We've officially reached taxiing time before the season takes off in Eagan.
From the current roster down to the initial 53 there may be as few truly open spots as there have been in quite some time.
Kirk Cousins (1) Kellen Mond (2)
Dalvin Cook (3), Alexander Mattison (4) CJ Ham (5)
Justin Jefferson (6) Adam Thielen (7)
Irv Smith (8) Tyler Conklin (9)
Garrett Bradbury (10) Ezra Cleveland (11) Christian Darrisaw (12) Brian O'Neill (13) Wyatt Davis (14)
Danielle Hunter (15) Michael Pierce (16) Dalvin Tomlinson (17) Sheldon Richardson (18) DJ Wonnum (19) Patrick Jones (20) Janarius Robinson (21)
Anthony Barr (22) Eric Kendricks (23) Chazz Surratt (24)
Patrick Peterson (25) Bashaud Breeland (26) Cam Dantzler (27) Mackenzie Alexander (28)
Harrison Smith (29) Xavier Woods (30)
That's a great foundation for the rest of 23 player collection to build upon!
But there's one specific thing that has me speculating today: all the defensive line talent!
After the team ironed out Hunter's non-dramatic contract concern they moved quickly to add Sheldon Richardson as another defensive tackle option. Or at least that's how it's being sold since he's primarily been a DT during his career.
It hasn't always been the case but at times Zimmer has been willing to think adjust his philosophies, making changes to his system. Adding SR could have motivated Zim to go back in his mental laboratory to figure out the best way to use him in concert with the talent that had already been assembled.
The defense has primarily (maybe exclusively) been a 4/3 since he was hired but now he may be able to add in 3/4 sub-packages. It would require more from the backers than they may be ready to provide but is possible.
The real wrinkle that I would love to see is a five-man defensive line! Having Richardson as a pass rusher between the bowling balls that are Pierce & Tomlinson would be a nightmare for offensive lines! Even Lamar Jackson would have trouble escaping that attack.
There has already been some usage of it on lower levels and it could be another problem that offenses would have to consider when preparing for & playing against the team.
With all the guys who are on one-year deals if it doesn't work for whatever reason then it could just go on the scrap heap. But with all the experience on every level of the D they should be able to come together cohesively while doing a few things this year that are not common, including but not limited to this different sort of use of the guys that they will have!