Well, let's see how the Vikings' final roster compares to what I projected it to be prior to Training Camp.
Quarterbacks
Gonzo's predicted roster: Tarvaris Jackson, Gus Frerotte, John David Booty (3)
Actual roster: Tarvaris Jackson, Gus Frerotte, John David Booty (3)
-Hey hey! Awesome! I'm batting 1.000! And that's pretty much the reason I put the QB position first. Honestly, no surprises here. . .there was a "competition" for the #3 quarterback slot, but I think we all know that Brooks Bollinger really didn't have much of a shot of making the team.
Running Backs
Gonzo's predicted roster: Adrian Peterson, Chester Taylor, Maurice Hicks (3)
Actual roster: Adrian Peterson, Chester Taylor, Maurice Hicks (3)
-Hicks is listed as a RB, but I'm guessing his purpose during the season, barring injury, is going to be strictly return related. At least, I hope so. I didn't think he was terribly impressive as a RB.
Fullbacks
Gonzo's predicted roster: Thomas Tapeh, Jeff Dugan (2)
Actual roster: Thomas Tapeh, Jeff Dugan, Naufahu Tahi (3)
-Tahi made the roster! I'm a bit surprised, but Childress must see something in the guy. With as much as we're probably going to run the football, or try to run the football, three fullbacks doesn't really surprise me too much.
Wide Receivers
Gonzo's predicted roster: Bernard Berrian, Sidney Rice, Bobby Wade, Aundrae Allison, Robert Ferguson, Jaymar Johnson (6)
Actual roster: Bernard Berrian, Sidney Rice, Bobby Wade, Aundrae Allison, Robert Ferguson (5)
-With keeping three fullbacks, I guess it should really only follow that the Vikings are only keeping five receivers. A little disappointing, considering all the good, young receiving talent the Vikings had vying for a spot at the bottom of the depth chart. I'm guessing a couple of receivers will find their way onto the Vikings' practice squad.
Tight Ends
Gonzo's predicted roster: Jim Kleinsasser, Garrett Mills, Visanthe Shiancoe (3)
Actual roster: Jim Kleinsasser, Garrett Mills, Visanthe Shiancoe (3)
-Yeah, I originally had Shiancoe getting cut, but I did bring him back. I completely hope that this is the year he turns it around for this team, because they sure could use him. Garrett Mills still has some rust to shake off after missing most of the pre-season with an ankle injury.
Offensive Line
Gonzo's predicted roster: Bryant McKinnie, Steve Hutchinson, Matt Birk, Anthony Herrera, Ryan Cook, Artis Hicks, John Sullivan, Chase Johnson, Drew Radovich (9)
Actual roster: Bryant McKinnie, Steve Hutchinson, Matt Birk, Anthony Herrera, Ryan Cook, Artis Hicks, John Sullivan, Drew Radovich, Marcus Johnson (9)
-With the McKinnie suspension, this is going to become even more important. I'm pleasantly surprised to see Marcus Johnson make the team, although I'm not sure at this point what his role is going to be. Nice job by Drew Radovich as well. . .going from a UDFA to a backup on one of the best offensive lines in the NFL is no small accomplishment.
Defensive Line
Gonzo's predicted roster: Jared Allen, Pat Williams, Kevin Williams, Ray Edwards, Ellis Wyms, Fred Evans, Brian Robison, Jayme Mitchell, Letroy Guion (9)
Actual roster: Jared Allen, Pat Williams, Kevin Williams, Ray Edwards, Ellis Wyms, Fred Evans, Brian Robison, Letroy Guion, Otis Grigsby (9)
-Grigsby makes the roster by virtue of stepping up his game after the injury to Jayme Mitchell. The Vikings also decided to not take their chances with trying to get Guion onto the practice squad. Job well done by both men.
Linebackers
Gonzo's predicted roster: E.J. Henderson, Chad Greenway, Ben Leber, Derrick Pope, Vinny Ciurciu, Heath Farwell, Erin Henderson (7)
Actual roster: E.J. Henderson, Chad Greenway, Ben Leber, Vinny Ciurciu, Erin Henderson, David Herron (6)
-Hmmmmmmm. . .guess David Herron wasn't cut earlier in the day after all. Darn your black heart, Judd Zulgad! (Or Chip Scoggins. . .either way, really.) Happy to see Erin Henderson make the team, though. I don't think he'll be starting next to his brother any time soon, but he should make an impact on special teams, if nothing else.
Cornerbacks
Gonzo's predicted roster: Antoine Winfield, Cedric Griffin, Charles Gordon, Marcus McCauley (4)
Actual roster: Antoine Winfield, Cedric Griffin, Charles Gordon, Marcus McCauley, Benny Sapp (5)
-Really wasn't expecting Sapp to make this roster, to be honest, but there he is. . .but it looked as though he had a heck of a fight on his hands for that last spot. Hopefully Brandon Sumrall makes the practice squad.
Safeties
Gonzo's predicted roster: Darren Sharper, Madieu Williams, Tyrell Johnson, Michael Boulware (4)
Actual roster: Darren Sharper, Madieu Williams, Tyrell Johnson, Eric Frampton, Hussain Abdullah (5)
-I didn't really hear much about Abdullah all pre-season, but apparently he did enough to make the roster. I'm guessing that when Madieu Williams is healthy and back to 100%, he might be the guy on the chopping block. Boulware getting put on IR today probably helped in that regard, too.
Special Teams
Gonzo's predicted roster: Cullen Loeffler, Ryan Longwell, Chris Kluwe (3)
Actual roster: Cullen Loeffler, Ryan Longwell, Chris Kluwe (3)
-Again, no real surprises here.
So, what does everyone think of this team? Any real surprises or disappointments out there? Discuss them here!