5 Dark Horse Candidates to Make Minnesota Vikings' 53-Man Roster

5 Dark Horses to Make the Minnesota Vikings' 53-Man Roster

Anthony Harris Virginia
Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

For the most part, the Minnesota Vikings' final roster heading into the regular season is highly predictable right now.

But circumstances can certainly change between now and Week 1, so here are five dark horse candidates to make Minnesota's 53-man roster.

5. LB Edmond Robinson

Edmond Robinson Vikings
Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

5. LB Edmond Robinson

Edmond Robinson Vikings
Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

The Vikings have plenty of competition for roster spots at linebacker, and Robinson is a long shot all things considered. That said, if the team is intrigued enough by his potential, Robinson could earn a place on special teams right away.

4. RB DuJuan Harris

DuJuan Harris Vikings
Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

4. RB DuJuan Harris

DuJuan Harris Vikings
Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

Injuries derailed Harris' career a couple years ago, and at this point it will probably take a major injury to someone else for him to stick with the Vikings. But if he stands out as a kickoff returner during camp and preseason games, Harris could make a strong case for a roster spot.

3. QB Taylor Heinicke

Taylor Heinicke Vikings
Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

3. QB Taylor Heinicke

Taylor Heinicke Vikings
Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

Heinicke could ultimately land on the Vikings' practice squad as a developmental prospect, after being signed as an undrafted free agent this spring. If the team chooses to carry a third quarterback on the 53-man roster, he should have the edge over Mike Kafka.

2. WR DaVaris Daniels

DaVaris Daniels Notre Dame
Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

2. WR DaVaris Daniels

DaVaris Daniels Notre Dame
Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

His involvement in an academic cheating scandal at Notre Dame led to a season-long suspension last year, and Daniels went undrafted after making a questionable decision to turn pro. He has the size (6'2", 201 lbs.) and tools to make it in the league though, and if he does well in camp and preseason games the Vikings may have to consider putting Daniels on the 53-man roster.

1. S Anthony Harris

Anthony Harris Virginia
Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

1. S Anthony Harris

Anthony Harris Virginia
Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

After intercepting eight passes as a junior in 2013, a right shoulder injury hampered Harris last season (two interceptions) and led to him going undrafted. The Vikings should have a wide open training camp battle for the starting spot at strong safety, and Harris can at least make a case for a roster spot with a good showing.

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