Minnesota, round out a crowded field. The WR3 through WR5/6 spots will be a proving ground this summer.
2. Outside Linebacker
The outside linebacker group promises not only a battle for starting roles but also a fierce competition for depth spots. Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel earned Pro Bowl nods and even garnered some Defensive Player of the Year votes in 2024, cementing their status at the top. Dallas Turner, despite limited production in his rookie season due to the talent ahead of him, showed flashes of brilliance late in the year. With a full NFL season under his belt, the highly talented pass rusher could push for a larger share of snaps in 2025.
The race for the OLB4 spot is just as compelling. Gabriel Murphy, a standout at UCLA, is looking to build on his 35 defensive snaps from 2024. Bo Richter, a 2024 undrafted free agent, played 29 snaps last season and is in a similar position to make a leap. Chaz Chambliss, a 2025 undrafted free agent, brings undersized but gritty play, with the strength to bullrush tight ends and contribute against the run. Training camp will be critical for these players to secure their place on the roster.
1. Cornerback
Outside of Byron Murphy, who is a lock as a starter, the Vikings’ cornerback room is a puzzle with countless possible solutions. Any combination of players could emerge, making this the most unpredictable position group heading into training camp.
Isaiah Rodgers or Jeff Okudah could thrive in Brian Flores’ defensive scheme and claim the No. 2 corner spot. Alternatively, younger players like Mekhi Blackmon or Dwight McGlothern could take significant steps forward and seize a starting role. Tavierre Thomas, a free-agent addition with nearly a decade of NFL experience, including 22 starts from 2020-2023 and extensive special teams work, could push for a top-four spot. Ambry Thomas, who showed promise with the San Francisco 49ers in 2023 before an injury-riddled 2024, is another wildcard looking to reclaim a starting role. With all but one spot up for grabs, the cornerback competition will be a focal point of Minnesota’s preseason.
Final Thoughts
As the Vikings prepare for their season opener against the Bears, the battles at defensive tackle, wide receiver, outside linebacker, and cornerback will shape the team’s identity. With a mix of established stars, rising young talent, and hungry newcomers, these position groups are ground zero for the toughest roster decisions. Training camp can’t come soon enough.