Multiple UDFA Defensive Linemen Projected to Make Vikings 53-Man

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Dwight McGlothern
Credit: Caean Couto-USA TODAY Sports

The Minnesota Vikings wrapped up their preseason schedule with a win against the Philadelphia Eagles on Saturday. The focus now turns to cutdown day, and which players make Kevin O’Connell’s 53-man roster. A few surprises should be in store.

Let the UDFA rain down for the Minnesota Vikings

Say what you want about Kwesi Adofo-Mensah’s draft prowess. He has missed in some big spots there. Undrafted free agents have become a focal point for the Minnesota Vikings since Ivan Pace Jr. became a star last season. The 2024 roster could certainly include another UDFA or two that turn heads. The Athletic’s Alec Lewis sees a few making the cut. The names Lewis has making the team are intriguing, and each has a well-reasoned explanation as to why.

  • Tyrese Robinson (OL) – “How about Robinson, whom coaches have liked watching this preseason? Robinson is a bold pick here, but why not be bold?”
  • Taki Taimani (IDL) – “If Robinson is the first bold pick of the projection, Taimani is the second. Last year, fifth-round pick Jaquelin Roy occupied the backup nose tackle spot. He has had a ho-hum camp this year, potentially opening a spot for Taimani”
  • Gabriel Murphy (Edge) – “The Vikings can place two players on IR and designate them to where they don’t count against the 53-man roster. Murphy might be a candidate for this. The undrafted edge rusher from UCLA wowed coaches in the first few weeks of camp, then suffered an undisclosed injury and has not been present since. Cutting him could risk losing him, so this is the sensible approach.”
  • Dwight McGlothern (CB) – “Parting with Evans also opens the door for McGlothern, who has displayed a knack for the ball all camp.”

If all four undrafted free agents make the Minnesota Vikings 53-man roster, that would be even with the amount of drafted rookies to be included. Adofo-Mensah has done a great job of identifying talent on the fringes, and each of these talents could make noise.

Related: New Name Emerging in Minnesota Vikings RG Battle?

Should any of the 2024 UDFA work out like Pace Jr. did, the Vikings will be ecstatic.

Which UDFA could contribute most for Minnesota Vikings?

The Minnesota Vikings will have plenty of opportunity for talent to step up. It’s not a surprise that three of the four aforementioned names play on the defensive side of the ball. Defensive coordinator Brian Flores needs his group to take another step forward this season and there are positions that present openings.

Blake Brandel is starting at guard for the first time in his career. Dalton Risner signed to challenge both Brandel and Ed Ingram, but he hasn’t been healthy. Ingram has remained a problem, and the guard spot could need a jolt. If that winds up being the case, Robinson may force his way into actions.

Tragedy took away Khyree Jackson before his career could get started. His physical traits were something that excited coaches, and that remains true for Dwight McGlothern. He’s currently deep on the depth chart out of the gate. He can definitely factor in down the stretch. Taimani plays a spot that Minnesota needs to be better at as well, so showing out will get him noticed.

Minnesota’s edge rushing group has been turned over since last season. Murphy is an exciting prospect, but he hasn’t been healthy. A late start behind Johnathan Greenard, Andrew Van Ginkel, and Dallas Turner makes his chances a serious uphill battle.

Related: Another UDFA Could Reportedly Sneak onto Minnesota Vikings’ Final Roster

No matter what, the Vikings getting contributions from UDFA’s again this year would be great to see.

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