Vikings Release 15 Players to Reach 75 Man Limit

Bryan Walters rounds out
the first round of Vikings
roster cuts.

The Vikings have officially announced the release of the following players to reach the Monday 75-man deadline.

WR Bryan Walters, WR A.J. Love, WR Kamar Jordan, WR Kerry Taylor, RB Derrick Coleman, OL Levi Horn, OL Bridger Buche, OL Grant Cook, DL Tydreke Powell, DL Anthony Jacobs, DL Ernest Owusu, LB Tyler Nielson, LB Soloman Elimimian, DB Corey Gatewood, and DB Chris Stroud

As an analysis, there are hardly any suprises with this group of players being released. I was slightly suprised that the Vikings decided to part ways with wide receiver Bryan Walters. He was a decent possession receiver and had nice versatility on special teams. This is a business and the Vikings have day to day contact with these players. Most of the time there are underlying reasons for a player being released. In addition, we have too many other wide receivers that have more potential than Walters.

A player that I had very high hopes for was linebacker Solomon Elimimian. He had an excellent career in the CFL and was hoped to be in contention for a roster spot. The Vikings gave him a rather large signing bonus, but a hamstring injury derailed his chances to make the roster. Before the injury, he was slightly successful and recorded an interception in the opening preseason game vs. San Francisco.

Don't be suprised if one of these two players mentioned is placed on the practice squad, which will be set next Saturday. Elmimian must me placed on the practice squad in the next 10 days or his contract reverts back to the CFL. Walters odds of making the practice squad are slim because they normally reserve those spots for players with low NFL experience.

On another note, the Vikings have potentially rounded out the wide receiver group as only 7 players remain, including Jerome Simpson, who won't count against the roster during his suspension. The current wide receiver group includes:

Percy Harvin, Jerome Simpson (suspension 3 games), Michael Jenkins, Devin Aromashodu, Jarius Wright, Stephen Burton, Manny Arceneaux

Another position group that will be worth watching is the cornerbacks, who currently have nine occupants. By Friday that number should be down to six and presumably Bobby Felder and Reggie Jones will be battling for the final cornerback spot.

Overall, this week will be pivotal in the formation of this roster, as the team will be trimmed to 53 players on Friday and the practice squad will be formed on Saturday.

We will keep you posted with the latest information.