The Minnesota Vikings had a busy offseason as they licked their wounds after their crushing defeat 27-9 at the hands of the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Wild Card Game. They bolstered both interior lines, found a nice complement to Aaron Jones in the backfield, and added needed depth to the defense. But the question is how second-year pro J.J. McCarthy will perform as the starting quarterback for the Vikings in 2025.

After sitting out all of last season with a torn meniscus in his right knee, McCarthy is being handed the reins of a Vikings offense with an assortment of weapons and a revamped line. I believe a couple of additional veterans will be added to the roster (perhaps at cornerback and running back) before the regular season begins. But here is a first look with training camp right around the corner. Last time, I made my prognostications for the Vikings offense. Today, it’s the defense’s turn.

Vikings Defense

Interior Line

Jonathan Allen, Javon Hargrave, Harrison Phillips, Jalen Redmond, Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins, Taki Taimani

Perhaps the biggest impact acquisitions for the Vikings in the offseason were the signings of defensive tackles Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave. These two pass-rushing experts might fill a void that has long persisted on this team. And Allen is equally accomplished at shutting down the run as he is putting heat on the quarterback. Harrison Phillips is a first-class run stopper who may give way to Hargrave on passing downs.

Jalen Redmond had some nice moments last season for the Vikings. He has a quick first step and could become a disruptive pass rusher. Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins was a 2025 fifth-round draft pick who will be a development project. He may have to make his mark on special teams initially. Taki Taimani provides backup for Phillips in case he goes down. Levi Drake Rodriquez is on the bubble and may end up on the practice squad.

Edge Rusher

Jonathan Greenard, Andrew Van Winkel, Dallas Turner, Bo Richter, Tyler Batty

Jonathan Greenard has recorded two consecutive double-digit sack seasons and is now one of the premier edge rushers in the league. He was named to his first Pro Bowl after last season, and he continues to improve every year. He and his running mate Andrew Van Winkle are among the elite edge rush tandems in the NFL. Van Ginkel is one of Vikings’ defensive coordinator Brian Flores’ “Swiss army knives” and is adept at pressuring the quarterback and dropping into coverage.

This is the season that Dallas Turner must prove to Vikings management that he is worth the considerable investment they made in him on draft day 2024. Like last season, look for him to line up across the defensive line on passing downs. Bo Richter is an ace on special teams, which will be his ticket to making the roster again in 2025. And in a battle of the Undrafted Free Agents (UFDA), Tyler Batty edges Gabriel Murphy due to his ability to slide inside to play tackle. Richter slips to the practice squad.

Inside Linebacker

Blake Cashman, Ivan Pace Jr., Eric Wilson, Kobe King

Blake Cashman is one of the keys to this Minnesota defense. Excels both at stopping the run and dropping into coverage. He has racked up 100 tackles in each of the last two seasons and was unfortunately snubbed as a Pro Bowl selection in 2024-25. Ivan Pace Jr. is a beast at stopping the run and is a very effective pass rusher. His coverage skills need tuning, but coach Flores loves his motor.

The signing of free agent Eric Wilson was one of the sleeper moves of the offseason. The former Viking is a steady player, familiar with the team, and an excellent special-teams contributor. Kobe King is a first-class run stopper and a valuable special teamer. He beats out third-year pro Brian Asamoah, who will be a strong practice squad candidate.

Cornerback

Byron Murphy Jr., Isaiah Rodgers, Mekhi Blackmon, Jeff Okudah, Dwight McGlothern, Tavierre Thomas

Byron Murphy Jr. is the leader of this unit. He earned his first Pro-Bowl berth after last season, partially because of his six picks. He can also slide in and play the nickel position. Isaiah Rodgers has been a strong rotational player, and the Vikings expect him to have a breakout campaign. He will start on the outside, opposite Murphy. Mekhi Blackmon had a promising rookie season in 2023, but he tore his ACL and missed all of his sophomore year. He will be given every opportunity to win the nickelback position.

Jeff Okudah is a former Detroit Lions first-round draft pick who has had an injury-plagued career. Still, the talent is there, and he could see time on the outside with Murphy moving to the nickel. Dwight McGlothern showed great promise last season but must take the next step to see meaningful playing time. Tavierre Thomas will have the thankless job of being the gunner on special teams, but he excels at this specialty. This is a position where I believe the Vikings will add a veteran to their lineup before the start of the regular season.

Safety

Harrison Smith, Theo Jackson, Josh Metellus, Jay Ward

Harrison Smith is headed to the Hall of Fame, but his core competencies have atrophied considerably over the past three seasons. The speedy Cam Bynum covered up well for him on deep throws last season, and Theo Jackson must do the same this year. Jackson is an underrated talent whose potential allowed the Vikings to let Bynum walk in free agency.

Josh Metellus plays a monsterback position with the Vikings and will line up all over the field. This Flore’s favorite should have been a Pro Bowler after his outstanding play last season. Jay Ward will be expected to back up both starting safeties and is invaluable on special teams.

Specialists

Will Reichard (K), Oscar Chapman (P), and Andrew DePaola (LS)

Reichard started his rookie season in 2025 hot. Then, he was slowed by an injury and struggled somewhat on his return. This highly accurate kicker will return to form this year and be the difference maker in several Vikings victories.

I don’t wish ill for Ryan Wright, but I hope Oscar Champman is our punter this upcoming season. Wright’s placement issues have started to hurt the team. Andrew DePaolo has made three straight Pro Bowls and is the best long snapper in the NFL.

Summary

The Minnesota Vikings are settled at most positions, but there is room for upgraded depth options. Look for Minnesota to be assertive in the free agent market for the next month and a half.