MANKATO, Minn. -- The Minnesota Vikings released their first official depth chart on Tuesday afternoon, and while it's probably a futile exercise to read too much into the list -- considering how much disdain Mike Zimmer has expressed for preseason depth charts -- we'll take a quick stab at it anyway.
The Vikings have Cordarrelle Patterson listed ahead of Jarius Wright at one receiver spot -- which seems like an odd ranking, considering Wright is ahead of Patterson in the Vikings' three-receiver set. Adam Thielen is slated ahead of Stefon Diggs, and behind Charles Johnson, at the other receiver spot, and on defense, the Vikings have Audie Cole ahead of Eric Kendricks at middle linebacker.
Robert Blanton is still listed as the starting safety next to Harrison Smith, while Justin Trattou is a second-string defensive end ahead of rookie Danielle Hunter. The Vikings have typically been cautious about anointing their rookies too early, and their initial depth chart reflects that. Things could -- and probably will -- change significantly by the end of the preseason, but here's the first depth chart, in all its glory:
Quarterback
Running back
Fullback
Receiver 1
Cordarrelle Patterson
Jarius Wright
Receiver 2
Charles Johnson
Adam Thielen
Stefon Diggs
Ryan Whalen
Tight end
Left tackle
Left guard
Center
Right guard
Isame Faciane
Right tackle
Defense
Left end
Defensive tackle
Nose tackle
Chigbo Anunoby
Right end
Justin Trattou
Danielle Hunter
Weakside linebacker
Middle linebacker
Audie Cole
Eric Kendricks
Strongside linebacker
Left cornerback
Right cornerback
Strong safety
Free safety
Harrison Smith
Specialists
Punter
Kicker
Long snapper
Holder
Jeff Locke
Kick returner
Cordarrelle Patterson
Marcus Sherels
Punt returner
Marcus Sherels
Jarius Wright