Welcome to the beginning of our 2023 season preview content!
Over the next few weeks, we will be looking at each player on the roster in-depth with backgrounds and how they currently project forward on the Minnesota Vikings roster.
What is the best-case scenario? What is the worst-case scenario? What should we expect from them during the preseason and beyond? We will break all of that down here.
As a staff, all of us at Vikings Wire ranked the entire 90-man roster 1-90 and will be releasing player profiles in reverse order.
Background
Name: T.J. Smith
Rank: 73
Height: 6’3″
Weight: 290
Experience: 4th year
College: Arkansas
Stats (in NFL): 2 games, 7 tackles, 1 tackle for loss
Votes:
Tyler Forness: 73
Kevin Fielder: 74
Judd Zulgad: 73
Saivion Mixson: 72
Average: 73.00
Best case scenario
In a defensive line with a lot of questions marks, a really good preseason and training camp from Smith, who has been with the Vikings for the past two seasons, could earn himself a roster spot. The only certainties on the defensive line right now are Harrison Phillips and Dean Lowry. The other four spots have players thought to be in those spots, but a T.Y. McGill preseason could change everything.
Worst case scenario
Smith was on the Vikings practice squad for the last two seasons and played in a single game in each. The worst-case scenario for Smith is that he plays poorly enough during the preseason where the Vikings choose not even to keep him on the practice squad but rather cut him outright.
What to expect in 2023
Smith has been a stalwart depth player during his time with the Vikings. He hasn’t seen much game time, but has been a valuable member of the scout team and practice squad. Expect that to continue forward into 2023 with potentially more games on the active roster.
Previous player profiles
90-Garett Maag
89-Jack Podlesny
88-Zach Ojile
87-NaJee Thompson
86-Thayer Thomas
85-Sam Schluter
84-Jaelyn Williams
83-Jacky Chen
82-Cephus Johnson III
81-C.J. Coldon Jr.
80-Junior Aho
79-Malik Knowles
78-Abraham Beauplan
77-Wilson Huber
76-Lucky Jackson
75-Andre Carter II
74-Curtis Weaver
