As of 1 September 1, 2007, the Vikings have cut their roster to the required NFL standard of 53 players.  However, this may change by a few names between now and when roster are set for week 1.  Here is the roster and analysis below:

Quarterbacks (3) -- Tarvaris Jackson, Kelly Holcomb, Brooks Bollinger.

Running Backs (3) -- Chester Taylor, Adrian Peterson, Mewelde Moore.

Fullbacks (3) -- Tony Richardson, Jeff Dugan, Naufahu Tahi.

Wide Receivers (5) -- Troy Williamson, Sidney Rice, Bobby Wade, Robert Ferguson, Aundrae Allison.

Tight Ends (2) -- Visanthe Shiancoe, Jim Kleinsasser.

Offensive Linemen (9) – Matt Birk, Bryant McKinnie, Steve Hutchinson, Ryan Cook, Artis Hicks, Anthony Herrera, Marcus Johnson, Brian Daniels, Chase Johnson.

Defensive Linemen (10) -- Kevin Williams, Pat Williams, Kenechi Udeze, Erasmus James, Darrion Scott, Ray Edwards, Spencer Johnson, Brian Robison, Fred Evans, Jayme Mitchell.

Linebackers (6) – E.J. Henderson, Chad Greenway, Ben Leber, Dontarrious Thomas, Heath Farwell, Vinny Ciuciu.

Cornerbacks (5) -- Antoine Winfield, Cedric Griffin, Marcus McCauley, Ronyell Whitaker, Charles Gordon.

Safeties (4) -- Darren Sharper, Dwight Smith, Mike Doss, Tank Williams.

Specialists (3) -- K Ryan Longwell, P Chris Kluwe, LS Cullen Loeffler.

Some observations and thoughts, some original and some borrowed:

* The Vikings may want to add a sixth receiver, perhaps one with return abilities. – Sean Jensen

* G Brian Daniels and T Chase Johnson were among the surprises. Daniels was solid throughout camp. But I thought Johnson was not as impressive. But, Johnson is massive, and he is fairly athletic. It would not shock me, though, if they upgrade with a veteran. – Sean Jensen

* CB Ronyell Whitaker was a surprise over Dovonte Edwards. But I would attribute that to his superiority on special teams. – Sean Jensen

* It'll be interesting to see what the team does with Nick Sorensen, after his workout in the coming days. – Sean Jensen

* I think Artose Pinner was undone by the versatility of Naufahu Tahi, who showed that he can catch the ball well out of the backfield and run the ball. In fact, he probably carved himself a role as a short-yardage back. – Sean Jensen

I was trying to understand why Naufahu Tahi when my coworker put it best saying, “They probably want Tahi and Peterson to grow as a pair.”  That makes sense.  It looks like after this year or maybe next, Tony Richardson will retire and Chester Taylor will be getting closer to his effective shelf life, so grooming Tahi and AP for this offense together seems like a great long term plan.

I agree with Jensen that Daniels and Johnson remain partly because they would be the probable roster spots if we decide to pick up a veteran someone else cut, Jayme Michell may fall into that category too, but I think we are deep at defensive tackle for a reason, and that reason is that we may loose Pat next year.  The only obvious spots that we are fat [more than a starter and backup] beside QB are the O and D lines and FB.  You may say that the O line isn’t, and technically you are correct, but Loeffler can fill in too on top of players being able to play and backup multiple positions.

Bringing in Nick Sorenson on Monday or Tuesday indicates the Vikings desire to find some better special teamers.  I’m all for that [if he is healthy – took a wicked shot to the head in preseason], he is a coverage specialist and it is a very important part of the game.  Denying field position puts our defense on the advantage and if they three and out, it usually results in the offense having good field position.  One feeds of the other.  Adding Sorenson will mean one of this list of 53 will be released and I doubt it will be any of the existing safeties or corners.

Looks like a good start to the season.  What do you think?