Ranking Every Minnesota Vikings Player: J.J. McCarthy makes his debut in a controversial spot

The Minnesota Vikings have a very talented roster and we have now entered the top 20 of our countdown. This is where you have a majority, if not all, of the players being starters on the Vikings.

When you look at the roster as a whole, it's one of the best in the entirety of the National Football League. It's also where there can be the biggest disagreements about where the roster currently is. No. 20 is arguably going to be the biggest one on the entire list, and that's where we start off our next group of Vikings.

20. QB J.J. McCarthy

This is one that might end up being a little bit controversial. At the end of the season, it's 100% likely that he could end up in the top 5-10 of the rankings and it wouldn't be a surprise. Why did McCarthy end up this low? Simple: he hasn't played a regular season snap.

I've been steadfast in staying in a wait-and-see approach going into the season, because there hasn't been any concrete evidence that he will be a good player in the NFL other than one preseason performance that was objectively great. For now, patience is necessary.

19. TE Josh Oliver

Oliver isn't just a tight end, he's an extension of the offensive line. When you break down who the best run blockers are in the National Football League, Oliver is arguably the best. The Vikings rewarded him with a three-year extension worth up to $27.5 million overall after thriving with T.J. Hockenson injured. He is one of the more important players on the roster, especially with his versatility.

18. RG Will Fries

The offensive line has been really important for the Vikings over the course of the last year. It initially looked really good to start the season for the Vikings before things cratered over the last few weeks. Fries was a huge part of the retooling of the offensive line, and if he plays as well the first five games in 2024 before he broke his right leg. The Vikings took a major risk by guaranteeing Fries over $40 million, but it's one that could pay off in a big way if he does take that step he appeared to last season.

17. LS Andrew DePaola

A long snapper at 17th overall? How do you determine that? It's simple: in the past three years, DePaola has been a first-team All Pro twice, second-team All Pro once, and the NFC's Pro Bowl representative all three years. If any other player on the roster had those types of accolades, they would be here or higher. DePaola is arguably the best at his position in the NFL.

16. DT Javon Hargrave

Hargrave is one of the big signings that the Vikings have made during the offseason. He played against the Vikings in week two when he was with the San Francisco 49ers, but tore his triceps, prematurely ending his season. The Vikings gave him a two-year deal worth up to $30 million with the hopes that the 32 year old pass rusher can thrive in getting to the quarterback. If they do just that, the Vikings will be in a great spot.

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