Photo - Aj Mansour (KFAN)

By: Joe Nelson | KFAN.com
@JoeNelsonKFAN

Mankato, MN - The Vikings wrapped up full-padded practices at training camp on Wednesday, and will break camp and head back to the Twin Cities after something short of a walkthrough on Thursday. Then it's off to Mall of America Field for preseason game No. 2, Friday night against the Buffalo Bills. Here is the rotation for the team's base 4/3 defense entering the game (based on Wednesday's practice).

Right defensive end:
1. Jared Allen
2. Everson Griffen
3. Nick Reed
4. Jeff Charleston

Jared Allen is the obvious starter at RDE. The primary backup role belongs to Griffen, who earlier this week stopped taking reps at an outside linebacker. Most to prove: Nick Reed -- the third year player out of Oregon struggled to find the field last season during his time with the Bears and Buccaneers.

Left defensive end:
1. Brian Robison
2. D'Aundre Reed
3. Ernest Owusu

Earlier this week Jared Allen said Robinson will have double-digit sacks for years to come. Robison plays a lot of snaps because he often moves inside on passing downs, which could open up a few opportunities for Reed if Griffen doesn't play ahead of him. Most to prove: D'Aundre Reed

Defensive tackle:
1. Kevin Williams
2. Christian Ballard
3. Trevor Guyton
4. Anthony Jacobs

Defensive coordinator Alan Williams plans on rotating defensive lineman frequently this season. Williams will likely see some action Friday night against the Bills, but expect a heavy dose of Ballard in the middle of the game. Most to prove: Christian Ballard

Nose tackle:
1. Letroy Guion
2. Fred Evans
3. Chase Baker
4. Tydreke Powell

Guion sprained his knee in the first preseason game against the 49ers and won't be ready for action until next week. Evans is a lock to make the team, so this opens the door for a few more looks for Baker and Powell. Most to prove: Letroy Guion - will he be able to step in and provide the Vikings with a Pat Williams-like presence?

Weak side linebacker:
1. Erin Henderson
2. Marvin Mitchell

It's not a secret that Henderson underperformed in the preseason opener against San Francisco. Mitchell, however, has shown the nastiness the Vikings desire. Plus, he forced a fumble -- and any kind of playmaking won't be overlooked. Most to prove: Marvin Mitchell - it's still Henderson's job, so Mitchell will need continue playing well to earn the starting role.

Strong side linebacker:
1. Chad Greenway
2. Larry Dean
3. Solomon Elimimian
4. Corey Paredes

Last year Dean was a camp question mark, but he played well enough to make the team. He's essentially a lock to backup Greenway this season, so all of the pressure is on the hard-hitter from the CFL, Elimimian. Most to prove: Solomon Elimimian

Middle linebacker:
1. Jasper Brinkley
2. Tyrone McKenzie
3. Audie Cole

The Vikings seem to like McKenzie and Cole, but it's highly unlikely either takes over Brinkley's starting job. That being said, Brinkley could lose his job quickly if he doesn't succeed. Most to prove: Jasper Brinkley

Free safety:
1. Harrison Smith
2. Jamarca Sanford
3. Andrew Sendejo

Smith will start Friday against the Bills, and he took most of the first team reps with the first team on Wednesday. The practice was cut short about 20 minutes early, so we didn't get an extended look at him during team drills. Most to prove: Harrison Smith

Strong safety:
1. Mistral Raymond
2. Eric Frampton
3. Robert Blanton

Frampton also got some first team reps alongside Raymond late in Wednesday's practice, but his role will be focused on special teams. The Vikings likely want to see a lot of progress from the rookie Blanton between now and the season opener. Most to prove: Robert Blanton

Left cornerback:
1. Antoine Winfield
2. Brandon Burton
3. Marcus Sherels
4. Reggie Jones
5. Corey Gatewood

While Sherels is listed as the third LCB, he's primarily used in nickel packages. It's really starting to look like the battle for the backup LCB job is between Burton and Jones. Both received reps with the second team on Wednesday. Keep in mind that Chris Carr and Josh Robinson would likely get Winfield's reps before Burton or Jones. Most to prove: Brandon Burton

Right cornerback:
1. Chris Cook
2. Chris Carr
3. Josh Robinson
4. Zackary Bowman
5. Chris Stroud
6. Bobby Felder

Robinson is bull-rushing his way up the depth chart. Don't pay attention to him as the third string CB. Robinson had a pick-six on a pass to the left flat from Joe Webb on Wednesday. His speed and ability to make up ground is very good, and will earn him more reps as one of the first corners off the bench. He received some first team reps opposite of Cook when Winfield slid inside on a third and long play. Most to prove: Josh Robinson - he'll get his first NFL game test Friday night.

Nickel cornerback:
1. Antoine Winfield
2. Chris Carr
3. Marcus Sherels
4. Bobby Felder