Ben Goessling, ESPN Staff Writer 9y

Ranking the Vikings' roster: Nos. 45-41

MINNEAPOLIS -- We're continuing with our ranking of the Minnesota Vikings' roster, counting down from No. 53 to No. 1 before the start of training camp. You can find the first installment of the rankings here.

Today, we'll look at players No. 45-41.

45. Zach Line, FB

Given the number of tight ends on their roster, it's possible the Vikings could start the season without a fullback and use Rhett Ellison or MyCole Pruitt in the backfield. But the guess here is they keep a fullback, and if they do, it'll be Line. He stood out during the 2013 preseason and was on the roster all of last season, even though he was only active for one game. The Vikings didn't want to risk putting him through waivers in order to get him to the practice squad, and it seems they could have plans for him this year. He carried 778 times in four years at SMU and showed he could catch the ball out of the backfield during the 2013 preseason. Norv Turner likes versatile fullbacks, and Line has the skill set to be one.

44. Jabari Price, CB

The Vikings seemed to like Price's feisty style as a rookie, and he played 47 snaps as a defensive back after making the roster as a seventh-round pick. If the Vikings need an alternative for Captain Munnerlyn at slot cornerback and they don't want to put Trae Waynes inside, they could look to Price, who played the position last year and seems to have the necessary quickness. He also was a key contributor on special teams last year, though he and Antone Exum got pulled off the special teams units because of penalties for one game last November.

43. Andrew Sendejo, S

He'll be competing for the starting safety spot next to Harrison Smith after starting the final three games of last season. General manager Rick Spielman said after the draft the Vikings "kind of know" what Robert Blanton and Sendejo are, which wouldn't suggest the team is sold on either one. But Sendejo has been a valued piece of the Vikings' special teams units for the last several years, which helped him earn a contract extension in 2013. That contract is up after this season and includes just $66,668 of dead money, which means Sendejo will have to fight for his roster spot in training camp.

42. Danielle Hunter, DE

It's hard to know where to put the lithe defensive end, who doesn't turn 21 until Oct. 29 and is still learning the intricacies of his position, but the Vikings certainly think they could have a steal on their hands. They were using Hunter at both defensive end spots in minicamp, and coach Mike Zimmer said he'd seen Hunter make noticeable gains during OTAs and minicamp. He ran a 4.57 40, stands 6-foot-6 and has the flexibility to cover running backs in space. He'll need to develop a full repertoire of pass-rushing moves, but if he can, he could be a disruptive player in the Vikings' defense.

41. Matt Asiata, RB

Why such a low spot for the player who led the Vikings in rushing yards and yards from scrimmage last year? Well, Adrian Peterson is back, which means Asiata's role is going to be quite a bit smaller this year. He's a thick, physical running back who excelled in short-yardage situations last year, stood up to pass-rushers and caught 44 passes out of the backfield. The Vikings trust him in a number of situations, and it's possible he could get a look as a fullback this year. But as a ballcarrier, he's probably third on the depth chart behind Peterson and McKinnon. His best opportunities to contribute could be as a third-down back.

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