3 Positions that Look Weakest after Vikings Announce 53-Man Roster

The Minnesota Vikings announced their 53-man roster on Sunday with the usual mix of surprise inclusions and exclusions. After the dust has settled here are the three positions that look weakest on the Vikings’ initial depth chart.

3 Positions that Look Weakest after Vikings Announce 53-Man Roster

The makeup of the offense is certainly eye-raising, with the team beginning with four quarterbacks and going heavy on wide receivers and tight ends. It left the offensive line looking sparse, at least to begin. On the other side of the ball, it’s the edge where Minnesota looks short. Here are the three positions that look weakest as the Vikings roster currently stands.

Center 

I’m unsure about the decision to go forward with Blake Brandel as the starting center. Brandel has done a decent job covering every position across the offensive line since he was drafted by the Vikings back in 2020. However, he has very little experience at center, and it feels like a big risk. To compound the issue, backup center Michael Jurgens will start the season on the Injured Reserve, meaning he will miss at least the first four games.

Minnesota also chose to waive seventh-round rookie Gavin Gerhardt. They moved to pick up Nick Samac on waivers, a former seventh-round pick who spent time in Baltimore before spending a year in Carolina. He has only seen the field on special teams. A veteran at the position who can be a competent backup was my wish, but the Vikings seem to see things differently. It could be a mistake.

Guard

The lack of depth extends to guard. Behind the starters Donovan Jackson and Will Fries, there is only Joe Huber alongside newcomer Trevor Keegan (and possibly Samac, who is listed at center).

Huber was picked up as an undrafted rookie last year and did well enough to make the roster and play in 12 games, including one start, while the Vikings went through an injury crisis in 2025. Huber will need to show serious development if he gets on the field this year, as his rookie season was a struggle.

Given the injury problems Minnesota had last season, it was surprising to see the team begin so light on the OL. The new adds may need to do some heavy lifting before long.

Outside Linebacker

Minnesota’s depth at outside linebacker was already looking flimsy before a torn ACL ended Tyler Batty’s season. It’s a shame for Batty, another undrafted player (from 2025) who had worked his way to almost certainly being on the roster. His injury now makes the need for the Vikings to add another OLB seem like a necessity.

Whether it’s looking at who’s left on the free-agent market or trying to fire up a trade, new Vikings GM Nolan Teasley needs to make his first big addition. There are high hopes for Dallas Turner this season and we know what Andrew Van Ginkel can do but behind them there is just Chaz Chambliss and Bo Richter. Not enough.