Rookies News - MinnesotaSportsFan https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/tag/rookies/ Minnesota sports, but different Mon, 12 May 2025 23:35:19 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.3 https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=32,height=32,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/cropped-cropped-MSF-favicon-1.jpg Rookies News - MinnesotaSportsFan https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/tag/rookies/ 32 32 Minnesota Vikings Sign Two More Rookies https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/minnesota-vikings/news-rookie-camp-signings-matt-harmon-elijah-williams/ Mon, 12 May 2025 23:34:58 +0000 https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/?p=63116 The NFL offseason never quits, something that has helped make the Minnesota Vikings the straw that stirs the local sports drink. In the same month as the Super Bowl (February), the league holds the next year’s NFL Draft combine.

One month later, we get the fastest moving, most exciting free agency two weeks in all of professional sports. Then April rolls around and we get the draft. Now, here we are on May 12, what could the MN Vikings possibly have in the news in the middle of May?

Minnesota Vikings round out roster with two more rookie signings

Well, rookie minicamp was held over the weekend at TCO Performance Center in Eagan. There, the Vikings hosted all 25+ of their drafted rookies and signed undrafted free agents, along with 20+ other more desperate football players –including Randy Moss’ son Montigo Moss (Maine) — who were neither drafted or signed.

On Monday, the Minnesota Vikings signed two of those tryout players — (OLB) Matt Harmon out of Kent State and (DL) Elijah Williams out of Morgan State — putting their official offseason roster at its max capacity of 91 players (+1 international exemption – Oscar Chapman), per Ben Goessling (Star Tribune).

Get to know new Minnesota Vikings undrafted rookie, Matt Harmon

Hopefully Matt Harmon has a doctorate degree from Kent State because he was there long enough to get one. From 2018 to 2024 (7 seasons), Harmon played 49 games for the Golden Eagles, totalling 105 tackles, 13 TFLs, 4 sacks, 1 interception and 2 forced fumbles.

His most prolific season was his seventh and final year, where he posted 56 tackles, 7 TFLs and 2 sacks in 12 games. His second best season came in 2021, when he played 14 games, stacking 29 tackles, 3 TFLs and 1 sack. Outside of those two seasons, Harmon never played more than 7 games in a season due to injuries.

Related: How Many 2025 MN Vikings Draft Picks Will Make the Final 53-Man Roster?

After a full season back on the field, the now 25-year-old must be healthy and feeling good. Because out of the 20+ tryout players the Minnesota Vikings brought in over the weekend, only he and Elijah Williams landed spots on the 91-man roster.

Get to know new undrafted rookie, Elijah Williams

Unlike Harmon, Elijah Williams was not at Morgan State long enough to get his doctorate degree. Nonetheless, he did play in 42 games for the Bears in four seasons from 2021-24. While there, the outside linebacker racked up 216 tackles, 52 TFLs, 31 sacks and 3 forced fumbles.

As a senior, Williams put up career highs in games (12) and sacks (11). His 15 tackles for loss were the second most in his career. The 6’3″, 270 lb pass rusher out of New Jersey was a regular in the Bears defense every season he was on campus, playing nine or more games in all four years.

He also posted seven or more sacks in each of his final three seasons. sacks in each of his final three seasons. Now, he’ll go through more rookie workouts over the next couple weeks, before Minnesota Vikings OTAs kickoff at the end of May.

Both guys signed today are obviously still longshots to make the final 53-man roster. But for now, their NFL dreams are still alive.

]]> Mon, 12 May 2025 18:35:19 +0000 Minnesota Vikings Every Player at 2025 Minnesota Vikings Rookie Camp, Including Top Ranked UDFA Class https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/minnesota-vikings/2025-rookie-minicamp-roster-udfa-rankings/ Sat, 10 May 2025 01:34:30 +0000 https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/?p=63041 Minnesota Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah has struggled to find lasting value in the NFL Draft, since taking over in 2022. While the the 2025 draft class wasn’t very big, Kwesi hopes to change his rookie fortunes in 2025, and that starts with Vikings rookie minicamp.

On the other side of the player acquisition coin, Kwesi hasn’t had any issues identifying free agents, and that includes a high success rate in undrafted free agency. But this weekend, with all the early offseason moving and grooving complete, it’s time to start getting players on the field.

Friday, all of the youngsters signed since the “2025 NFL Annual Player Selection Meeting” (plus 1st rd pick Donovan Jones, who has not yet signed) arrived in Eagan at TCO Performance Center to get work in with their new MN Vikings teammates and coaches.

All 51 participants at 2025 Minnesota Vikings rookie minicamp

In total, there are 51 players working out at Vikings facilities this weekend. All of them are listed below. Minnesota has 31 rookie minicamp participants already under contract. They brought in 20 more unsigned youngsters, including Randy Moss’ son Montigo Moss, to try and earn their spot.

Underneath the list of Minnesota Vikings rookie minicamp participants, is some analysis on the team’s 2025 Undrafted Rookie Free Agency class via Thor Nystrom (FantasyLife.com), who ranked it No. 1 in the entire NFL.

Quarterbacks (2)

Max Brosmer — Minnesota (undrafted free agent)

Zach Zebrowski — Central Missouri (invited as tryout)

Related: MN Vikings Minicamp: KOC Reveals First Impressions of QB Max Brosmer

Running backs (4)

Tre Stewart — Jacksonville State (undrafted free agent)

Hope Adebayo — St. Thomas (invited as tryout)

Jarod Epperson — Augustana (invited as tryout)

Zavier Scott — Maine (already rostered)

Wide receivers (8)

Silas Bolden — Texas (undrafted free agent)

Tai Felton — Maryland (2025 third-round pick)

Dontae Fleming — Tulane (undrafted free agent)

Montigo Moss — Maine (invited as tryout)

Jeshaun Jones — Maryland (2024 undrafted free agent)

Robert Lewis — Auburn (undrafted free agent)

Robert McMinn — Alabama State (invited as tryout)

Myles Price — Indiana (undrafted free agent)

Tight ends (3)

Gavin Bartholomew — Pittsburgh (2025 sixth-round pick)

Bryson Nesbit — North Carolina (undrafted free agent)

Ben Yurosek — Georgia (undrafted free agent)

Offensive linemen (6)

Zeke Correll — N.C. State (undrafted free agent)

Logan Brown — Kansas (undrafted free agent)

Elijah Ellis — Marshall (invited as tryout)

Joe Huber — Wisconsin (undrafted free agent)

Donovan Jackson — Ohio State (2025 first-round pick)

Marcellus Johnson — Missouri (already rostered)

Related: Minnesota Vikings Expected to Play Multiple Games Overseas in 2025

Defensive linemen (6)

Anthony Campbell — Miami (invited as tryout)

Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins — Georgia (2025 fifth-round pick)

Nathan Kapongo — Akron (invited as tryout)

Quantez Mansfield — N.C. Central (invited as tryout)

Alexander Williams — Middle Tennessee State (undrafted free agent)

Elijah Williams — Morgan State (invited as tryout)

Outside linebackers (5)

Tyler Batty — BYU (undrafted free agent)

Chico Bennett — Jr. (invited as tryout)

Chaz Chambliss — Georgia (undrafted free agent)

Brody Grebe — Montana State (invited as tryout)

Matt Harmon — Kent State (invited as tryout)

Related: Minnesota Vikings’ Greatest Position of Need – Per Mr. DVOA

Defensive backs (10)

Trashawn Adams (S) — Stephen F. Austin (invited as tryout)

Bubba Bolden (S) — Miami (already rostered)

Keenan Garber (CB) — Kansas State (undrafted free agent)

Tommi Hill (CB) — Nebraska (invited as tryout)

Robert Jones III (CB) — Howard (invited as tryout)

Paul Lewis III (S) — Akron (invited as tryout)

Javerius McGuinn (CB) — Missouri Western (invited as tryout)

Mishael Powell (S) — Miami (undrafted free agent)

Reddy Steward (CB) — Troy (already rostered)

Zemaiah Vaughn (CB) — Utah (undrafted free agent)

Linebackers (4)

Kobe King — Penn State (2025 sixth-round pick)

Austin Keys — Auburn (undrafted free agent)

Dorian Mausi — Auburn (undrafted free agent)

Max Tooley — BYU (already rostered)

Kicker (1)

Mitch Jeter –Notre Dame (invited as tryout)

Punter (1)

Oscar Chapman — Auburn (International Player Pathway Program)

Long snapper (1)

Austin Riggs — Rutgers (invited as tryout)

Minnesota Vikings running back Tre Stewart
Credit: Dave Hyatt / Special to the Gadsden Times / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

There are plenty of different reasons a talented NFL-caliber player gets passed over during all seven rounds of the NFL Draft. And when high-caliber players fall through the cracks, the Minnesota Vikings have been really good at identifying those who can play in the league. This year’s class was no different.

Expect MN Vikings UDFAs to claim roster spots

FantasyLife.com NFL Draft guru Thor Nystrom has ranked Minnesota’s undrafted free agent class top five every year Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and head coach Kevin O’Connell have been the head decision makers. In 2025, however, he ranked them No. 1 overall.

In this year’s UDFA class, Thor specifically pinpoints Logan Brown (his top-rated UDFA), his former linemate Joe Huber, Gopher QB Max Brosmer, RB Tre Stewart, along with EDGE Tyler Batty. One coach not in the MN Vikings organization even believes that UDFA linebacker Austin Keys will beat out sixth round pick Kobe King.

The Vikings’ class is headlined by Kansas OL Logan Brown, my top-ranked overall UDFA. Brown, seen as a mid-rounder by most analysts heading into the draft, is going to make this roster… OG Joe Huber is also someone to monitor in camp. Brown and Huber—former teammates at Wisconsin—will battle 2024 draft picks Walter Rouse and Michael Jurgens in camp for bench spots.

QB Max Brosmer and RB Tre Stewart, meanwhile, will take on QB3 Brett Rypien and RB3 Ty Chandler, respectively. Each has a legitimate shot. Because of the team’s precarious depth situation at tight end, TEs Benjamin Yurosek and Bryson Nesbit might ultimately be battling with one another for a roster spot. If neither impresses this summer, look for the Vikings to be monitoring August tight end cuts from other rosters.

EDGE Tyler Batty was right on the draftable line for me. He’s a four-year starter at BYU with a north/south game, generating speed-to-power. Batty has the frame and game to hang around as a 3-4 defensive end.

An NFL coach—not on the Vikings staff—told me after the draft that LB Austin Keys might have been a fifth-rounder were it not for injuries. This coach believes Keys will beat out sixth-round pick LB Kobe King if Keys stays healthy this summer.”

Thor Nystrom – Fantasy Life

Nystrom also points out in his piece that six UDFAs have made the Vikings’ Week 1 roster over the past three years — Ryan Wright, Ivan Pace Jr., Gabriel Murphy, Taki Taimani, Bo Richter, and Dwight McGlothern.

Related: MN Vikings QB JJ McCarthy Reminds TJ Hockenson of Who…?

Although Donovan Jackson was drafted to immediately start at left guard for the Minnesota Vikings, Thor seems to have a lot of faith in both Logan Brown and Joe Huber hanging around the team this season too, even if that is just on the practice squad. Thor isn’t the only guy who likes Brown, either.

Minnesota Vikings supplemented a small draft class

Part of the talking points heading into the 2025 NFL Draft was about just how few picks the Minnesota Vikings had at their disposal. But with Kwesi running the show, the Vikings are gaining a reputation for finding talent on the fringes, then developing those players into legitimate NFL contributors.

Silas Bolden is another player worth keeping an eye on. The Texas Longhorns wideout handled 30 punts last season and his 315 return yards paced the SEC. He even housed one for the second straight season.

As camp goes on this summer, there will be other unknown names that emerge from the list of rookies above. The more of them that hit, the greater opportunity Minnesota has at upside options with cost-controlled contracts.

]]> Sat, 10 May 2025 08:33:39 +0000 Minnesota Vikings Minnesota Vikings Rookies Baffled When They Receive Minicamp Photos in CD Format https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/minnesota-vikings/minnesota-vikings-rookie-photos-on-cd/ Fri, 17 May 2024 20:17:19 +0000 https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/?p=50975 Some of us go far back enough to remember cassette and VHS tapes. I know, others go back even further than that. But for a decade between streaming devices and handheld devices with mass amounts of storage, we had Compact Discs.

Back in the early 2000s, it was all about who had the biggest book of CDs in their 3rd generation Dodge Neon, Ford Ranger or Chevy Cavalier (maybe even a Pontiac Grand Prix). But in 2024, it’s difficult to even find a device that plays a CD anymore, especially a CD with images on it.

Minnesota Vikings give rookies their first NFL photos via CD

But that’s what the Minnesota Vikings gave their rookies on Friday, when they received their first NFL pictures. Apparently, many rookies have been waiting to get those pics back. And that day came today, in CD format.

I would like to laugh and these young kids not understanding the simple joys of life that once were CDs and DVDs. But then, I quickly realized that I would probably have to get my old Playstation 3 out of storage or sit in my car, if I wanted to play a CD. If I wanted to see what what images were on a CD…. I’d not sure what I would do.

Related: Is Dallas Turner a Week 1 Starter for Vikings?

In other words, this was a clever way to haze rookies in an age where beating them up or getting them too drunk to function would be frowned upon.

]]> Fri, 17 May 2024 15:17:23 +0000 Minnesota Vikings Vikings Welcome Rookies to Camp With Contracts to Sign https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/minnesota-vikings/minnesota-vikings-rookies-are-finally-inking-their-deals-ahead-of-thursdays-training-camp/ https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/minnesota-vikings/minnesota-vikings-rookies-are-finally-inking-their-deals-ahead-of-thursdays-training-camp/#respond Wed, 22 Jul 2020 19:09:02 +0000 https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/?p=27565

Minnesota Vikings‘ rookies are expected to report to Eagan later this week amidst many issues in regards to how players will prepare for the season while COVID-19 is still ravaging the nation. Now, one issue surrounding the team is apparently being solved. Until today, only one of the 15 players selected by the Vikings in April’s draft was under contract: Nate Stanley. Now, more rookies are getting their contracts finalized by the team as they begin to report to Eagan. Justin Jefferson and Troy Dye signings came this morning.

Justin Jefferson, WR

The Minnesota Vikings began completing their contracts with their draft class this morning, by officially signing heralded first-round WR Justin Jefferson to his fully guaranteed rookie deal. The contract will reportedly give him roughly $13 million over the duration of 4 years.

Justin Jefferson had been working out in town since June, but had yet to sign his deal because he had not been able to receive a physical. Now, he is under contract and able to focus on mastering working in the slot and on the outside.

Troy Dye, LB

Later in the morning, the Vikings were also able to strike a deal with their 4th-round pick, Oregon LB Troy Dye. He will also report to Eagan on Thursday.

Ezra Cleveland, OL

This afternoon, Minnesota Viking’s second-round pick from Boise State, OL Ezra Cleveland, has signed his deal with the Minnesota Vikings. The contract will net the rookie around $5.5 million in his first four years.

James Lynch, DT

James Lynch, a defensive tackle from Baylor, was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the 4th round this spring. Now, Lynch has put the pen to paper and inked his four-year contract with Minnesota. The deal will net him nearly $4 million total.

KJ Osborn, WR

The Minnesota Vikings selected KJ Osborn, WR from the University of Miami in the fifth-round of the 2020 NFL Draft. Have not heard official contract details at this time.

D.J Wonnum, DE

The Vikings grabbed Wonnum in the fourth round to bolster their defensive line. His contract was reported later in the afternoon and was one of the latest Vikings to sign.

Kyle Hinton, OL

Hinton was added in the seventh round give the Vikings some additional depth on their offensive line. He won’t hurt the cap much, which is important for a Vikings team that really has no salary cap space.

While it is surely strange that it took this long to sign all of these rookies, the entire offseason with COVID has been strange, so it’s right on par. Now, these guys can report to work and have the financial security of being with the team. Plus, passing thier physicals gives both sides more comfort.

Evidently, it has been difficult for many rookies across the league to get acclimated with their teams. But by Thursday, many of the Minnesota Vikings’ 15 draft picks will sign and be ready to go. This rookie class has massive potential and will surely be counted on to help the Vikings remain a contender.

Ameer Eldomiatti | Minnesota Sports Fan

]]> https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/minnesota-vikings/minnesota-vikings-rookies-are-finally-inking-their-deals-ahead-of-thursdays-training-camp/feed/ 0 Wed, 22 Jul 2020 17:43:55 +0000 Minnesota Vikings Is Minnesota Vikings 4th Round Rookie Troy Dye, Anthony Barr-Lite? https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/minnesota-vikings/is-troy-dye-vikings-4th-round-rookie-anthony-barr-lite/ https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/minnesota-vikings/is-troy-dye-vikings-4th-round-rookie-anthony-barr-lite/#respond Sat, 23 May 2020 00:40:45 +0000 https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/?p=24319

With no physical mini-camp and the battle for an expanded 55 man roster, I thought I’d look at one of the Minnesota Vikings Day 3 draft picks, Troy Dye, to see what we can expect from him whenever the 2020 season gets underway.

The Vikings have selected an off-ball linebacker on Day 3 every year going back to the 2009 draft. These selections have had varying degrees of success, but none have truly stood out.

Will Troy Dye be more than just another rotational player and special teams contributor? There’s reason for optimism.

Who is he?

Dye attended Norco High School in California, same school that a young Toby Gerhart attended, with his father as head coach at that time. It seems family connections are a thing at Norco, as Dye’s older brother Tony was his Defensive Coordinator while there. He played safety in high school and from watching his highlights, it’s fair to say his size and athleticism stand out.

Dye received his first offer from Colorado, but as more offers came in, he landed on Oregon. With his size, range and physique, he transitioned to Linebacker as a freshman, where he played 10 games that first year. The rookie Duck racked up 91 total tackles that season, leading the team and ranking 5th overall in the PAC-12. Twelve of those tackles were for a loss. He went on to lead the Ducks in tackles in each of the remaining three seasons at Oregon. He is the only player in Duck’s history to achieve this feat and he lands 3rd all-time in total tackles and 4th in tackles for loss.

Fitting the mold

The Vikings have a history of instinctive playmaking linebackers, including current standouts Anthony Barr and Eric Kendricks. Dye had an interception in each of his four seasons, and a combined four forced fumbles. He fits that mold as well.

Dye also comes with stories of toughness. First, playing with a broken thumb sustained against Washington. Then, the standout decided to play in the Rose Bowl with a torn meniscus, which affected his NFL draft preparation.

While reading about him, a specific story caught my eye (specifically the final paragraph). As a freshman, Dye played in a humiliating 70-21 loss suffered against Washington and actually kept the scoreline pinned to his locker for the rest of his time in Eugene… He never forgets!

“In fact, Oregon linebacker Troy Dye told me after the game that he has the score from the 2016 game — again, 70-21 — posted in his locker.

“There are a lot of us who were here for that,” he said.” – John Canzano

Anthony Barr-lite

Anthony Barr is 28 and about to start his second year of a five year deal. There is a potential “opt out” for the Vikings after this season taking a 7.8 million cap hit. Barr is taller and physically more imposing than Dye, when comparing their Mockdraftable data. However, there are not many off-ball Linebackers that have Barr’s unique size and athleticism.

Dye likens more to Deion Jones and Jaylon Smith, who have both carved out a good career in the NFL, leaning on their coverage skills and impressive sideline to sideline speed. Did the Vikings see some of those skills when drafting Dye, with hopes to mold an athletic talent into a natural successor?

Now, he has a way to go before he can replace Barr, but Dye is certainly suited to the modern day linebacker role. His length and size will allow him to match up with tight ends. In his final season at college, he only allowed 211 yards in coverage while snagging 2 interceptions and defending four passes.

It will be interesting to see if the Vikings conditioning coaches can help him bulk up, without losing his quickness. Jaylon Smith (previously mentioned as a physical comparison) was able to add weight and speed successfully.

A look into his skillset

The Ducks used him in more pass-rush situations during his final season. With his range and speed, he can be used in a double A gap blitz look that the Vikings frequently show. Allowing for an easy transition into Zimmer’s 3rd down package. In his final season, he had 26 pressures in 107 passing snaps, according to PFF, with 2.5 credited sacks (13 in his college career total).

This clip shows a planned blitz, which was stifled, but he shows excellent pursuit speed chasing down the ball carrier. You need to watch this two or three times to see the ground made up!

The Vikings got good value when snapping up Oregon #35 on Day 3. His stock clearly fell due to his draft prep being hampered by injuries. He was projected to be off the board late Day 2.

He should stick around

Day 3 picks’ success are typically a coin flip and many roam around the league for a few seasons, but I hope the former Duck makes it with us.

Finally as with any Day 3 pick that makes the roster, you’d expect a special teams contribution. Another former Duck gives Dye the thumbs up here, and so do I.

For the analytical geeks amongst you with an Athletic subscription, Vikings beat writer Arif Hasan wrote an in-depth article on Dye.

To chat with me on anything Vikings or Draft related, please reach out to me on Twitter @kevinsayer.

]]> https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/minnesota-vikings/is-troy-dye-vikings-4th-round-rookie-anthony-barr-lite/feed/ 0 Tue, 16 Apr 2024 03:48:54 +0000 Minnesota Vikings