Friday, September 1, 2017

Vikings announce roster cuts, set 53-man roster

Photo: Vikings.com

The Minnesota Vikings are making roster moves as they trim to 53 players and we have all of them in one spot!

The Vikings made 37 roster cuts to get down to the 53-man roster limit. Guard Alex Boone highlighted the list of released players.

For more, here's analysis of every cut and the complete 53-man roster:

OG/OT- T.J. Clemmings

After two seasons, the Vikings have parted ways with tackle/guard T.J. Clemmings, according to Adam Schefter. He was ranked as the second-worst offensive lineman via Pro Football Focus last season. The writing was on the wall as Clemmings was held out of the second preseason game and was on the field late in the fourth preseason game.

OG Alex Boone, per Tom Pelissero


The Vikings have waived guard Alex Boone. The team signed Boone in 2016 and he started 14 games at left guard. The seven-year veteran signed a 4-year, $26 million deal in 2016. The team will save $3.3 million by making this move, but will also have $3.4 million in dead cap. Boone ranked as the 37th guard via Pro Football Focus and finished with a 72.8 (average) grade. The Vikings' offensive line performed well with Nick Easton at left guard during the preseason. Easton will likely get the nod at left guard, alongside rookie Pat Elflein at center. This is also a strong endorsement for rookie Danny Isidora and Jeremiah Sirles, who can both play inside. It is surprising the team parted ways with Boone this early in his contract, but they evidently feel confident with the options they have at the interior spots. More importantly, Boone never was particularly solid enough to be considered untouchable. 

CB- Jabari Price

According to cornerback Jabari Price's Twitter account, he has been released by the Minnesota Vikings. Price was a seventh round draft pick in 2014 and missed all of last season with an injury. He showed flashes of potential in the early stages of his career, but was unable to take another step. Price was inconsistent and often had himself in position to make plays, however, he couldn't close on them.

LB- Noor Davis, per Ben Goessling

Davis, a late training camp signing served as depth in training camp.

TE- Josiah Price, per Chris Tomasson

The undrafted product out of Michigan State did not receive many reps in training camp or the preseason.

CB- Tre Roberson, per Chris Tomasson

The infamous converted quarterback caught the eye of many coaches and analysts in training camp last year. However, he took a step back in 2017.

WR- Mortiz Böhringer, per Chris Tomasson

The German sensation was a player the Vikings held on their practice squad after selecting him in the sixth round of the 2016 draft. It appears the experiment may be over.

DT- Will Sutton, per Chris Tomasson

The Vikings added Will Sutton in March as a player that could potentially be a system fit due to his athleticism and skill-set. Ultimately, the team decided to go a different direction and may be keeping veteran Datone Jones instead.

DE- Sam McCaskill, per Chris Tomasson

Sam McCaskill didn't see many reps, but may be a developmental project if he can add more weight. Tomasson said he could be a practice squad candidate.

CB- Sam Brown, per Chris Tomasson

The Vikings also released cornerback Sam Brown, who had a rough fourth preseason game. He showed developmental potential in training camp and could be back for the practice squad.

WR- RJ Shelton, per Chris Tomasson

RJ Shelton showed potential in training camp with a nice blend of speed leverage at the top of his routes. According to Tomasson, Shelton fractured his foot and may be heading to injured reserve if the Vikings can reach an agreement with him.

OG- Freddie Tagaloa, per Chris Tomasson 

Tagaloa struggled in training camp and the preseason, but may be heading to IR with an injury, according to Tomasson. With more time, perhaps the Vikings could develop his massive frame.

DT- Chunky Clements, per Andrew Krammer

Clements showed developmental potential on tape, but was stacked on a depth chart that featured a strong group of defensive tackles on the roster.

RB- Terrell Newby, per Andrew Krammer

Newby never really played an integral role in the preseason, but showed value in the passing game and shiftiness in the second level. He had tough odds in a running back room stacked with talent.

TE- Nick Truesdell, per Chris Tomasson

A tight end with intriguing measurables, Truesdell was unable to claim one of the final tight end spots. He still has developmental traits and Tomasson hinted he could be a practice squad option.

K- Marshall Koehn, per Ian Rapoport

The Vikings have decided to name veteran Kai Forbath the starting kicker to begin the 2017 season. His accuracy and reliability stood out in the preseason games. Despite having a bigger leg, Koehn missed a few kicks and an extra point in the exhibition slate. This isn't a surprising decision.

QB- Mitch Leidner, per Darren Wolfson

The Vikings have released former Gophers quarterback Mitch Leidner. He was brought in for reps as Taylor Heinicke batted an oblique injury. Leidner's practice squad chances are up in the air, according to Wolfson. It might depend upon how Heinicke is recovering after suffering a concussion in the fourth preseason game.

WR- Isaac Fruechte, per Darren Wolfson

After being added to the roster at the end of last season, the former Gophers wide receiver, faced stiff competition with the signing of Michael Floyd and two draft selections at the position. He had an up-and-down training camp and preseason and could latch on with another team.

OT- Reid Fragel, per Darren Wolfson

Reid Fragel was brought in as a player to take reps in training camp and most infamously was kicked out of a training camp practice by Mike Zimmer.

LB- Elijah Lee, per Andrew Krammer

The Vikings have waived seventh round pick Elijah Lee. He showed promising moments in training camp, but will need to develop more physical strength at the next level. This was something we saw on tape, too. Lee may have a chance at joining the practice squad, according to Krammer.

RB- Bronson Hill, per Chris Tomasson

The Vikings have cut running back Bronson Hill. He signed with the team in week two of the preseason after Bishop Sankey was placed on injured reserve with a knee injury. Hill performed well in the fourth preseason game and may be a practice squad target, per Tomasson.

DT- Dylan Bradley, per Chris Tomasson

The Vikings have released defensive tackle Dylan Bradley. The Southern Mississippi product has upside due to his blend of speed and power inside. However, his size makes him a "tweener" on the defensive line between the end and interior spots. The Vikings may want him on their practice squad for further development.

CB- Horace Richardson, per Chris Tomasson

Richardson had a successful college career at SMU and showed flashes during training camp. He needs to continue working on his footwork, but has an intriguing build and skill-set. He may be heading to the practice squad, according to Tomasson.

OG- Zac Kerin, per Andrew Krammer

Kerin spent three seasons with the Vikings, tallying stints on the practice squad and 53-man roster. He had a strong camp, but was unable to compete with rookie Danny Isidora at guard. He had an opportunity to solidify a roster spot last season, but was unable to do so.

CB- Terrell Sinkfield, per Darren Wolfson

Sinkfield made the transition from wide receiver to cornerback and had positive moments throughout training camp and the preseason. He's obviously adjusting to the technicalities of playing defensive back in the league. Sinkfield could still be on the Vikings' radar for the practice squad, per Wolfson.

DE- Ifeadi Odenigbo, per Chris Tomasson

Ifeadi Odenigbo has shown his talent in numerous ways during training camp and the preseason. He wins with a variety of power moves, including a tough push-pull. Odenigbo made frequent run stops and displayed his physicality and above average strength. Hopefully the Vikings can slide him onto their practice squad.

OT Willie Beavers, per Darren Wolfson

Beavers was very inconsistent throughout training camp and the preseason. He would put together several positive reps and then revert back to poor technique. The up-and-down nature of Beavers' performance probably wasn't enough to save him a roster spot. However, he did look slightly better than in years past.

QB- Taylor Heinicke, per Andrew Krammer

Heinicke has a rough preseason and battled an oblique injury down the stretch. He missed all of last season after injuring his foot when trying to break into his own house. During games, there were moments where Heinicke was lost and his mechanics were inconsistent. He would float passes or try to fit them into tight windows. The Vikings will now likely keep two quarterbacks and try to put Heinicke on the practice squad for practice reps. The Pioneer Press' Chris Tomasson is reporting Heinicke was waived with an injury designation and can be placed on injured reserve if he clears waivers.

S- Jack Tocho, per Ben Goessling

Tocho showed a few growing pains when transitioning to the safety spot. However, he still has potential in the backend if he can gain more experience in the future. His overall awareness skills, combined with his physical frame are worth developing.

DT Datone Jones, per Ian Rapoport (IR)

Jones will be heading to IR and the team will likely reach an injury settlement (shoulder), per Rapoport. He likely wouldn't have made the 53-man roster either way, but now will be set free from the team. Jones appeared to struggle when transitioning back inside and didn't stand out at all in camp.

TE Kyle Carter, per Ben Goessling 

Carter showed improved versatility, but the team was unable to beat out Bucky Hodges and the team elected to keep fullback C.J. Ham. In the final preseason game, Carter struggled as a run blocker and pass protector, too.

LB Edmond Robinson, per Ben Goessling 

There were high hopes for Edmond Robinson, who had every chance to claim the weakside linebacker spot. However, he really struggled in the preseason. He lacked physicality to pull off of blocks and was very undisciplined as a run defender. The team elected to keep veteran Emmaunel Lamur instead, but he does have extensive special teams experience.

P Taylor Symmank, per Ben Goessling 

Symmank was unable to edge Ryan Quigley, despite boasting a strong leg. He was inconsistent in the preseason and the Vikings elected to go with the veteran.

WR Cayleb Jones, per Ben Goessling 

Jones put togetehr an impressive training camp and flashed in the final preseason game. He is an impressive vertical target with above average ball skills. Jones will likely draw plenty of interest from other teams. The Vikings ultimately decided to keep fifth round draft pick Rodney Adams over Jones.

OG Austin Shepherd, per Ben Goessling 

Shepherd never really elevated up the depth chart and returned to Minnesota to compete in training camp, after spending a short stint in San Diego with former offensive line coach Jeff Davidson.

Here is the complete 53-man roster, via the Vikings:

QB (2)
Sam Bradford
Case Keenum

RB (4)
Dalvin Cook
Latavius Murray
Jerick McKinnon
C.J. Ham

Wide Receivers (6)
Stefon Diggs
Adam Thielen
Laquon Treadwell
Jarius Wright
Rodney Adams
Stacy Coley

Tight Ends (3)
Kyle Rudolph
David Morgan
Bucky Hodges

Offensive Line (9)
Riley Reiff
Nick Easton
Pat Elflein
Joe Berger
Mike Remmers
Aviante Collins
Rashod Hill
Danny Isadora
Jeremiah Sirles

Defensive Line (9)
Everson Griffen
Linval Joseph
Tom Johnson
Danielle Hunter
Brian Robison
Stephen Weatherly
Tashawn Bower
Jaleel Johnson
Shamar Stephen

Linebackers (6)
Anthony Barr
Eric Kendricks
Kentrell Brothers
Ben Gedeon
Emmanuel Lamur
Eric Wilson

Defensive Backs (11)
Xavier Rhodes
Trae Waynes
Terence Newman
Harrison Smith
Andrew Sendejo
Mackensie Alexander
Tramaine Brock
Marcus Sherels
Antone Exum Jr.
Anthony Harris
Jayron Kearse

Kicker (1)
Kai Forbath

Punter (1)
Ryan Quigley

Long Snapper (1)
Kevin McDermott

2 comments:

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