5 vikings in the training camp ready bubble

November 20, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States; Minnesota Vikings defensive end Jonathan Bullard (93) celebrates during the second quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at US Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports.

Minnesota Vikings training camp begins in three weeks when the rookies report to Eagan.

The veterans follow two days later.

The event will feature some pretty fierce roster battles, especially after the Vikings underwent a significant turnaround this offseason by releasing expensive, aging veterans.

Consequently, these are five guys from the ‘list bubble’ at the beginning of July. Consider these guys somewhat popular with Vikings fans who may or may not make the 53-man roster. They are listed alphabetically.

1. Ross Blacklock (DT)

October 2, 2022; London, United Kingdom; Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Ross Blacklock (96) leaves the field after winning the NFL International Series game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter van den Berg-USA TODAY Sports.

General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah acquired Blacklock last summer in a deal that sought “high potential” talent. But Blacklock only experienced 19% of defensive snaps in 2022, and the Vikings drafted defensive tackle Jaquelin Roy in April.

Blacklock could really go either way when the Aug. 29 roster cuts roll around, and he tends to teeter on the wrong end of the regular-season depth chart.

2. Jonathan Bullard (DT)

October 2, 2022; London, United Kingdom; Minnesota Vikings defensive end Jonathan Bullard (93) during the NFL International Series game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter van den Berg-USA TODAY Sports.

Some were a little surprised when the Vikings re-signed Bullard this spring. Because? Well, Adofo-Mensah signed former Green Bay Packer manager Dean Lowry during free agency, and Lowry is the starter, taking Bullard’s place.

In theory, like Blacklock, Bullard could stick around for depth, but he’s absolutely straddling the bubble.

3. Tint Troy (LB)

July 28, 2022; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Troy Dye (45) during training camp at the TCO Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports.

In late April, Minnesota signed undrafted free agent Ivan Pace Jr., a move touted by the Vikings and national draft leaders.

If any UDFA linebacker is going to move up a depth chart, it’s probably Pace Jr., and that means someone will be a down on the list in his wake. Unfortunately for Troy Dye, it’s probably him.

4. Jalen Reagor (WR)

October 9, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jalen Reagor (5) scores a touchdown against the Chicago Bears in the second quarter at US Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports.

The Vikings signed Brandon Powell in free agency, and he’s like Reagor’s no-brand cereal.

Reagor produced a forgettable season last year with the Vikings and didn’t really do anything to suggest he’s guaranteed to return in 2023. In theory, Reagor could finally make his first-round draft pick, but he probably would have done so already in 2020, 2021, or 2022.

Most Vikings fans have pointed to Reagor as a preseason fad cut, and they’re no fools for subscribing to the idea.

5. DJ Wonnum (OLB)

September 25, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States; Minnesota Vikings linebacker DJ Wonnum (98) looks on before the game against the Detroit Lions at US Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports.

will wonnum probably make the team as it has done for the last three seasons. But there’s a slim chance Danielle Hunter will stretch, UDFA Andre Carter II will earn a roster spot, and the Vikings like last year’s UDFA addition, Luiji Vilian. This scenario would leave someone, either Wonnum or Patrick Jones, likely on the chopping block.

It wouldn’t be crazy for Wonnum to hit free agency after being fired in late August, particularly if Minnesota likes Jones, Carter II and Vilain.

dustin baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube channel, vikesnow. He host a podcast with Bryant McKinnie, which airs every Wednesday with raun sawh and spice salt. His obsession with Vikings dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos’, Basset Hounds and The Doors (the band).

All statistics provided by Pro Football Reference / Stathead; all contractual information provided by OverTheCap.com.