It has been obvious since the moment Sam Darnold signed with the Seattle Seahawks that this team was going to be quarterbacked by McCarthy. There has been an influx of new talent, but the team still has weaknesses, entering the season… at least on paper.

They still seem light at cornerback, even if those in the building disagree. Up until last week, they were extremely thin at wide receiver, too. Adam Thielen saved the day there, but nonetheless, Kevin O’Connell and the Minnesota Vikings still had a few interesting developments for the team’s first official depth chart of the season.

Week 1 depth chart reveals new wrinkles for Minnesota Vikings

When the Minnesota Vikings cemented their initial 53-man roster, it included a boatload of undrafted free agents. They cut some veterans, and that meant young talent would have a pathway to playing time. Now seeing how they are positioned, there are definitely some notable names to key in on.

Despite being a late addition, it’s Wentz who will backup McCarthy ahead of everyone’s hero Max Brosmer. That could change as the year goes on, and will be a competition to watch. But it’s interesting that, after just one week on the roster, he’s already listed as QB2

It’s not necessarily shocking that Chandler would be the third running back behind the starting tandem. However, he was definitely outplayed in the preseason by Zavier Scott, and looked like a potential cut candidate for much of training camp. Also, the Vikings are clearly serious about Jones and Mason splitting carries near 50/50.

Adam Thielen just got back into town last week. He’s still ahead of Nailor on the depth chart, and that should continue once Jordan Addison returns from his suspension as well.

The usage of safeties by the Minnesota Vikings is a unique wrinkle to Brian Flores’ defense. Theo Jackson is going to see plenty of reps, but Metellus is listed as the starter, alongside Harrison Smith, who hasn’t practiced in nearly a month. Yet, there he is listed at the top of the depth chart for free safeties week one.

Related: Former MN Viking Fought the Law and Lost Again

Matt Daniels is rolling out an entirely new return team. Undrafted free agent Myles Price will handle punt return duties. He had 23 attempts for Indiana last season in college, and he averaged 12.6 yards per return.

The hope is that Tai Felton develops into a starting caliber wideout, but he’s behind Nailor in that regard at this point. He’ll handle kick return duties. That’s a role he hasn’t held since 2022 (as a sophomore) with Maryland. He turned six kicks into 150 yards (25 yards per attempt).

This iteration of the Vikings is built to win now, despite breaking in a redshirt rookie QB, J.J. McCarthy, who they plan to prop up with major improvements on both sides of the ball, specifically in the trenches.

Unfortunately, a lot of that talent has been unavailable for parts of training camp and the 2025 preseason, due to injury or illness. Most recently, Andrew Van Ginkel has been held out of practice since August 7 with an unknown injury. Harrison Smith has been out even longer, with a mysterious illness.

Meanwhile, the Vikings continue to brac for the three game suspension of Jordan Addison to kick in, before week one. Injuries to Justin Jefferson, and more recently, Jalen Nailor, has turned wide receiver from a position of concern, entering camp, to one currently of desperation.

Multiple players ends Minnesota Vikings practice on the sidelines

Then, Wednesday’s practice ended with even more injuries. Of course, the Minnesota Vikings need to practice in order to get players ready for the regular season. But as these training camp sessions continue to go by, new injuries are seemingly cropping up daily.

Starters won’t play Saturday against the Tennessee Titans. That means more physical practices at TCO Performance Center. Today’s physicality caused the exit of two more receivers, Tai Felton and Jordan Addison, along with defensive back, Jeff Okudah.

Felton walked off the field with a wrap on his left hand and went straight into the trainer's room. Addison did not have any wrap and walked to the locker room. https://t.co/gCVDq5mdt5

— Kevin Seifert (@SeifertESPN) August 20, 2025

Related: Report: MN Vikings WR Trade Rumors Just Got Serious

Felton is probably the only wide receiver currently in camp — without the last name of Jefferson, Addison, or Nailor — who’s a lock to make the initial 53-man roster. Okudah has drawn rave reviews and is being considered for the final starting cornerback role.

If there’s a positive result from Wednesday’s action at TCO Performance Center, it’s that superstar wideout Justin Jefferson continues to work his way back from the hamstring strain he suffered earlier in training camp.

Justin Jefferson getting some work in at practice. 👀 pic.twitter.com/IZzd90EUKZ

— Reggie Wilson (@ReggieWilsonTV) August 20, 2025

The last time we saw the Vikings’ 2024 No. 10 overall pick wear game day purple and gold, he was balling out one year ago in his NFL preseason debut against the Las Vegas Raiders, where he completed 11 of 17 passes for 188 yards, 2 touchdowns and 1 interception.

While McCarthy’s return is at the top of everyone’s mind, there are other storylines Saturday worth paying attention to. And one thing that is sure to stand out this weekend for casual Vikings fans who have gotten used to NFL kickoffs being a perfect time for a bathroom break or beverage refill.

Big changes coming to NFL kickoffs this season

One of the biggest changes to National Football League games in 2025 is, yet again, on special teams. This offseason, the league voted to essentially eliminated the “touchback” on kickoffs passively by moving the start line for a receiving team that catches and/or downs the ball in its own end zone to the 35-yard line.

Thus, Minnesota Vikings special teams coordinator Matt Daniels and his staff are predicting that 90% of kick returns in the league this season will be “returnable”. That’s because kicking teams are now expected to almost exclusively kick the ball short of the end zone, in order to force a return and avoid a 35-yard touchback.

Another NFL rule change — enticing more kickoff returns by moving the touchback line up to the 35-yard line — has special teams coordinator Matt Daniels expecting “90 percent of kicks” to be returnable in the preseason as coaches try to prepare their coverage groups.

Andrew Krammer – Star Tribune

Related: Former QB Says MN Vikings Wanted Him to Play Worse

This plan adds onto the changes in NFL kickoffs last year, where both the receiving and kicking teams lineup near one another, and from a standstill start. Those major tweaks were made to encourage more kickoff returns, while also making kickoffs safer.

The latter objective was not met, after the 2024 rule extended touchbacks out to the 25-yard-line, from the previous 20-yard marker. So in 2025, the NFL took the more extreme step of moving touchbacks out to the 35-yard-line, which will surely do the trick.

Obviously, this new rule puts an increased amount of importance on the kick returner position that we haven’t seen in nearly a decade. That’s why all NFL teams (including the Minnesota Vikings) are putting a lot more thought into who will be their kick returner for 2025.

Minnesota Vikings announce initial plans at kick and punt returner

And the first players who will get their shot at the job this preseason, special teams coordinator Matt Daniels revealed Thursday, are 22-year-old rookie 3rd round pick, WR Tai Felton (Maryland), along with 27-year-old speedster running back, Ty Chandler.

Daniels also announced the first player who will get his shot at returning punts, newly acquired 25-year-old playmaking WR, Rondale Moore. Interestingly, there are few Vikings players with NFL punt return experience, one of them being highly-compensated CB1, Byron Murphy Jr.

Receiver Tai Felton, the rookie third-round pick out of Maryland, and running back Ty Chandler are expected to be back there for the Vikings during Saturday’s preseason opener against the Texans.

Moore will get the first crack at punt returner.

“The idea is for us to get Rondale in there early and often,” Daniels said. “There are really only three guys that have caught an NFL punt: Rondale Moore, [receiver] Lucky Jackson did it in the preseason, and then you’ve got Byron Murphy Jr. on the defensive side.”

Star Tribune

Ty Chandler, Tai Felton land kickoff return duties

Ty Chandler has returned a total of 12 kickoffs during his three year career with the Minnesota Vikings. He’s gained 302 return yards on those attempts, averaging 25.2 yards per return. He has yet to house a kickoff… but maybe that changes in 2025.

Rookie receiver Tai Felton fits the returner description, but didn’t do it much at Maryland (26 total returns). We’ll see how he looks with his opportunities against the Houston Texans. His performance could go a long way toward defining his first year role in Minnesota

MN Vikings will give Rondale Moore first crack at punt returns

Rondale Moore, who will not be the first kick return option Saturday, is the most experienced NFL punt and kick returner of the bunch, though he hasn’t done either regularly since 2021. That season with the Arizona Cardinals, Moore returned 21 punts for 171 yards (8.3 YPR) and 13 kicks (291 YPR).

For now, the Vikings have him focusing solely on punt returns. Like Chandler, Moore has yet to score a return TD and has struggled in the past with ball security on returns, something that will not be allowed with the Minnesota Vikings.

#Packers recover the ball on the 3-yard line after Rondale Moore gets his fingers on the punt #GoPackGo

pic.twitter.com/qp0UT6GCNe

— Sportskeeda Pro Football (@SKProFootball) October 29, 2021

J.J. McCarthy is now under center, protected by what appears to be the best offensive line this team has had in years, if not decades. The defensive front has also been reconstructed, and is now being touted as the best in football by some pundits.

Then, there is wide receiver, where Jalen Nailor has been trying to earn the job for the past two seasons, after K.J. Osborn held it down before him. So far, the results have been mediocre. And now, there is a new crop of pass catchers in camp, which has many surmising a drop in usage for Nailor.

Jalen Nailor is locked in as WR3 for Minnesota Vikings

Last year Jalen Nailor played 17 games (with seven starts) as the third wide receiver. He hauled in 28 passes for 414 yards and six touchdowns. With Jordan Addison staring down the barrel of what could be a three-game suspension, the Minnesota Vikings need more out of their third wideout in 2025.

But if you think newcomers like Rondale Moore, Tai Felton or Silas Bolden have the inside track to take Jalen Nailor’s job, think again.

SKOR North’s Phil Mackey, Judd Zulgad and Darren Wolfson have all been at training camp this week, keeping an eye on the early practice reps of these wide receivers. One thing standing out early is just how far ahead Nailor is than the rest of his WR3 “competition”.

“I don’t think it’s close. That being said, I’m uber excited about Tai Felton’s future. Right now, to me it’s not much of a battle. Jalen Nailor is clear-cut wide receiver three. I spoke with him also, post practice. It was brief. I was curious about his number change, 83 to 1, and just how big of year this is. Heck, he could have an impact on special teams. He’s got some return capability. Yes, there hasn’t been extension dialogue.

Darren Wolfson – Purple Daily

This is a big year for Nailor. As a sixth round pick, this is the final year of his rookie contract. Like Patrick Jones II did this offseason, it’s a perfect opportunity for Nailor to cash in on the open market. As Phil Mackey noted earlier in the Purple Daily segment, that would be a great thing for Minnesota if he can factor into the compensation pick equation.

Here’s some J.J. McCarthy to Jalen Nailor pic.twitter.com/q6iK9Y1Q9n

— Alec Lewis (@alec_lewis) July 23, 2025

Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison are both high caliber options for the Minnesota Vikings. The team knows it. J.J. McCarthy knows it. The opposition knows it. That’s why someone like Nailor is such an integral part of the offense. If he can establish himself as another reliable option, he’d pair nicely with T.J. Hockenson as additional reads.

There is room for Nailor to grow from both a pass catching and route running perspective. He showed a need to develop further at times last year, and the more he can erase that feeling the better off the roster will be.

What to make of the MN Vikings other wideouts

Rondale Moore is probably the closest competition Nailor will have for his WR3 duties early on this year. The 25-year-old was injured last year, but has the same experience in the NFL that Nailor does. He was signed as a free agent this offseason and brings 39 games (23 starts) of exposure under his belt. Moore has just three career receiving touchdowns, but worked as one of Kyler Murray’s consistent targets in Arizona.

Moore is still more than likely to work on special teams in the return game. Rookie wide receivers often take time to acclimate at the highest level. It’s unlikely that Maryland product Tai Felton hits the ground running right away. His future development is something to be excited about, as Wolfson notes, however.

Related: 3 Underrated MN Vikings to Watch at Training Camp

Ultimately the Minnesota Vikings would like to see Jalen Nailor take another step forward this season. It’s plausible that his role expands with a potential suspension coming for Jordan Addison.

There will be opportunity to produce behind him, but Kevin O’Connell needs Nailor to be a reliable and consistent option for his new signal caller.

After a 14-win campaign with Sam Darnold under center, this is now McCarthy’s team. He doesn’t have to clear the same bar his predecessor set, after Sam far exceeded any and all expectations in 2024. This season isn’t about regular season wins and losses or ultimately empty QB statistics.

2025 is about winning playoff games, which means the regular season, and especially the preseason, are about preparing for the postseason. Stay healthy, get into the tournament, then make sure you’re one of the most well-rounded, pressure tested teams remaining, come January.

Entering training camp, the MN Vikings have stars all over the 90-man roster. But only 53 players can make the final cut, and even less will have a direct impact on winning and helping Kevin O’Connell & Co realize their ultimate goal of getting the purple and gold back to the Super Bowl for the first time since the 1976-77 season.

Under-the-Radar Minnesota Vikings to watch at training camp/preseason

Some of Minnesota’s 2025 contributors are obvious. We know that the Vikings’ success this season relies heavily on the backs of Justin Jefferson, Aaron Jones, the health of their new-look offensive/defensive lines, and ultimately, the continued development of JJ McCarthy.

But there are also lesser-known talents in Eagan this week — guys that enter camp with an undefined role and undetermined future — who will jump out and surprise coaches, media and fans alike over the next month or two and spin this opportunity into a spot on the 53-man roster and a role on an NFL team.

Here, we have three of those players that fans should keep an eye out for, as the Minnesota Vikings work their way through training camp and the 2025 preseason. These guys aren’t fighting for starting jobs, and won’t always make a mark on the Sunday (or Thursday, Friday, Monday, Thanksgiving, Xmas, etc) boxscore.

But all three will fight for a spot on the final 53-man roster and for fringe playing time in the regular season, should any of the projected players ahead of them fall to injury. A couple could also make a mark on special teams.

Tai Felton (22 years old) – Wide Receiver

For a couple of seasons now, the Minnesota Vikings have been trying to transitioned 2022 6th round pick Jalen Nailor into their WR3 role. So far, the results have been… mixed.

Nailor caught 28 passes from Darnold last season, totaling 414 receiving yards and 6 touchdowns. The growing pains have been evident through his first two seasons in the NFL, however, and Nailor’s previous injury history raises even more concerns about his viability as playoff team’s third wide receiver option.

That’s why the Vikings went into this offseason looking for more of a passive upgrade at WR3. First, they signed Rondale Moore as a low-risk, high-upside pickup in free agency. Then, they turned to the middle rounds of the 2025 NFL Draft, where they selected 6’2″, 186 lb Maryland wide receiver Tai Felton.

Minnesota Gophers fans may still have nightmares starring Tai Felton. He came to Huntington Bank Stadium last season and blew up Fleck & Co’s top-ranked passing defense to the tune of 9 receptions and 104 receiving yards. For Tai, though, it was just another day at the office.

Tai Felton, WR
22 years old
6-1, 183
Maryland

2024 season: 96 rec, 1,124 yards, 9 TD’s
Led Big Ten in catches & receiving yards

• 40-Yard Dash: 4.37 seconds
• 10-Yard Split: 1.51 seconds
• Vertical Jump: 39.5’’
• Broad Jump: 10’ 10’’pic.twitter.com/GfDFblD1P1

— Sean Borman (@SeanBormanNFL) April 26, 2025

Last season, the Maryland Terrapin star posted 1,124 receiving yards and nine touchdowns on 96 receptions last year. Even with defenses keying in on him week in and week out, Tai Felton outpaced Maryland’s next most prolific receiver (Kaden Prather) by 500 yards, 5 touchdowns and 40 receptions.

Whether Jordan Addison gets a suspension for his “wet reckless” charge or not, Minnesota will need more than three capable wide receivers. Both Rondale Moore and Silas Bolden seem better ticketed for special teams duties. Felton has the talent to not only take over the third role, but make Addison expendable once his rookie deal expires.

It can be a slow burn for wide receivers as they acclimate to the speed of the next level. We’ll see how long it takes Felton, but him standing out during training camp and the preseason shouldn’t be a shock.

Max Brosmer (24 years old) – Quarterback

As stated, the Minnesota Vikings are J.J. McCarthy’s team. Still, head coach Kevin O’Connell has been forced to cycle through quarterbacks in recent seasons, whether that be due to offseason changes or in-season injuries.

This offseason, the Vikings traded for Sam Howell, and they love what Brett Rypien brings to the QB room. But really, there is no veteran quarterback currently on the roster who is coming into camp preordained as McCarthy’s backup.

As a one-and-done Gopher in 2024, Brosmer threw for 2,828 yards at a 66.5% completion rate, hitting on 18 touchdown passes and just 6 interceptions. Had he remained college eligible for one more year in maroon and gold, there is little doubt he would have left owning most of the passing record on campus.

Max Brosmer (Minnesota) is probably my favorite Day 3 QB. Absolute machine on intermediate throws and is by far the best anticipatory passer that I’ve watched. I’d draft him just to specialize as my 3rd & medium QB.pic.twitter.com/wJCRgekYKi

— James Foster (@NoFlagsFilm) January 17, 2025

Related: Max Brosmer Already Turning Heads Inside MN Vikings Organization

If he’s half the talent/person/worker/leader that Minnesota Gophers head coach PJ Fleck hails him to be, then there’s really no reason undrafted free agent signee Max Brosmer can’t work his way into the regular season QB room, should the Vikings ponder keeping a third QB active on game days.

Instead, he finds himself fighting for his football life in Eagan. Of course, it’s not fair to expect the world from Brosmer, and it’s difficult to write seriously about him competing for the backup QB job, at least for now. That said, he has all the tools, including a brilliant football mind, of a solid future QB2 in the league.

And there is no doubt he has already impressed Vikings coaches and others around the organization early and often, which has resulted in some chatter over whether or not he can secure the third quarterback role.

Everything Vikings HC Kevin O'Connell said today about former Gophers QB Max Brosmer and his respect/friendship with PJ Fleck… 👀

"I have a lot of respect for PJ and his staff and how they coach football over there. [Max's] high-football IQ, I think shows up when he can arrive… pic.twitter.com/MpFrA9Y3VG

— Minnesota Sports Fan (@realmnsportsfan) May 9, 2025

At the least, the 24-year-old former New Hampshire (FCS) superstar has a great opportunity to make MN Vikings coaches think twice about relegating him to the practice squad, where it’ll be easier for other teams to snipe him from the roster.

If nothing else, he’ll get time to show his capabilities as an NFL QB during the preseason, where he should get plenty of run. From there, it’s all up to him… and that’s usually good news for Brosmer, who’s been successfully betting big on himself or years, at multiple levels.

Justin Skule (28 years old) – Offensive Tackle

Christian Darrisaw is the Minnesota Vikings starting left tackle. There are no questions about that. The problem is that he may not be completely ready to go. Darrisaw suffered a torn MCL and ACL last October against the Los Angeles Rams. He is back on the field practicing, but the Vikings are going to be smart.

Last season with Darrisaw went down Minnesota reacted by trading for veteran tackle Cam Robinson. This time around they are a bit more prepared with veteran tackle Justin Skule signing as a free agent this offseason.

Skule was a sixth round pick in 2019 and has 66 games (17 starts) under his belt. He played in all 17 games each of the past two seasons with Tampa Bay, and made five starts for Todd Bowles last year.

With All-Pro Tackle Tristan Wirfs out for a couple of weeks, LT Justin Skule stepped in and despite giving up a sack to Nick Bosa, was solid. Looking forward to seeing him continue to develop. #Bucsfilm2024wk10 pic.twitter.com/z3Ki7K9gKP

— Steven Cheah (@StevenCheah) November 14, 2024

Related: MN Vikings Front Seven Ranked… No. 1 in NFL?

It’s possible that second-year tackle Walter Rouse winds up being a usable offensive lineman in the pros. We don’t know that yet. We do know that Skule is already a usable offensive lineman, and he can slide in for Darrisaw until the star is ready to roll.

Last season Skule graded out as the 43rd (of 140) tackle in the league. He’s neutral in run and pass block scenarios, and not going to light the world on fire. With a level of uncertainty about Darrisaw though, it’s good that Minnesota hedged their bet early. He should get plenty of first team work during training camp.

Prior to the draft, Minnesota was one of the more active teams in free agency, which put their roster in a great spot entering the draft. The Vikings’ limited number of picks pushed them down a lot of draft rankings, but most agree that what general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and everyone involved in the draft process did what they could with the handful of selections they did have.

It’s difficult for a team to improve on a 14-win season, no matter how good they are. That’s just a lot of wins. But no matter their record, the 2025 Minnesota Vikings look like a better team on paper going into summer workouts than what we thought we had this time last year. Part of that confidence was built through the draft.

Donovan Jackson expected to start for Minnesota Vikings

The Vikings’ first round pick, Donovan Jackson, is expected to get every opportunity to beat out incumbent starter, Blake Brandel. Entering the draft, many believed Kwesi would trade back and acquire more assets, given they only owned four picks when night one kicked off.

Instead, they chose to stick and pick the Ohio State guard/tackle at No. 24 overall pick. He’s good. He’s so good in fact, he moved to left tackle to cover for an injury and excelled there as well. Given his skill and versatility, all signs point to Jackson being a Vikings starter in week one.

#OSU OL Donovan Jackson played tackle down the stretch for the Buckeyes but I particularly liked his ability to climb to the 2nd level as a guard and his recovery ability if he initially lost a rep. Holds a firm anchor against interior DL too. I view him as a guard longterm. pic.twitter.com/bQVkqIStB4

— Devin Jackson (@RealD_Jackson) March 28, 2025

Minnesota drafted Jackson in hope that he will be able to immediately join newly signed veterans Ryan Kelly and Will Fries. Christian Darrisaw is expected back to make the rookie’s life easier on the outside. But if all goes to plan, redshirt rookie J.J. McCarthy should have the best offensive line the Vikings have employed in decades.

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

Biggest competition: Last season, Blake Brandel ranked 99th of 136 guards per Pro Football Focus. That’s a low bar for Jackson to clear, but you just never know about these rookies (especially on the OL), until we start hearing reports out of training camp, when helmets and pads come on.

Can Tai Felton earn snaps at wide receiver?

It’s possible that Tai Felton factors into the Minnesota Vikings special teams plans immediately. But after one weekend of rookie camp, that might be selling his year-one impact short. The Maryland product showed out against the Gophers last fall, then went on to finish 2024 with nine touchdowns on 1,124 yards receiving.

Tai Felton ended up in my top 100. Can stretch the field vertically, run after the catch, and and has suddenness within his routes pic.twitter.com/QLKQ9pFGTv

— Billy M (@BillyM_91) April 24, 2025

Felton is 6’2″ and can operate in the slot or the outside. With Jordan Addison in line for a two or three game suspension (stemming from his DUI arrest last summer) depth receivers like Felton and 2024 WR3 Jalen Nailor will get all sorts of opportunities for more targets over the next few months.

Biggest Competition: Last season, Jalen Nailor scored six touchdowns on 414 yards, in his first year taking over WR3 duties for K.J. Osborn. but he’s been unreliable throughout his three years in purple, recording key drops and an inability to stay healthy.

That’s where Felton could factor into WR2 conversations, especially if he can rise up the depth chart in time for Addison’s likely imminent suspension. You have to wonder how much job security Nailor has, after Felton’s selection in the 3rd round last April. But without a doubt, he’ll make the 53-man roster, barring something unforeseen taking place.

Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins is a freak athlete… but can he get on the field?

Late round picks often draw less fanfare. When adding to a rushing group for the Vikings that includes Andrew Van Ginkel, Jonathan Greenard, and Dallas Turner, you’re already up against it. That doesn’t mean Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins doesn’t stand a chance to make the roster out of Training Camp.

Look, this dude is a freak athlete and RAS darling. And especially in 2025, ceiling talent matters more than one’s ability to contribute on the field for an NFL roster now. At Georgia, Ingram Dawkins was used as a weapon all across the Bulldogs’ defensive front, both along the edges and in the interior

Related: Every Player at 2025 Minnesota Vikings Rookie Camp, Including Top Ranked UDFA Class

As a senior at Georgia, Ingram Dawkins played 14 games on a talented Georgia DL rotation, totalling just 536 total snaps and recording three sacks and eight tackles for loss. PFF gave him a 69.8 defense grade, which included a much higher run stop grade (70.8) than it did pass rush (60.2).

Will be curious to see where Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins finds a role. Super athletic and can play big end or kick inside in sub packages pic.twitter.com/ZrU26VBBCj

— Billy M (@BillyM_91) April 17, 2025

Dane Brugler from The Athletic called Ingram-Dawkins a day three pick that could surprise. “Ingram-Dawkins was more of a flash player than consistent force in Kirby Smart’s front seven. But he is a good-sized athlete and brings enough inside-outside versatility on the defensive line to eventually develop from a rotational player into someone who pushes for starting reps.”

Minnesota has plenty of mouths to feed when it comes to rushing the passer. If Ingram-Dawkins can have a good summer/camp, he’ll have a chance to make the roster. If not, he’s practice squad material for sure.

Kobe King has clear path to MN Vikings 53-man

Last season, former Gopher out of Eden Prairie Blake Cashman came home and immediately shined for the Minnesota Vikings. Health has been an issue his entire career, a trend we saw continue in 2024-25. Former UDFA-turned starter Ivan Pace also dealt with his own injury issues last season.

To alleviate some of that depth stress in the insider linebacker room, Minnesota recently brought back veteran Eric Wilson, after he left for a stint with NFC North rival Green Bay. But during they draft, the Vikings doubled down on what could be a late-round steal in Penn State ILB, Kobe King.

Working on a 2025 LB superlatives article and by far the easiest choice was Kobe King → Best Block Shedder. Most linebackers into today’s CFB don't have a reel half this long pic.twitter.com/Wm0je3xRhK

— James Foster (@NoFlagsFilm) February 18, 2025

A three-year starter for Penn State, King is an immediate threat to take Brian Asamoah’s job. He may not get defensive snaps out of the gate, but he could be a special teams asset now and a defensive contributor in the very near future. Last season with the Nittany Lions, King racked up three sacks tallied 97 total tackles.

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

Many people also like UDFA linebacker signee, Austin Keys. FantasyLife.com draft expert, Thor Nystrom believes both King and Asamoah should be watching over their shoulders for Keys, who one NFL coach told him would have been a fifth rounder, had it not been for injuries.

Same with the other 6th Rd Pick – Gavin Bartholomew

Maybe tight end wasn’t the most obviousl position for the Minnesota Vikings to target in the 2025 NFL Draft. But a closer look reveals a team that relies a lot on their tight ends to do a variety of different jobs.

So, after losing both Johnny Mundt and Nick Muse in free agency, only T.J. Hockenson and Josh Oliver remained on the depth chart, entering the draft. That was never going to be enough. The Vikings love to keep three or four tight ends active, and that almost ensures Gavin Bartholomew makes the roster.

Last season, at Pittsburgh, Bartholomew recorded a career-high 38 receptions for 322 yards and four touchdowns. He’s somewhat raw but he can catch the football and has shown he can block too.

A tight end I have come on late to is Pitt Gavin Bartholomew

He strikes me as a guy who’s best ball is in front of him — solid blocker, YAC guy, fights for every yard, solid athletic profile, makings of an all-around TE at the next level pic.twitter.com/0dUv6nGMP8

— Brad (@Graham_SFN) April 10, 2025

If Gavin can pick things up on offense somewhat quickly, at the NFL level, there’s nothing standing in between him and the MN Vikings week one 53-man roster… which uncoincidentally seems to be the case for much of this year’s draft class.

When the dust settled on the three day party in Green Bay Saturday evening, the Vikings walked away with five new draft picks for the 2025 camp roster, which tied (2008), for the least amount of picks since the franchise came into existence in 1961.

Realistically, the Minnesota Vikings’ 2025 offseason will be judged much more on its free agency signings than it is on the draft. But if Kwesi can hit on some of these longer-shot picks, it could be a turning point in his tenure as Vikings GM.

Minnesota Vikings earn lukewarm grade from Mel Kiper

If there’s one person in this world that’s never played or coached in the NFL, who’s name is most synonymous with the league’s Annual Player Selection Meeting, it’s ESPN’s Mel Kiper. The original NFL Draft expert has been the media face of the draft since he made his first appearance on ESPN’s draft coverage back in 1984.

A staple of Mel’s yearly coverage of the NFL Draft are his post-draft grades, where he gave the Minnesota Vikings an underwhelming B- for their 2025 class. It wasn’t necessarily the number of picks that hurt the Vikings, though it certainly didn’t help. Instead, Kiper was disappointed that Kwesi couldn’t land Brian Flores another talented CB to help out in a very thin secondary, hopefully now, but for sure in the future.

“Minnesota, however, came into this draft with just four total picks, the fewest of any team (the Vikings added one more via a trade with the Rams). If general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah was going to help out his young passer, he was going to have to do it with surgical precision. The first move was Donovan Jackson in Round 1. He will take Blake Brandel’s spot at left guard, where he will help both as a pass protector and run blocker. Somewhat surprisingly, Jackson was the third guard off the board at No. 24.

The Vikings got some value with the next few picks. Receiver Tai Felton had 96 catches last season; Minnesota landed my No. 83 prospect at No. 102. Edge rusher Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins didn’t fill the stat sheet in a deep Georgia rotation, but he has some traits that can be developed. He was No. 123 on my board, acquired at No. 139.

Adofo-Mensah did what he could with the team’s limited picks, but I wanted to see the Vikings snag an impact cornerback who could thrive in Brian Flores’ aggressive system.”

Mel Kiper – ESPN

Analyzing Kiper’s Minnesota Vikings analysis

Kiper was a bit surprised by the Jackson pick, at No. 24. He did not have him as the third guard coming off the board. From there, he likes the upside in Maryland wide receiver, Tai Felton who the MN Vikings selected as the final pick in the 3rd round.

The 6’2″ 178 lb Senior hauled in 96 catches last season for 1,124 yards and shined at Huntington Bank Stadium against the Gophers, where he caught 9 passes for 104 yards. He’ll likely get punt/kick return reps immediately, and could also challenge Nailor for WR3 early on, as well.

Special things happen when @taifelton has the ball in his hands. #Skol pic.twitter.com/eVnXf9xNQ3

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) April 26, 2025

When we factor in Jordan Addison’s likely suspension — originating from his DUI arrest in LA last summer — Tai’s role on offense could be even bigger. No matter where they were picked, all five of the Minnesota Vikings selections from Thursday-Saturday has a legitimate chance at making the 2025 53-man roster out of camp.

Vikings new draft picks locked for roster spots?

Of course both Jackson and Felton are locks for roster spots, as long as they are healthy. Defensive lineman Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins likely has too much talent to cut from the roster, as well. Given the limited depth Minnesota has at inside linebacker, I would be surprised if 6th round pick Kobe King can’t make the roster. I’d bet on him making it over Brian Asamoah, at this point.

Related: 2025 Minnesota Vikings Draft Class is Complete

Kevin O’Connell’s favorite value pick from the weekend might be Pittsburgh tight end, Gavin Bartholomew (6th round). He comes in as the Vikings’ 3rd tight end, behind TJ Hockenson and Josh Oliver. Last season, Minnesota had three-four tight ends active for every game.

But ultimately, they chose to stick and pick at No. 24, leaving the wheeling and dealing for later rounds. When the dust settled in Green Bay on Saturday afternoon, the Vikings walked away with five rookie draft picks to sign before training camp (plus a new QB2), selections that landed in the first, third, fifth and sixth rounds.

Meet the 2025 Minnesota Vikings draft class

(G) Donovan Jackson – Ohio State | Rd 1, Pick 24

Donovan Jackson was the pick on Thursday night. The Minnesota Vikings will give him every chance possible to win the starting job in camp. He bumped out to left tackle for Ohio State for half of last season, due to an injury they suffered at the position, a risky move for a draft-eligible senior. But in the end, it only added to Jackson’s collegiate highlight reel.

(WR) Tai Felton – Maryland | Rd 3, Pick 102

Another potential early contributor is wide receiver Tai Felton. He starred at Maryland and has a height advantage (6’2″ compared to 6’0″) over Jalen Nailor. Felton had 1,124 yards and nine touchdowns during his final collegiate season.

The best thing about WR Tai Felton is he does something Justin Jefferson & Jordan Addison don’t do…
He is suited to run Jet Sweeps & Smoke & Tunnel screens. He has KR vision when he gets the ball in the open field. #Vikings will have a crowded room.
pic.twitter.com/h91QWNrDsx

— Ron Johnson (@3RonJohnson) April 26, 2025

Minnesota will need depth for a potential Jordan Addison suspension as a result of his arrest last summer. Felton could also just wind up taking over for Nailor who is in the final year of his rookie deal.

(EDGE) Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins – Georgia | Rd 5, Pick 139

Ingram-Dawkins joins a now star-studded defensive front. He can contribute on the interior as well as the edge. The Minnesota Vikings added Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave in free agency to shore up the middle. They pair with edge talent in the form of Jonathan Greenard, Andrew Van Ginkel, and Dallas Turner.

(LB) Kobe King – Penn State | Rd 6, Pick 201

Kobe King is depth additions for the MN Vikings linebacker group. He’ll need to prove in rookie and training camp that he deserves a spot on the 53-man roster, or at least the practice squad. King totalled 97 tackles as a senior, nine of which were TFLs (3 sacks)

Kobe King plays with a MEAN STREAK.

Thick build, good eyes, big hitter.

Coverage ability is rough but there’s plenty to mold for a draft pick in the 200s.

pic.twitter.com/InevykQcCn

— Brady Balhorn – BNB Football (@BnbFootball) April 26, 2025

The Vikings have starting linebackers in the form of Ivan Pace Jr. and Blake Cashman, but they brought in veteran Eric Wilson to help out in 2025. We’ll see if/when King can push himself into the final roster conversation

(TE) Gavin Bartholomew – Pittsburgh | Rd 6, Pick 202

At tight end the Vikings needed a body after the departures of Nick Muse and Johnny Mundt. Bartholomew played four seasons for Pittsburgh and hauled in 11 touchdowns across 50 games. His 38 receptions as a senior were a career high.

Vikings Future TE1 Gavin Bartholomew 👀 pic.twitter.com/9vdXTML8FS

— MNMuse (@_MNMuse) April 26, 2025

MN Vikings now turn to Undrafted Free Agency

The work with rookie prospects doesn’t stop when the NFL Draft ends. Minnesota’s most recent undrafted free agent success story is Ivan Pace Jr. of course. Last year it was cornerback Dwight McGlothern that drew plenty of fanfare.

There are still some places for Minnesota to shore up on the roster. They added Sam Howell as the backup quarterback through a trade with Seattle on Saturday. It’s possible they bring in another arm to push Brett Rypien.

Related: NFL Draft Experts Drool Over New MN Viking, Donovan Jackson

Minnesota may need depth at the cornerback and safety positions as well. There have been rumblings about a reunion with Shaq Griffin or Stephon Gilmore. It’s great that the draft room can now disperse, but the front office still has plenty of work to do prior to training camp.

General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah didn’t have another pick to work with until the third round on Friday night. That selection, 97th overall, was a compensatory pick awarded for the departure of Kirk Cousins.

It was the third round that Minnesota decided to trade back. They swapped a pair of picks with the Houston Texans and were comfortable with the final choice of the evening.

Wide receiver Tai Felton joins Minnesota Vikings

By trading back five spots with the Houston Texans in the third round, the Vikings moved up 57 spots later in the draft. They still have just two picks left, but both are now in the 5th round.

The #Vikings have acquired the 102nd and 142nd picks in a trade with the Texans.

📰: https://t.co/j4uLqy9w0i pic.twitter.com/e7KP5qvA3g

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) April 26, 2025

Last season the Vikings utilized Jalen Nailor as their third wide receiver. He performed adequately but didn’t exactly run away with the role. Now Maryland star wideout Tai Felton is joining the offensive corps.

TAI!

The #Vikings have selected @Taifelton. pic.twitter.com/fD2qUV6uqo

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) April 26, 2025

Felton played 46 games for the Maryland Terrapins over four seasons. This year he turned 96 receptions into 1,124 yards and surpassed the 1,000-yard mark for the first time in his collegiate career.

He recorded a career-high nine touchdowns which was an impressive mark after posting six in 2023. At 6’2″ he has ideal size at the wide receiver position. He ran a 4.37 40-yard dash and posted a 39.5″ vertical jump at the combine.

Against the Gophers at Huntington Bank Stadium this season Felton showed off. It was his fifth 100-yard game of the season, and his 104 receiving yards were a bright spot for a Maryland team that got beat 48-23.

MN Vikings wide receiver room could see shuffle

Justin Jefferson is obviously locked into the top wide receiver role for the Minnesota Vikings. Jordan Addison will remain his running mate for as long as he’s employed by the team.

Unfortunately for Addison, and the Vikings, he’ll likely face a suspension this season stemming from his arrest last summer. That means Minnesota must make up for his absence. There is also the reality that Nailor is in the final year of his contract and hasn’t run away with the job.

The newest Viking Tai Feltonpic.twitter.com/YzQqHuPncH

— The Purple Persuasion (@TPPSkol) April 26, 2025

Nailor played in 17 games last season and racked up 414 yards with six touchdowns. His hands and route running were questionable at times, and that provides an opportunity for Felton to gain some target share.

J.J. McCarthy will need to develop a level of rapport with his new target. The last wide receiver Minnesota took from Maryland, Stefon Diggs, turned out pretty good. That’d be quite the come up if Felton can follow in his footsteps.