Minnesota Vikings Offensive Line Moves

Injuries forced the Minnesota Vikings to make some moves on the offensive line. Late in Saturday’s preseason opener against the Houston Texans, rookie center Zeke Correll, undrafted out of North Carolina State, suffered a fractured ankle. He’s already had surgery and is likely done for the season. To replace Correll in the middle of the offensive, the Vikings claimed interior offensive lineman Michael Gonzalez off waivers from the Atlanta Falcons. While Gonzalez essentially replaces Correll in the middle of the Vikings offensive line, it was offensive tackle Matt Nelson that was placed on injured reserve. Signed earlier in training camp to supplement the offensive tackle position, Nelson was injured during last week’s night practice. Now, he’s on injured reserve. 

The Vikings lost two players to significant injuries in the Texans game. Zeke Correll was injured late in the game. Rondale Moore was injured earlier in the game. While their roster futures have yet to be officially announced both are expected to be done for the season. 

As for the Vikings new offensive lineman. After going undrafted, Michael Gonzalez was signed in May by the Atlanta Falcons. At Louisville, he started 32 games, including all 26 games from 2023-24, at left guard. He was All-ACC Honorable Mention in 2024. The Falcons were working him at center. He was waived after the team’s preseason opener and claimed by the Vikings yesterday. Now, he’s behind Ryan Kelly and Michael Jurgens as the third center. His NFL opportunity continues. 

Hopefully, the Minnesota Vikings will NOT be forced into further roster moves due to injury. 

Minnesota Vikings Receivers

The Minnesota Vikings receivers have become a topic of conversation. With Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison at the top of the group, the receivers are always going to be a team focus. They are arguably the best pass-catching duo in the league. Jefferson is currently working back from a mild hamstring issue. Addison will be suspended for the first three games of the season. With those two situations, the panic was present even before Saturday’s preseason game against the Houston Texans. Rondale Moore was signed in the offseason as something of a wildcard. He was available for a modest contract mostly because he was coming back from a significant right knee injury. He suffered the injury about a year ago while he was with the Atlanta Falcons. Quick and shifty, he could provide a particular play-making element the Vikings don’t currently have on the roster. He was contending for a receiver role and leading the competition for the punt return role. All of that crashed when he was hauled down awkwardly (hip-drop tackle?) on his first touch against the Texans. While the results of an MRI have yet to be released, it appears that Moore suffered a significant injury to his left knee. The receiver panic has reached the next level.

Minnesota Vikings Receivers (without Rondale Moore)

Justin Jefferson

Jordan Addison

Jalen Nailor

Tai Felton 

Lucky Jackson

Jeshaun Jones

Tim Jones

Thayer Thomas

Dontae Fleming

Myles Price

Silas Bolden

Robert Lewis

Seeing as many Vikings pundits and fans didn’t have Rondale Moore making the team in their early 53-man roster projections, I’m not sure why his injury has amped the panic. Perhaps, it was special teams coordinator Matt Daniels saying that he was PR1. Who knows? I believe that some surrounding the team simply want to panic about something. Right now, receiver is that something. Jefferson will be fine. Addison will be back in Week 4. Jefferson and Jalen Nailor were fine last year in wins over the San Francisco 49ers and Houston Texans while Addison was out with an injury. I believe that Jefferson and Nailor will be fine against the Chicago Bears, Atlanta Falcons, and Cincinnati Bengals while Addison is suspended. Tai Felton and  Lucky Jackson will have to step up. It’s always “Next Man Up” in the NFL. 

As for the Vikings receiver room with Rondale Moore likely out for the season, Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, Jalen Nailor, and Tai Felton are locks. Lucky Jackson is nearly there. Actually, he may already be there. If the loss of Moore is felt anywhere, it’s probably special teams. I really liked him as the team’s punt returner. I mostly liked him there because he wouldn’t be on the roster solely for returns. I felt that he’d contribute, maybe significantly, on offense. Now, I feel that the returner might be a receiver that’s on the roster simply for special teams. Improving on returns is a must. The Vikings haven’t gotten much from punt returns since Marcus Sherels was on the roster. And he was only the roster for his special teams excellence. The lack of a return threat has really hurt the team with their field position. Hopefully, one of Silas Bolden, Dontae Fleming, or Myles Price grabs the job and becomes the Vikings next great punt returner. I believe that Jackson might’ve been added to that competition as well. Maybe he was always part of it and I just missed it. 

As long as there are no more injuries, the Vikings receivers will be fine. It’s “Next Man Up.” Tai Felton and Lucky Jackson will step up while Jordan Addison is out. Tight ends T.J. Hockenson and Josh Oliver will supplement the receivers. Running backs Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason will also factor heavily in the Vikings offensive attack. The Vikings will be fine. There’s no reason to panic in August. 

VIkings - Texans

The Minnesota Vikings opened their preseason at beautiful US Bank Stadium with a 20-10 win over the Houston Texans. Preseason games are often difficult to judge. Teams approach them with various strategies and those strategies are rarely shared with observers. Despite that, the win was a solid showing by the Vikings in all phases.

After starting his Vikings coaching career with six consecutive preseason losses, Kevin O’Connell has guided his team to four consecutive wins. That might mean something. 

Any thoughts on the 2025 Minnesota Vikings will always begin with quarterback J.J. McCarthy. He got the start yesterday but played a single series. It’ll probably be his only appearance of the preseason. So, how did he play? “Fine” would be my assessment. The special teams did him, and the offense, no favors as a muffed catch and a holding penalty gave the offense a poor start at the 12-yard line. After three passes to Jordan Addison and two Jordan Mason runs, McCarthy had the Vikings at the Texans 49-yard line. It was all positive to that point. Locating Addison in his progression is always a good thing. While the third forced a dive and nice catch, it showed that McCarthy really just has to put the ball within reach of Addison and Justin Jefferson. His brilliant receivers can make plays and will make plays. McCarthy doesn’t have to be perfect. He just has to give his pass catchers a chance. On this occasion, he put that ball where only Addison could get it. From the Texans 49, Mason ran for nine yards. Then things got a little shaky. A screen to C.J. Ham was destined for failure from the start and lost three yards. McCarthy followed that with his worst play of the drive. He missed an open Lucky Jackson high. Hit that and the Vikings are sitting nicely in the red zone. On 4th-and-four, O’Connell decided to leave the ball in his quarterback’s hands. It was the right decision as McCarthy ran for eight yards and the first down. Incomplete to Addison, five-yard run from Mason, and incomplete to Mason forced the Vikings to settle for a Will Reichard field goal. While I hoped that O’Connell would give McCarthy another fourth-down chance, grabbing the points was the right decision. If he’d managed to connect with Jackson, I would have easily given McCarthy an “A” for his brief appearance. As it was, I’d give him a “B.” It looked like he made the right decisions throughout the lone possession and it ended with points. There’s the obligatory J.J. McCarthy critique. 

The Vikings offense, defense, and special teams did play the rest of the game. Here are some takeaways.

The worst part of the game was the serious leg injury to Rondale Moore on what appeared to be one of those jackass “hip-drop” tackles. I really thought the league was trying to do something about that bullshit. Maybe they should put some real tackling work back into training camp practices. Moore had worked his way back from a brutal right knee injury suffered last summer while he was with the Atlanta Falcons. Now, he appears to have a serious injury to his left leg. Just brutal.

The second worst part was late in the game when rookie center Zeke Correll was injured with what has already been diagnosed as a fractured ankle. Brutal. 

One preseason game and two players are probably done for the season. 

Texans quarterback Davis Mills started the game over starter C.J. Stroud. Mills carved up the Vikings defense on their first series. It was a ten-play, 74-yard drive and the Texans were rarely stressed by a defense missing nine probable starters. Other than an incomplete pass and a false start penalty, every play went for positive yards. After that casual march down the field, the Texans rarely did anything positive against any Vikings defensive combination. After gaining 74 yards on their first possession, the Texans gained only 120 yards on their next nine possessions. Their final three possessions ended with interceptions. So, the Vikings defense started slow but was stout throughout the game. 

Perhaps the greatest concern so far in training camp has been the play of the Vikings backup quarterbacks. Those concerns should now be less than they were. Sam Howell played the rest of the first half and was solid. He guided the offense to a field goal and a touchdown. He powered the ball from a yard out for the touchdown. He was accurate. He completed 11 of 13 passes for 105 yards. He appeared to make good decisions. The only thing that stopped him and the Vikings offense was the end of the half. 

Things didn’t go so smoothly for Brett Rypien. In his three possessions, the Vikings gained one first down. They punted three times. He completed 1 of 4 passes for six yards. His three misses weren’t close. His play was much like the play that had folks worried about the Vikings quarterbacks. 

Max Brosmer may have been the revelation of the game. He started a little slow but warmed to something close to hotness. He was certainly aided by a defense that kept getting the ball for the offense. In that sense, his opportunities were much better opportunities than those given Rypien. Brosmer’s first opportunity came on the Texans 40-yard line. That led to a touchdown on a nice Brosmer throw to fellow undrafted rookie Myles Price. 

That ends the quarterback observations.

Preseason Game #1 Standouts:

-Jordan Addison was great on his three catches. 

-Jordan Mason looked the part of a bruising compliment to Aaron Jones

-Zavier Scott may have zipped past Ty Chandler in the competition for RB3.

-Tai Felton had a couple catches and a terrific gunner rep on punt coverage.

-Jeshaun Jones was a just-missed Brett Rypien deep throw from an explosive game.

-Gabriel Murphy provided nice pressure and finished with 1.5 sacks.

-Elijah Williams was stout in the middle of the defensive line. 

-Kahlef Hailassie was in the right spot for two interceptions.

-Ambry Thomas also had an interception.

-Will Reichard was perfect on kicks.

There’s a punting competition in Minnesota. The Vikings punted three times against the Texans. Incumbent Ryan Wright had a 54- and a 49-yarder. One was pinned inside the 20-yard line. Challenger Oscar Chapman had a 52-yarder. Thanks in part to Tai Felton’s terrific coverage, the punt nearly resulted in a Texans turnover. The muffed football was there for the taking but the Texans covered it. 

If I were to pick an MVP for the Vikings Preseason Game #1, that player would probably be Zavier Scott. He’s an interesting player. I’ve always been intrigued by running backs with legit time as a receiver in their background. Scott is such a player. He played at least a year as a receiver in college. Since the Vikings signed him to the practice squad after he was among the final cuts of the Indianapolis Colts last season, I hadn’t seen him play for the Vikings until yesterday. He’s been a nearly year-long mystery. He looked great against the Texans. He gained 40 yards on seven carries and caught a pass for 11 yards. He’s a much tougher/harder runner than I expected. 

The New England Patriots are up next in Preseason Game #2. 

 

It’s Game Day!

The Minnesota Vikings host the Houston Texans in the first preseason game for both teams. It might be preseason but it’s the first football, or football-like, game for so long. I’ve been waiting for this since this day since the Vikings 2024 season came to a dreadful end against the Los Angeles Rams in the playoffs. That was eight long months ago. The Vikings fixed a lot of things since that sad game. They spent the offseason fixing the offensive and defensive lines. While this game against the Texans won’t show much of those fixes, I’m looking forward to seeing what I do see. Here’s a list of those players I’m most excited to see. 

J.J. McCarthy - Of course. It always starts with the quarterback

Jordan Mason

Rondale Moore

Tai Felton

Lucky Jackson

Ben Yurosek

Will Fries

Donovan Jackson

Dallas Turner

Javon Hargrave

Jonathan Allen

Ivan Pace Jr. - I always want to see what this maniac does.

Kobe King

Isaiah Rodgers

Jeff Okudah

Dwight McGlothern

Zemaiah Vaughn

Theo Jackson

Jay Ward

Oscar Chapman

Silas Bolden

Myles Price

Sam Howell

Max Brosmer

Zavier Scott

Tre Stewart

I probably didn’t need to list players individually as I’m looking forward to seeing whatever I see of all 91 players on the roster. Several of the above probably won’t play. I’m excited to see Justin Jefferson and any inactive players on the sideline. The lucky Vikings fans attending training camp have seen these players for a couple weeks. Other than scattered highlights, this is the first time for me. It’s exciting. Vikings football, even preseason Vikings football, is exciting. 

SKOL!

Minnesota Vikings 91-Man Roster

The Minnesota Vikings are a day away from Preseason Game #1. The team hosts the Houston Texans tomorrow. Since the start of training camp, the Vikings roster has mostly maintained consistency. That’s a good thing as injuries are often the reason for transactions in July and August. There has been a splash of injuries roster but most are fortunately of the day-to-day variety. While Justin Jefferson dealing with a balky hamstring has garnered headlines, an offseason back injury to rookie Gavin Bartholomew is the most concerning long-term health issue. The sixth-round tight end’s injury has forced the Vikings to make a few roster tweaks with the tight end position. Giovanni Ricci was signed in June. Nine-year veteran Nick Vannett was signed earlier this week. A couple non-tight ends have been added to the roster since the start of training camp. Veteran offensive lineman Matt Nelson and safety Gervarrius Owens have been signed to supplement their respective positions. 

In advance of tomorrow’s big game against the Houston Texans, here’s an updated look at the 91-man roster of the Minnesota Vikings. 

Minnesota Vikings 91-Man Roster (91)

Offense (46)

Quarterbacks (4)

  9 J.J McCarthy

  8 Sam Howell

19 Brett Rypien

12 Max Brosmer

Running Backs (5)

33 Aaron Jones

27 Jordan Mason

32 Ty Chandler

36 Zavier Scott

38 Tre Stewart

Fullback (1)

30 C.J. Ham

Receivers (13)

18 Justin Jefferson

  3 Jordan Addison

  1 Jalen Nailor

  4 Rondale Moore

13 Tai Felton

14 Tim Jones

81 Lucky Jackson

82 Jeshaun Jones

89 Thayer Thomas

83 Silas Bolden

19 Dontae Fleming

31 Myles Price

85 Robert Lewis

Tight Ends (7)

87 T.J. Hockenson

84 Josh Oliver

86 Gavin Bartholomew - PUP

48 Ben Yurosek

46 Bryson Nesbit

49 Giovanni Ricci

45 Nick Vannett

Offensive Linemen (16)

71 Christian Darrsisaw

74 Donovan Jackson

78 Ryan Kelly

76 Will Fries

75 Brian O’Neill

64 Blake Brandel

78 Walter Rouse

65 Michael Jurgens

67 Justin Skule

62 Logan Brown

60 Joe Huber

66 Vershon Lee

72 Leroy Watson IV

68 Henry Byrd

63 Zeke Correll

69 Matt Nelson

Defense (42)

Defensive Linemen (10)

97 Harrison Phillips

93 Jonathan Allen

98 Javon Hargrave

61 Jalen Redmond

50 Levi Drake Rodriguez

94 Taki Taimani 

90 Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins

69 Elijah Williams

92 Jonathan Harris

95 Travis Bell 

Outside Linebackers (7)

58 Jonathan Greenard

43 Andrew Van Ginkel

15 Dallas Turner

59 Gabriel Murphy

98 Bo Richter

96 Tyler Batty

57 Chaz Chambliss

Inside Linebackers (7)

  0 Ivan Pace Jr.

51 Blake Cashman

55 Eric Wilson

  6 Brian Asamoah

41 Kobe King

52 Dorian Mausi

56 Austin Keys     

Cornerbacks (11)

  7 Byron Murphy Jr.

  5 Mekhi Blackmon

  2 Isaiah Rodgers

21 Jeff Okudah

29 Dwight McGlothern

37 Tavierre Thomas

23 Ambry Thomas

20 Reddy Steward 

25 Kahlef Hailassie

35 Keenan Garber

34 Zemaiah Vaughn     

Safeties (6)

22 Harrison Smith

44 Josh Metellus

26 Theo Jackson

20 Jay Ward

40 Mishael Powell

39 Gervarrius Owens

Special Teams (4)

Kickers (1)

16 Will Reichard

Punter (1)

17 Ryan Wright

91 Oscar Chapman

Long Snapper (1)

42 Andrew DePaola

***

The NFL’s offseason roster limit is 90 players. The Vikings have an international pathway exemption for Australian punter Oscar Chapman. He’s exempt from the 90-player roster limit. 

Minnesota Vikings “Unofficial” Depth Chart

 The Minnesota Vikings host the Houston Texans on Saturday. In advance of the first preseason game, the Vikings released their first “unofficial” depth chart. It’s been an interesting tradition for each of the NFL’s teams to release “unofficial” depth charts at this stage of training camp. It’s interesting because a depth chart released by the team seems more “official” than “unofficial.” I believe the league’s teams see these depth charts as “unofficial” because there’s still so much uncertainty about the rosters. Some positional competitions are just getting started. How can they put something definite out there when there’s daily fluctuations? Despite their questionable nature, these depth chart releases are part of the process and they can be interesting. Here’s a look at the first “unofficial” depth chart of the Minnesota Vikings.

Minnesota Vikings “Unofficial” Depth Chart

Offense

Quarterback

Starter:

J.J. McCarthy

Backups:

Sam Howell

Brett Rypien

Max Brosmer

Running Back

Starter:

Aaron Jones, Sr.

Backups:

Jordan Mason

Ty Chandler

Zavier Scott

Tre Stewart

Fullback

Starter:

C.J. Ham

Wide Receiver

Starter:

Justin Jefferson

Backups:

Jalen Nailor

Tai Felton

Dontae Fleming

Myles Price

Robert Lewis

Wide Receiver

Starter:

Jordan Addison

Backups:

Lucky Jackson

Rondale Moore

Tim Jones

Jeshaun Jones

Thayer Thomas

Silas Bolden

Tight End

Starter:

T.J. Hockenson

Backups:

Josh Oliver

Ben Yurosek-or-Giovanni Ricci

Bryson Nesbit-or-Nick Vannett

Left Tackle

Starter:

Christian Darrisaw

Backups:

Justin Skule

Logan Brown

Left Guard

Starter:

Donovan Jackson

Backups:

Blake Brandel

Joe Huber

Vershon Lee

Center

Starter:

Ryan Kelly

Backups:

Michael Jurgens

Zeke Correll

Right Guard

Starter:

Will Fries

Backup:

Henry Byrd

Right Tackle

Starter:

Brian O’Neill

Backups:

Walter Rouse

Leroy Watson IV

Matt Nelson

Defense

Defensive Line

Starters:

Jonathan Allen

Harrison Phillips

Javon Hargrave

Backups:

Levi Drake Rodriguez

Jalen Redmond

Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins

Jonathan Harris

Taki Taimani

Travis Bell

Elijah Williams

Outside Linebacker

Starters:

Jonathan Greenard

Andrew Van Ginkel

Backups:

Dallas Turner

Gabriel Murphy

Bo Richter

Tyler Batty

Chaz Chambliss

Inside Linebacker

Starters:

Blake Cashman

Ivan Pace Jr.

Backups:

Eric Wilson

Brian Asamoah II

Kobe King

Austin Keys

Dorian Mausi

Cornerback:

Starter:

Byron Murphy Jr.

Backups:

Mekhi Blackmon

Dwight McGlothern

Ambry Thomas

Zemaiah Vaughn

Cornerback

Starter:

Isaiah Rodgers

Backups:

Jeff Okudah

Reddy Steward

Keenan Garber

Safety

Harrison Smith

Backups:

Jay Ward

Mishael Powell

Gervarrius Owens

Safety

Starter:

Joshua Metellus

Backups:

Theo Jackson

Tavierre Thomas

Kahlef Hailassie

Special Teams

Punter/Holder

Starter:

Ryan Wright

Backup:

Oscar Chapman

Kicker

Starter:

Will Reichard

Long Snapper

Starter:

Andrew DePaola

Punt Returner

Starter:

Rondale Moore

Backups:

Lucky Jackson

Silas Bolden

Myles Price

Kick Returner

Starter:

Tai Felton

Backup:

Ty Chandler

***

The offensive depth chart has no surprises but the competitions for RB3 and the final receiver spots may be the most interesting over the next few weeks.

On defense, I’m a little surprised that rookie cornerback Zemaiah Vaughn is behind Ambry Thomas. Perhaps it’s a veteran over rookie thing. I doubt that he needs it but perhaps it’s motivation for Vaughn.

If running back and receiver aren’t providing the most interesting training camp competitions, the competition for return roles are. I like that Tai Felton and Rondale are the “unofficial” leaders for kick return and punt return as I believe both could have roles on offense. I question whether the Vikings have much roster room for players that only playing on special teams. 

While I believe that only a handful of roster spots are up for grabs, the final few weeks of training camp will be interesting. 

Jordan Addison Suspended

The inevitable news dropped yesterday. Minnesota Vikings receiver Jordan Addison is suspended for the first three games of the 2025 NFL season. The suspension is for a violation of the league’s substance abuse policy. Addison pleaded no contest in July to a lesser charge of wet reckless driving stemming from a July 2024 drunken driving arrest in Los Angeles. His original charges of driving under the influence and driving with a 0.08% blood alcohol content were dismissed Technically, Addison wasn’t driving but he was behind the wheel of a parked car in a very suspect condition. That’s all that matters. 

While the suspension was expected, the announcement of it does have the feel of a punch to the gut. I was hoping for a two game suspension, perhaps even a single game, but I knew those were overly hopeful hopes. With Addison’s suspension becoming real, fans and media are now in the inevitable overreaction stage. The sky is falling. The reality of the situation is that the Vikings have known of this possibility since July 2024. Of course, it’s not ideal. Addison is a very important part of the Vikings offense. The Justin Jefferson - Jordan Addison duo is one of the league’s best. Partly due to Jefferson being sidelined by a balky hamstring, new quarterback J.J. McCarthy and Addison have developed a very nice connection during training camp. Their connections have often been the offensive highlights of practices routinely dominated by the defense. Just when things are cooking between the two, they will be forced into three-week separation. It isn’t great but it’s no reason to abandon hope. An offseason focused on improving the trenches on both sides of the ball combined with the possibilities with an exciting, young, talented quarterback has created excitement and expectations. The suspension is a hit to that excitement and those expectations. There’s no way around the fact that Addison will be missed during the first three games. However, the sky is not falling on the Vikings season. Here are some reasons to rest easy.

Kevin O’Connell

Justin Jefferson

T.J. Hockenson

Aaron Jones

Jordan Mason

Kevin O’Connell

Justin Jefferson

Josh Oliver

J.J. McCarthy

That rebuilt offensive line

Jalen Nailor

Tai Felton

Rondale Moore

Kevin O’Connell

Justin Jefferson

The sky is definitely not falling. Kevin O’Connell, his coaches, and the team’s decision-makers have known about this possibility for over a year. An injury at the start of last season forced the Vikings to deal with Addison’s absence on the fly and they won both games. With more than a year of awareness, I expect O’Connell and company to be prepared to take the field without Addison. After sweeping through Chicago, Atlanta, and Cincinnati, the rest of the league will be put on notice when Jordan Addison returns to the field in Dublin against the Pittsburgh Steelers. 

Tight End Tweaks

What a difference a missing Mundt makes. For most of the three years that Kevin O’Connell has guided the team, the Minnesota Vikings have rostered the following tight ends.

T.J. Hockenson 

Josh Oliver

Johnny Mundt

This offseason, “the best #3 tight end in the league” left the room. Johnny Mundt bolted the Vikings for an opportunity with the Jacksonville Jaguars. The departure left the Vikings searching for the next best #3 tight end in the league. That search was focused on players in the 2025 NFL Draft. 

Gavin Bartholomew- sixth round pick

Ben Yurosek - undrafted free agent

Bryson Nesbit - undrafted free agent

Due to an injured back, Gavin Bartholomew has yet to take the field for a training camp practice. That lack of availability has been an opportunity for Ben Yurosek in particular. It also forced the Vikings to add a couple able-bodied tight ends. Moderately experienced Giovanni Ricci was signed early in training camp. Yesterday, a much more experienced tight end was added to the roster. “Baby Gronk,” also known as Nick Vannett, was originally a third-round pick of the Seattle Seahawks in the 2016 NFL Draft. He’s had a modestly productive nine-year career with the Seahawks, Pittsburgh Steelers, Denver Broncos, New Orleans Saints, New York Giants, Los Angeles Chargers, and Tennessee Titans. He’s been around. Now, he’s with the Vikings and approaching his tenth season. 

With the recent tight end tweaks, the Vikings Mundt-less tight end room now looks like this. 

T.J. Hockenson

Josh Oliver

Ben Yurosek

Nick Vannett

Giovanni Ricci

Bryson Nesbit

Gavin Bartholomew is still working his way back to the field. 

The competition for the next “best #3 tight end in the league” is wide open. 

Minnesota Vikings Starters?

Training camp is often about positional competitions. On offense, the Minnesota Vikings starters are pretty straightforward. On defense, it’s a situational thing. The Vikings probably have more defensive starters than are allowed by the game’s rules. Here’s a look at the projected starters of the Minnesota Vikings. 

Offense

QB: 

J.J. McCarthy

RB: 

Aaron Jones

FB: 

C.J. Ham

WR: 

Justin Jefferson

Jordan Addison

TE:

T.J. Hockenson

LT:

Christian Darrisaw

LG:

Donovan Jackson

C:

Ryan Kelly

RG:

Will Fries

RT:

Brian O’Neill

Despite a quarterback that’s yet to take a regular season snap, that’s a strong offensive side. 

Defense

DL:

Javon Hargrave

Harrison Phillips

Jonathan Allen

OLB:

Jonathan Greenard

Andrew Van Ginkel

Dallas Turner

LB:

Blake Cashman

Ivan Pace Jr.

CB:

Byron Murphy Jr.

Isaiah Rodgers

Jeff Okudah

S:

Harrison Phillips

Joshua Metellus

Theo Jackson

That’s a few more than the 11 that are allowed to be on the field at the same time. There’s a reason for that. Brian Flores and his coaches have crafted a versatile, situationally evolving defense. More than 11 players receive starter-level snaps. Flores is entering his third season as the Vikings defensive coordinator. In his first season, he was able to get production that far exceeded the talent he was provided. Headlined by linebackers Jonathan Greenard, Andrew Van Ginkel, and Blake Cashman, Flores was provided improved talent in year two. Year three feels like a revelation. The defense is now stacked with talent. With Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen, the Vikings finally have a defensive front that can wreck an offense. With Greenard, Van Ginkel, and Dallas Turner, Flores says that he has three starting edge rushers. The Vikings front will be a menace. 

J.J. McCarthy gets so much attention. The quarterback always does and always will. I’m excited to witness the start of the McCarthy era. I might be even more excited to see this Vikings defense. 

While there might not be competitions among offensive and defensive starters, the Vikings have several special teams opportunities that are up for grabs. In particular, there’s a punting competition. Incumbent Ryan Wright vs rookie Oscar Chapman. That’s fun stuff. There’s also a scintillating return competition taking place. Special teams coordinator Matt Daniels would be thrilled if he can pry starting corner Isaiah Rodgers from Flores for the kick return role. Receivers Tai Felton, Rondale Moore, Silas Bolden, Myles Price, and Dontae Fleming populate the return competition. While it’s a wide-open competition, Bolden appears to be leading the race for the punt return role. 

This is easily the most talented Vikings team since the 2009 team. 

Who’s Next?

Congratulations to the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2025.

Jared Allen

Eric Allen

Sterling Sharpe

Antonio Gates

As soon as the new busts are in place, attention turns to the Next Class. It’s inevitable. Even during yesterday’s speeches, the list of first-year eligibles for the Class of 2026 was bouncing across the social medias. It’s a strong list.

Larry Fitzgerald

Drew Brees

Phillip Rivers

Jason Witten

Frank Gore

Julian Edelman

Maurkice Pouncey

LeSean McCoy

Thomas Davis

Greg Olsen

Alex Smith

Dez Bryant

Stephen Gostkowski

Geno Atkins

David DeCastro

Mike Pouncey

Sean Lee

Todd Gurley

Jurrell Casey

Larry Fitzgerald and Drew Brees are the clear headliners of the group. It’d be a surprise if both aren’t wearing Gold Jackets in the Canton sun next August. After those two, at least six have legit arguments for induction in the coming years. 

So, who’s next? 

It’s often best to start with the finalists for the previous Class. Somehow, Jared Allen was part of that group for four years before he finally made it in his fifth year of eligibility. Here are the finalists from last year that are still waiting for a Hall knock. 

Willie Anderson

Jahri Evans

Torry Holt

Luke Kuechly

Eli Manning 

Steve Smith Sr.

Terrell Suggs

Fred Taylor

Adam Vinatieri

Reggie Wayne

Darren Woodson

Marshal Yanda

Last year was the first year of the new voting process. While a single Class is hardly a proper sample size, it seems clear that smaller Classes may become the norm. If that’s the case, making it to Canton will become harder and the group of deserving players will grow considerably. Of the above 12, Luke Kuechly is an easy pick for next year’s Class. Seeing as he was one of the best linebackers of my lifetime, I thought that he was an easy choice in his first year. So, he’s an even easier choice in his second year. 

In my opinion, the first three members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026 are easy. 

Larry Fitzgerald 

Drew Brees 

Luke Kuechly

A fourth is also pretty easy. Coaches only have to be out of the game (in this case, the pro game) for a single season. Bill Belichick. 

With the new voting process, I wouldn’t be surprised if the voters ended it with those four and perhaps a senior candidate. I’m working toward something closer to the maximum. There are too many deserving candidates to be idiots about this. 

While I’d like to see one of the receivers that have been waiting make it, in this exercise of “Who’s Next?” I’m going to end the long wait of Willie Anderson.

After that, I’m going with a player that deserves Hall of Fame recognition but has gotten no traction. Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Kevin Williams. He was the key to one of the best run defenses in the league’s history. He has the All-Pros. He has the Pro Bowls. He has the All-Decades. He has it all and should already have a bust. 

Finally, the Senior candidate. Verne Lewellen should’ve made it to Canton before the voting got out of the 1960s. He was one of the best football players of the league’s first two decades. It’s mind-boggling that he’s still waiting. 

So, here’s Who’s Next for 2026:

Larry Fitzgerald

Drew Brees

Luke Kuechly

Willie Anderson

Kevin Williams

Bill Belichick

Verne Lewellen

See you, Canton!

Favorite Pro Football Hall of Fame Classes

Today’s Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductions has me thinking about some of my favorite Hall of Fame Classes. Separating Hall Classes from other Hall Classes is a foolish thing to do. They're all great. They're Hall of Famers. Anyway, I still managed to separate some of my favorite Hall Classes.

The first three on the list are separated from the rest simply because I was in Canton for them.

Class of 2013  

Larry Allen
Cris Carter
Curley Culp
Jonathan Ogden
Bill Parcells
Dave Robinson
Warren Sapp

Cris Carter finally made it to Canton. His induction inspired me to make my first trip to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. I have no idea why I'd never visited before. If I needed inspiration, Alan Page should've done it. Bud Grant should've done it. Apparently, it took Carter's induction. The increasing frustration that I felt each of the the previous five years that he didn't make it probably played a role. Whatever the reason, I finally made the trip to this magical place. It was more than I'd ever imagined.

And Carter was joined by an outstanding Class.

Class of 2018

Bobby Beathard
Robert Brazile
Brian Dawkins
Jerry Kramer
Ray Lewis
Randy Moss
Terrell Owens
Brian Urlacher

Randy Moss brought me back to Canton. I added the Sunday Round Table discussion to my Hall of Fame itinerary and it turned out to be a highlight of the weekend. Every future Enshrinement weekend visit will include it. This was a fun Hall Class. An added bonus was Owens' decision to do his own thing.

A curious aspect to my first two Hall of Fame Classes is this:
A Vikings receiver:
Cris Carter
Randy Moss

A Lombardi Packer:
Dave Robinson
Jerry Kramer

A Raven:
Jonathan Ogden
Ray Lewis

An Oilers defender:
Curley Culp
Robert Brazile

Class of 2019

Champ Bailey
Pat Bowlen
Gil Brandt
Tony Gonzalez
Ty Law
Kevin Mawae
Ed Reed
Johnny Robinson

In 2011, Les Richter became the first player from Cal to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Tony Gonzalez was the second. I was in the Memorial Stadium stands for every one of his home games. It's not like I watched his first baby steps because he was running from the moment he put on that Golden Bear uniform. But it feels like I've watched him grow into a Hall of Fame football player.

With Ogden, Lewis, and now Ed Reed, one might think that I was a Ravens fan by my Canton visits.

And now for the rest of my favorite Hall of Fame Classes:

Class of 1963  

Sammy Baugh
Bert Bell
Joe Carr
Dutch Clark
Harold "Red" Grange
George Halas
Mel Hein
Wilbur "Pete" Henry
Cal Hubbard
Don Hutson
"Curly" Lambeau
Tim Mara
George Preston Marshall
Johnny "Blood"McNally
Bronko Nagurski
Ernie Nevers
Jim Thorpe

Seeing as the Hall of Fame opened 43 years after the start of the APFA/NFL, the early Classes are ridiculous. The voters had some catching up to do. We have the NFL because of the above 17 people.

Class of 1965  

Guy Chamberlin
John "Paddy" Driscoll
Dan Fortmann
Otto Graham
Sid Luckman
Steve Van Buren
Bob Waterfield

Along with Dutch Clark (1963) and Jimmy Conzelman (1964), Guy Chamberlin, Paddy Driscoll, Dan Fortmann are some of my favorite lesser known legends from the league's early decades. Add in ridiculous game-winners like Otto Graham and Sid Luckman and this Class trails that of 1963 only in numbers. 

Class of 1967  

Chuck Bednarik
Charles Bidwill, Sr.
Paul Brown
Bobby Layne
Daniel F. Reeves
Ken Strong
Joe Stydahar
Emlen Tunnell

Paul Brown, Bobby Layne and Emlen Tunnell are the players that really make this Class one of my favorites.

Class of 1971  

Jim Brown
Bill Hewitt
"Bruiser" Kinard
Vince Lombardi
Andy Robustelli
Y.A. Tittle
Norm Van Brocklin

This Class isn't just one of my favorites it's one of the best by any measure.

Class of 1972

Lamar Hunt
Gino Marchetti
Ollie Matson
Clarence "Ace" Parker

This Class is a personal favorite because of Gino Marchetti and Ollie Matson. My father was at the University of San Francisco during that duo's incredible time there. He often chatted with Matson before one of their classes together. The Pro Football Hall of Fame is home to several USF players and a particular sports information director. Marchetti and Matson top the list.

Class of 1973  

Raymond Berry
Jim Parker
Joe Schmidt

For a tiny Class, this one's stacked.

Class of 1975  

Roosevelt Brown
George Connor
Dante Lavelli
Lenny Moore

Any Class that Lenny Moore was part of was going to be among my favorites. If I was born a decade earlier I'm certain that I would've been a Baltimore Colts fan. Johnny Unitas, Lenny Moore, Raymond Berry, Jim Parker, Gino Marchetti, Art Donovan. Those are some of my favorite from one of my favorite football decades.

Class of 1977  

Frank Gifford
Forrest Gregg
Gale Sayers
Bart Starr
Bill Willis

Gale Sayers and Bill Willis are the keys to this Class for me. Any of the five could highlight a Hall Class.

Class of 1979  

Dick Butkus
Yale Lary
Ron Mix
Johnny Unitas

Butkus and Unitas. Those names scream football.

Class of 1980  

Herb Adderley
"Deacon" Jones
Bob Lilly
Jim Otto

Deacon Jones and Bob Lilly. Nuff said.

Class of 1983  

Bobby Bell
Sid Gillman
Sonny Jurgensen
Bobby Mitchell
Paul Warfield

With Bobby Bell, Bobby Mitchell, and Paul Warfield this is another Class with personal favorites.

Class of 1985  

Frank Gatski
Joe Namath
Pete Rozelle
O.J. Simpson
Roger Staubach

For about eight years, this was one of the flashier Classes.

Class of 1986  

Paul Hornung
Ken Houston
Willie Lanier
Fran Tarkenton
Doak Walker

The Minnesota Vikings finally had a Hall of Famer. This Class would be among my favorites even if Fran Tarkenton wasn't part of it.

Class of 1988  

Fred Biletnikoff
Mike Ditka
Jack Ham
Alan Page

Alan Page. And then there’s Fred Biletnikoff, Mike Ditka, and Jack Ham. With Page finally making it, this is the Class that should’ve brought me to Canton. 

Class of 1993  

Dan Fouts
Larry Little
Chuck Noll
Walter Payton
Bill Walsh

Any Class with Walter Payton was going to rate high. Throw in Bill Walsh and Chuck Noll and this one's a keeper.

Class of 1994  

Tony Dorsett
Bud Grant
Jimmy Johnson
Leroy Kelly
Jackie Smith
Randy White

I'm really glad that my favorite Vikings were a part of terrific Hall Classes.

Class of 2000  

Howie Long
Ronnie Lott
Joe Montana
Dan Rooney
Dave Wilcox

This one's a Dream Class for all of my 49er friends. Dan Rooney feels out of place in this Bay Area-centric Class.

Class of 2004  

Bob Brown
Carl Eller
John Elway
Barry Sanders

This is a fun one. There's no denying that John Elway and Barry Sanders were the headliners of this Class. But Carl Eller, of course, and his on-field rival Bob Brown were the highlight for me. 

Class of 2005

Benny Friedman
Dan Marino
Fritz Pollard
Steve Young

The only negative to this wonderful Class was that it had taken so damn long for Fritz Pollard and Benny Friedman to be inducted. There isn't a single reason for them to not have been a part of one of the first 5-10 Hall of Fame Classes. They both certainly should've made it while they were alive.

On induction day, Grit Young sure took advantage of the fact that only two members of this Class were alive. The length of his presentation speech changed the way that presenters presented.

Class of 2006

Troy Aikman
Harry Carson
John Madden
Warren Moon
Reggie White
Rayfield Wright

A wonderful Class. I just wish that Reggie White had lived to experience it.

Class of 2009

Bob Hayes
Randall McDaniel
Bruce Smith
Derrick Thomas
Ralph Wilson, Jr.
Rod Woodson

Despite a load of annual honors during his playing career I wasn't entirely sure that the voters would view Randall McDaniel's career as I had. He’s one of the best guards that I've ever seen. He rivals John Hannah. Rod Woodson, Bruce Smith, and Derrick Thomas are also among the best I've ever seen at their respective positions.

Class of 2010

Russ Grimm
Rickey Jackson
Dick LeBeau
Floyd Little
John Randle
Jerry Rice
Emmitt Smith

Jerry Rice and Emmitt Smith obviously headlined this Class but it was all about John Randle for me. As with McDaniel the year before, I wasn't entirely sure how the voters would view Randle's career. When asked their favorite all-time player, more Vikings fans respond Randle than perhaps any other player.

Class of 2011

Richard Dent
Marshall Faulk
Chris Hanburger
Les Richter
Ed Sabol
Deion Sanders
Shannon Sharpe

This Class is a favorite because Les Richter is the first Pro Football Hall of Famer from Cal. It only starts there. Marshall Faulk and Deion Sanders were two of the most fun players to watch in my lifetime. And then there's Ed Sabol. He made football better. And it's already pretty damn great in my book.

Class of 2021

Alan Faneca

Tom Flores

Calvin Johnson

John Lynch

Peyton Manning

Bill Nunn

Drew Pearson

Charles Woodson

This Class makes the list mostly for Peyton Manning, Bill Nunn, and Charles Woodson. Manning and Woodson were two of my favorite players to watch during their long careers. The two were often linked as they were together for the1997 Heisman Trophy presentation, the top of the 1998 NFL Draft, and the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2021. 

If for no other reason than Steve Hutchinson being a part of it, the gigantic Centennial Class of 2020 should make this list. It doesn’t for the players the voters continue to ignore. Verne Lewellen, Lavvie Dilweg, and Al Wistert should’ve made it to Canton decades ago. It’s mind-boggling that none were part of that Class. 

Another Too Early Minnesota Vikings 53-Man Roster

The Minnesota Vikings have held just over a week’s worth of training camp practices. Based on so little practice time, there’s about zero reasons to whittle the roster down to 53 now. For some twisted reason that’s exactly what fans do. Here’s another too early shot at a 53-man roster of the Minnesota Vikings.

Another Early Minnesota Vikings 53-man Roster

Offense (24)

Quarterbacks (2)

J.J McCarthy

Sam Howell

After what the Vikings went through in 2023, going with only two quarterbacks on the active roster is a combination of stupid and risky. I’m doing it here. In this stupid and risky scenario, QB3, and perhaps a QB4, is in the practice squad. 

Running Backs (3)

Aaron Jones

Jordan Mason

Zavier Scott

The first two are set. There has been, and will be, an interesting training camp competition for RB3. I’m going with the back that has perhaps the best receiver skills of the group. 

Fullback (1)

C.J. Ham

Receivers (6)

Justin Jefferson

Jordan Addison

Jalen Nailor

Rondale Moore

Tai Felton

Silas Bolden 

The need for some impact in the return game forces the Vikings to keep six receivers. Anything Silas Bolden adds on offense is extra. 

Tight Ends (3)

T.J. Hockenson

Josh Oliver

Ben Yurosek

Like the competition for RB3, there will be an interesting competition for TE3. The longer sixth-round Gavin Bartholomew is out the more likely Ben Yurosek takes the job. 

Offensive Line (9)

Christian Darrsisaw

Donovan Jackson

Ryan Kelly

Will Fries

Brian O’Neill

Justin Skule

Blake Brandel

Walter Rouse

Michael Jurgens

The biggest question with the offensive line is whether to keep nine or ten. I’m going with nine and hoping the Vikings can stash undrafted Logan Brown on the practice squad. 

Defense (26)

Defensive Line (6)

Jonathan Allen

Harrison Phillips

Javon Hargrave

Jalen Redmond

Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins

Levi Drake Rodriguez

I believe that the most difficult roster decisions will be with the defensive line. There’s about nine players in this position group that I want to see on the roster. 

Outside Linebackers (5)

Jonathan Greenard

Andrew Van Ginkel

Dallas Turner

Gabriel Murphy

Bo Richter

This is going to be a fun group. 

Inside Linebackers (4)

Ivan Pace Jr.

Blake Cashman

Eric Wilson

Kobe King  

Perhaps Brian Asamoah can force the Vikings to keep a fifth linebacker. 

Cornerbacks (6)

Byron Murphy Jr.

Isaiah Rodgers

Mekhi Blackmon

Jeff Okudah

Dwight McGlothern

Zemaiah Vaughn

As with the defensive line, there will be some tough roster decisions at cornerback. 

Safeties (5)

Harrison Smith

Josh Metellus

Theo Jackson

Jay Ward

Tavierre Thomas

It’s easy to see the first four on the roster. Tavierre Thomas makes the roster for his special teams play. 

Special Teams (3)

Kickers (1)

Will Reichard

Punter (1)

Ryan Wright

Long Snapper (1)

Andrew DePaola

The only question among the specialists is whether Ryan Wright can keep the punting job over the challenge of rookie Oscar Chapman. 

Minnesota Vikings Position Competitions: Defense

The Minnesota Vikings are a week into training camp. From the observations and reports of others, here’s how I’m seeing the competitions at the team’s defensive positions.

Defensive Line

Jonathan Allen

Harrison Phillips

Javon Hargrave

Jalen Redmond

Levi Drake Rodriguez 

Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins

Taki Taimani

Elijah Williams

Alexander Musch Williams

Jonathan Harris

Travis Bell

If it were up to me, I’d try finding a way to keep nearly all of these players on the roster. After an aggressive offseason that saw the Vikings add Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave, I’ve been thrilled with the depth of this group. An interesting aspect of the defensive linemen, after starters Allen, Hargrave, and Harrison Phillips, they are all late-round and no-round picks. Despite being somewhat disrespected during their respective drafts, each brings intriguing skills. In my opinion, the defensive line competition is the most interesting of training camp. When it’s all said and done this summer, I believe the top six will be the six on the roster. I find that frustrating because I really want to see Taki Taimani, Elijah Williams, and Alexander Williams on the roster. 

Outside Linebacker

Jonathan Greenard

Andrew Van Ginkel

Dallas Turner

Bo Richter

Gabriel Murphy

Tyler Batty

Chaz Chambliss

Brian Flores said in a training camp press conference that the Vikings have three starting outside linebackers in Jonathan Greenard, Andrew Van Ginkel, and Dallas Turner. Many Vikings observers were disappointed in Turner’s rookie season. He didn’t get the snaps many hoped for a simple reason. Greenard and Van Ginkel. I believe Turner’s second season will be a revelation. Those skeptical observers will see the player they hoped to see as a rookie. Actually, they’ll see a player much better than the one they expected. Bo Richter and Gabriel Murphy are the easy favorites to complete the group but Tyler Batty could make the final decision difficult. 

Inside Linebacker

Blake Cashman

Ivan Pace Jr.

Eric Wilson

Kobe King

Brian Asamoah II

Austin Keys

Dorian Mausi

The biggest linebacker question is whether the Vikings keep five. The top four are pretty much locks. Can Brian Asamoah II force the team to keep a fifth?

Cornerback

Byron Murphy Jr.

Isaiah Rodgers

Jeff Okudah

Mekhi Blackmon

Dwight McGlothern

Zemaiah Vaughn

Reddy Steward

Ambry Thomas

Kahlef Hailassie

Keenan Garber

Cornerback is right behind defensive line among the Vikings most interesting training camp competitions. 

The top four feel secure. Dwight McGlothern continues to prove that his performance last summer as an undrafted rookie was no fluke. Last year, he was competing for a roster spot. This year, he’s competing for playing time. Undrafted this year, Zemaiah Vaughn is doing what McGlothern did last year. These two unheralded youngsters are doing their best to blow up the pre-training camp worries over the Vikings cornerback depth. As for the top of the depth chart, Byron Murphy Jr. and Isaiah Rodgers are the starters. I’m often overly optimistic when it comes to the Vikings but I wouldn’t be surprised if Murphy and Rodgers emerge as one of the league’s best corner duos. With this Vikings defense and these Vikings coaches, Jeff Okudah has perhaps his best opportunity to become the player he was drafted to be. After being the third overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, Okudah is now with his fourth team. Mekhi Blackmon entered training camp last year competing for a starting role. He tore his ACL in the first practice. He’s healthy now and again competing for significant playing time. So many have questioned this group. I really like the group’s potential. 

Safety

Harrison Smith

Joshua Metellus

Theo Jackson

Jay Ward

Tavierre Thomas

Gervarrius Owens

Mishael Powell

The Vikings safety group is pretty easy to project. The first four are locks and make the group a versatile strength. Tavierre Thomas was signed this offseason for his work on special teams. He makes the roster with that as his primary role. Anything he provides on defense is extra. 

Minnesota Vikings Position Competitions: Offense

The Minnesota Vikings are a week into training camp. From the observations and reports of others, here’s how I’m seeing the competitions at the team’s offensive positions.

Quarterback

J.J. McCarthy

Sam Howell

Brett Rypien

Max Brosmer

There is no competition. Well, there is a competition for backup quarterback but the Vikings quarterback job belongs to J.J. McCarthy. I have no worries about his readiness. The Vikings traded for Sam Howell during the draft to be the backup. From those that have watched the practices, he’s struggled. Perhaps due to his aggressive, single season as the starter for a 4-13 Washington Commanders team and the fact that he’s now on a talented, well-coached team, my worries for Howell as a backup are low. As the Commanders starter, he had intriguing moments. I believe that he has skills with which Kevin O’Connell, Josh McCown, and Jordan Traylor can work. Despite the early training camp struggles, I still see Howell as the backup this season. If Brett Rypien outplays Howell through training camp and in preseason games, so be it. My main concern about the Vikings quarterback position is whether two or three are kept on the active roster. In order to maximize space for other positions, I’d be tempted to keep only two quarterbacks on the 53-man roster and try to stash two on the practice squad. 

Running Back

Aaron Jones

Jordan Mason

C.J. Ham - fullback

Ty Chandler

Zavier Scott

Tre Stewart

The top three players are safe. Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason should form an impactful running duo. C.J. Ham supplements the backfield as the fullback, plays a key special teams role, and provides on- and off-the-field leadership. The competition is for the third running back role. Zavier Scott is the contender that intrigues me most. For some reason, I’m always intrigued by running backs that have a history as a receiver. Scott had that in college. He was signed to the practice squad after being cut by the Indianapolis Colts last season. Since that happened in September and he wasn’t activated during the season, I’ve yet to see him play for the Vikings. From what I’ve heard from training camp observers, it sounds like Scott might be the leading contender to be RB3. His receiving experience and abilities could be the difference.

Receiver

Justin Jefferson

Jordan Addison

Jalen Nailor

Tai Felton

Rondale Moore

Tim Jones

Lucky Jackson

Jeshaun Jones

Thayer Thomas

Silas Bolden

Dontae Fleming

Myles Price

Robert Lewis

The top four players are safe. In my opinion, Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison are the league’s best receiver duo. Jalen Nailor is a strong WR3 and Tai Felton is an intriguing rookie. The competition for the final two receiver spots is one of the most interesting of training camp. While the Vikings could keep only five receivers, return responsibilities and the competition will probably have the team keeping six. I’ve liked Rondale Moore for one of the roster spots since he was signed. I believe that his quickness and versatility will add another dimension to the playbook. He’s coming back from a torn ACL. From a distance, his quickness and shiftiness are back. After a year on the practice squad, Lucky Jackson and Jeshaun Jones look like players ready for a role on the 53-man roster. I can easily see one of them on the roster. The return job will impact receiver roster decisions. My preference is that the job goes to a receiver that provides something on offense. That’s the reason that I hope Felton or Moore secures it. If Silas Bolden separates himself from the contenders for the return job, so be it. The Vikings must get better at returns. If that means using a roster spot solely for returns, I’m fine with it. 

Tight End

T.J. Hockenson

Josh Oliver

Ben Yurosek

Gavin Bartholemew 

Bryson Nesbit

Giovanni Ricci

Currently, the Vikings tight end group is pretty straightforward. T.J. Hockenson and Josh Oliver are locks and a top tier tight end duo. With the number of two-tight end formations in the team’s offense, TE3 is a key role. Sixth-round pick Gavin Bartholomew and priority undrafted free agents Ben Yurosek and Bryson Nesbit entered offseason work and training camp on equal footing. A back injury has kept Bartholomew off the field and has set him back in the competition. He may not recover as Yurosek has taken the lead in the competition and might be closing in on ending it. 

Offensive Line

Christian Darrisaw

Donovan Jackson

Ryan Kelly

Will Fries

Brian O’Neill

Justin Skule

Blake Brandel

Michael Jurgens

Walter Rouse

Logan Brown

Joe Huber

Zeke Correll

Henry Byrd

Vershon Lee

Leroy Watson IV

Marcellus Johnson

The only training camp issue with the offensive line has been availability. Christian Darrisaw is coming back from a midseason knee injury. Will Fries is coming back from an early season broken leg. Darrisaw is way ahead in his rehab schedule but he’s not quite all-the-way-back. Fries is back but being eased into full-time action. After an offseason focused on overhauling the interior, the Vikings offensive line finally projects as a team strength. With the starting group getting much stronger, the skill level of the backups has increased. In past years, the team’s current backups were competing for starting roles. The top nine offensive linemen are set. If the Vikings keep 10 on the active roster, priority undrafted free agents Logan Brown is probably the 10th lineman. Otherwise, I can easily see Brown, Joe Huber, Zeke Correll, and perhaps others on the practice squad. I can’t recall ever seeing the Vikings offensive line group looking this solid. 

Minnesota Vikings Training Camp Thoughts

As Minnesota Vikings Training Camp approached, some of the players and competitions I was most excited to see were the following:

Jeff Okudah

Dallas Turner

Rondale Moore

Jordan Mason

Isaiah Rodgers

Donovan Jackson

Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins

And, of course, J.J. McCarthy

The Vikings are approaching the completion of their first week of training camp practices. Most importantly, the team has finally had a practice in pads. Until pads, practices can be more fluff than substance. The observations from those that were lucky enough to be there revealed what often happens when pads are finally added to the process. The defense dominated. The defensive front had their way with an offensive line still missing Christian Darrisaw and Will Fries full time. From all accounts, Jonathan Allen, Javon Hargrave, Jonathan Greenard, and Dallas Turner were a rampaging, menacing bunch. They made things difficult for J.J. McCarthy and the quarterbacks. Training camp evaluations can be a puzzling thing. When the defense dominates, should we be concerned about the offense? When the offense has their way, should we be concerned about the defense? For me, I’m thrilled over the play of the defense and I see it as a needed learning experience for the offense and the young quarterbacks. Moving forward, McCarthy will be better for it. 

As for me, a fan from afar, moving forward, some of the players and competitions I’m most excited to see are the following:

Jeff Okudah

Zemaiah Vaughn

Defensive line depth/rotation

Kobe King

Jay Ward

Rondale Moore

Lucky Jackson

Silas Bolden and the returners

Jordan Mason 

Zavier Scott

I’m not sure why I even attempt to single out players that I’m excited to see. I’m excited to see all of them. I want to hear about all of the competitions and the players emerging from them. Any player stepping up is a good thing for the team. I just want to see the team come together. 

Greatest Comebacks For Each NFL Team

Random NFL graphics floating across social media often catches my attention. This one did that recently. It’s a list of the greatest comebacks for each of the NFL’s 32 teams.

Greatest Comebacks For Each NFL Team

33: Minnesota Vikings: Indianapolis Colts - 12/17/2022

32: Buffalo Bills: Houston Oilers (Tennessee Titans) - 1/13/1993*

28: Indianapolis Colts: Kansas City Chiefs - 1/4/2014*

28: San Francisco 49ers: New Orleans Saints - 12/7/1980

27: Jacksonville Jaguars: Los Angeles Chargers - 1/14/2023*

25: Cleveland Browns: Tennessee Titans - 10/5/2014

25: St. Louis (Arizona) Cardinals: Tampa Bay Buccaneers - 11/8/1987

25: New England Patriots: Atlanta Falcons - 2/5/2017*

24: Philadelphia Eagles: Washington Redskins (Commanders) - 10/27/1946

24: Detroit Lions: Baltimore Colts (Indianapolis) - 10/20/1957

24: Denver Broncos: Boston (New England) Patriots - 10/23/1960

24: Miami Dolphins: New England Patriots - 12/15/1974

24: Houston Oilers (Tennessee Titans): Cincinnati Bengals- 9/23/1979

24: Los Angeles (Oakland) Raiders: San Diego (Los Angeles) Chargers - 11/22/1982

24: Los Angeles Rams: Tampa Bay Buccaneers - 12/6/1992

24: Washington Redskins (Commanders): Tampa Bay Buccaneers - 10/25/2015

24: Kansas City Chiefs: Houston Texans - 1/12/2020*

23: Green Bay Packers: Los Angeles Rams - 9/12/1982

23: New York Jets: Miami Dolphins - 10/23/2000

21: New York Giants: Philadelphia Eagles - 12/2/1945

21: Pittsburgh Steelers: Chicago (Arizona) Cardinals - 10/11/1953

21: New Orleans Saints: San Francisco 49ers - 11/23/1969

21: Cincinnati Bengals: Seattle Seahawks - 9/6/1981

21: San Diego (Los Angeles) Chargers - 10/9/1983

21: Atlanta Falcons: New York Jets - 10/23/1983

21: Dallas Cowboys: New Orleans Saints - 10/21/1984

21: Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Kansas City Chiefs - 11/2/2008

21: Baltimore Ravens: Arizona Cardinals - 10/30/2011

21: Houston Texans: San Diego (Los Angeles) - 9/9/2013

21: Seattle Seahawks: Tampa Bay Buccaneers - 11/2/2013

20: Chicago Bears: Tampa Bay Buccaneers - 10/25/1987

17: Carolina Panthers: Jacksonville Jaguars - 9/7/2003

* - Postseason Game

***

The second half of that Minnesota Vikings - Indianapolis Colts game was a beauty. 

Five of the 32 comebacks, including half of the eight greatest, were postseason games. One of those was Super Bowl LI. 

Five of the 32 comebacks came in the pre-Super Bowl era. Two occurred in the 1940s. 

The greatest comeback in the history of the Pittsburgh Steelers came against a Cardinals team that was still playing in Chicago. 

Each of the Cardinals three homes (Chicago, St. Louis, and Arizona) is represented on this list. 

The greatest loser is easily the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Five teams have had their greatest comeback against the Buccaneers. 

***

Now, it’s back to training camp watch. The Vikings are in pads today!

Metellus Signs!

The Minnesota Vikings have had an active and efficient business. Their last bit of business was signing versatile defensive weapon Joshua Metellus to a contract extension. Not only was the versatile defender on the last year of his contract, he’d outplayed the value of that contract over the last two years playing for defensive coordinator Brian Flores. On and off the field, Metellus has emerged as one of the most valuable players on the roster. The Vikings had to keep him and he wanted to stay in Minnesota. A contract extension had to get done and it got done yesterday. The Vikings and Metellus agreed to a three-year contract extension worth $36 million with a maximum value of $42 million. It includes $25 million in guarantees. The positional versatility of Metellus is a great thing on the football field but it must’ve made for difficult contract negotiations. All player contract negotiations start with the going rates of contracts for players at that position. There’s no other defensive player in the league that plays all over a defense like Metellus. NFL Films caught a post-game conversation between Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Robert Spillane and Metellus. Spillane asked Metellus “What are you?” He’s a special football player and the Vikings had to get this deal done. Thankfully, team and player got it done. 

Joshua Metellus has had an interesting NFL career. I didn’t know much about him entering the 2020 NFL Draft. The Vikings had Harrison Smith and an emerging Anthony Harris so safety wasn’t a significant need. I had to do a bit of research to familiarize myself with this Michigan safety the Vikings had just selected in the sixth round. The sentence in a draft profile of his that’s stuck with me is: “When he gets on the field, he isn’t coming off.” He sounded like a player that plays well beyond his modest athletic traits. With COVID, 2020 was a difficult time for everyone. Navigating that time was difficult for a sixth-round rookie trying to make an NFL roster. Metellus had no preseason games to show what he could do. He was cut out of training camp but was brought back after the start of the season. It was a humbling start. Playing in 15 games that first season, he gradually established himself as a valuable special teams player. That role grew over his first three seasons and his value to the team earned him a “C” on his jersey. It also earned him a second contract in 2023. It was a decent special teams deal that he immediately outplayed under a new defensive coordinator. Brian Flores took the valuable, versatile special teams player and turned him into a defensive chess piece that he could move all over the field. In many ways, the versatility of Metellus became the centerpiece of the Vikings defense. In two seasons, he’s become invaluable. But, “what is he?” That’s a question that opposing offenses are going to be trying to answer for at least the next four seasons. 

Congratulations Joshua Metellus! The new deal is very much deserved. You earned it. 

First Round Signing Tracker: And Then There Was None

The rookie holdout that felt like it could last for a while has finally come to an end. The Cincinnati Bengals and first-round pick Shemar Stewart reached an agreement on his rookie contract. Coming to an agreement with the notoriously penny-pinching Mike Brown and Bengals management is always a difficult thing. Trey Hendrickson probably agrees. Rookie contracts are basically scripted the moment a player is selected in the draft. There isn’t much left to negotiate. The Bengals can find something and usually comes down to guaranteed money and the words surrounding its distribution. With the signing of the Stewart, all of the players selected in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft have signed their first NFL contract. 

And then there was none. 

1.   Tennessee Titans: Cam Ward, QB, Miami - Signed

2.   Jacksonville Jaguars: Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Colorado - Signed

3.   New York Giants: Abdul Carter, Edge, Penn State - Signed

4.   New England Patriots: Will Campbell, OT, LSU - Signed

5.   Cleveland Browns: Mason Graham, DT, Michigan - Signed

6.   Las Vegas Raiders: Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State - Signed

7.   New York Jets: Amand Membou, OT, Missouri - Signed

8.   Carolina Panthers: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona - Signed

9.   New Orleans Saints: Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas - Signed

10. Chicago Bears: Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan - Signed

11. San Francisco 49ers: Mykel Williams, Edge, Georgia - Signed

12. Dallas Cowboys: Tyler Booker, G, Alabama - Signed

13. Miami Dolphins: Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan - Signed

14. Indianapolis Colts: Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State - Signed

15. Atlanta Falcons: Jalon Walker, LB, Georgia - Signed

16. Arizona Cardinals: Walter Nolen, DT, Mississippi - Signed

17. Cincinnati Bengals: Shemar Stewart, Edge, Texas A&M - Finally Signed

18. Seattle Seahawks: Grey Zabel, OL, North Dakota State - Signed

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State - Signed

20. Denver Broncos: Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas - Signed

21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon - Signed

22. Los Angeles Chargers: Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina - Signed

23. Green Bay Packers: Matthew Golden, WR, Texas - Signed

24. Minnesota Vikings: Donovan Jackson, G, Ohio State - Signed

25. New York Giants: Jaxson Dart, QB, Mississippi - Signed

26. Atlanta Falcons: James Pearce Jr., Edge, Tennessee - Signed

27. Baltimore Ravens: Malaki Starks, S, Georgia - Signed

28. Detroit Lions: Tyleik Williams, DT, Ohio State - Signed

29. Washington Commanders: Josh Conerly Jr., OT, Oregon - Signed

30. Buffalo Bills: Maxwell Hairston, CB, Kentucky - Signed

31. Philadelphia Eagles: Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama - Signed

32. Kansas City Chiefs: Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State - Signed

***

32 of the 32 players selected in the first round have finally singed their first NFL contract. 

Now, the only remaining unsigned draft pick is Cleveland Browns second round pick Quinshon Judkins. With his current off-the-field issues, who knows when his NFL career might get going? 

Minnesota Vikings Jersey Choices

The Minnesota Vikings announced some special jersey games. Thankfully, we’ll be seeing the return of the beautiful Classic jerseys and the incredibly beautiful Winter Warrior jerseys. It’s a great thing. 

Classic Jersey Games:

Week 2: Atlanta Falcons - 9/14

Week 18: Green Bay Packers - TBD

Winter Warrior Game:

Week 17: Detroit Lions - 12/25

It’s going to be a beautiful Christmas.

With the announcement of those special jersey games came a reveal of the jerseys the Vikings will wear in every game. Including the preseason games.

Preseason #1: vs Houston: Primary Purple

Preseason #2: vs New England: Primary Purple

Preseason #3: at Tennessee: Primary White

Week 1: at Chicago: Primary White

Week 2: vs Atlanta: Classic Purple

Week 3: vs Cincinnati: Primary Purple

Week 4: at Pittsburgh (Dublin): Primary White

Week 5: at Cleveland (London): Primary White

Week 6: Bye

Week 7: vs Philadelphia: Primary Purple

Week 8: at Los Angeles Chargers: Primary White - I’ll be wearing a Classic jersey at this game!

Week 9: at Detroit: Primary White

Week 10: vs Baltimore: Primary Purple

Week 11: vs Chicago: Primary Purple

Week 12: at Green Bay: Primary White

Week 13: at Seattle: Primary White

Week 14: vs Washington: Primary Purple

Week 15: at Dallas: Primary White

Week 16: at New York Giants: Primary White

Week 17: vs Detroit: Winter Warrior 

Week 18: vs Green Bay: Classic Purple

The excitement for the 2025 Minnesota Vikings season just keeps building. 

Throwback Thursday: Spec Sanders

This Flicker was originally posted March 1, 2012. 

Orban Eugene Sanders was born on January 26, 1918. Everyone saw that mass of freckles on young Orban's face and started calling him "Spec." The name just stuck.

Buddy Young, who saw a lot of football as a player and later as a league official, once described Spec Sanders as being in a class with just a handful of other backs, including Jim Brown, Gale Sayers, Hugh McIlhenney and Lenny Moore. That's a pretty select group. All but Sanders are honored in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Sanders lost the early years of his career to World War II. His best years were in the All America Football Conference with the New York Yankees. So his efforts have mostly been ignored by the NFL. That's unfortunate as his 1947 season was one of the best ever. He led the AAFC with 231 carries, 114 points and his 18 rushing touchdowns was a professional record that stood until Jim Taylor rushed for 19 in 1962. His 1432 yards rushing established a record that stood until 1958 when Jim Brown ran for 1527 yards. Sanders could throw the ball as well, completing 93 passes for 1442 yards and 14 more touchdowns. He also returned kicks, taking one kickoff back for another score. Although he was used sparingly on defense, he intercepted three passes. He also averaged 42.1 yards on 46 punts. In a game against the Chicago Rockets, Sanders gained 250 yards rushing, a mark that went untouched for more than 25 years. He was removed from the game after only three quarters. If he'd remained in the game, Adrian Peterson's 296 yards against the San Diego Chargers might still be looking up at Sanders. It was an incredible season. When viewing season statistics of this era, Spec Sanders' 1947 season is so outlandish it strikes one as a misprint.

At a time when most players did a lot of things on the football field Sanders did everything better than pretty much everyone. His versatility might be matched only by the great Sammy Baugh.

Sanders suffered from knee woes and retired after the 1948 season. Despite playing only three of the league’s four seasons, he finished as the AAFC's second leading all-time rusher, leader in touchdowns, fourth in total points, and still found time to finish eighth in passing.

Sanders was lured out of retirement to play in the NFL in 1950 with a different but similarly named New York Yanks. Because of the knee problems, he opted to play only defense that year. In his one year in the NFL Sanders was named to the Pro Bowl after his record setting 13 interception season.

Spec Sanders had only a four year career with only one in the NFL. World War II and knee problems kept it brief. It's unfortunate that his three incredible years in the AAFC are largely forgotten. Those that saw Sanders play football never forgot him.

Minnesota Vikings Training Camp Is Here!

The 2025 Minnesota Vikings step on the TCO Performance Center fields for training camp this morning. It’s the team’s 65th training camp. It’s my 50-something training camp with this team. I’m not sure if any has been more anticipated and exciting.

So, what’s different about this training camp? 

It starts with a 22-year old quarterback. The Vikings haven’t had much luck finding a long-term, franchise quarterback to replace Fran Tarkenton. The Hall of Famer retired after the 1978 season. There’s been a legion of contenders for the “franchise” quarterback role. There’s always been something that’s kept each contender from becoming the “one.” J.J. McCarthy is the next one and might be the one with the best chance to succeed. On- and off-the-field, there’s something about this kid. I was sold before the Vikings made him the 10th pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Despite losing his rookie season to injury, I’m even more sold now. 

The excitement around this team isn’t all about the young, unproven quarterback. The Vikings have had an offensive line problem for more than a decade. It’s been a clear problem and derailed some otherwise talented teams. For most of that time, the team’s decision-makers dabbled at improvements. A mid- to late-round guard here. A modest free agent tackle there. A position change? Why not? This offseason, there was no dabbling. The Vikings attacked the improvement of the offensive line. Blessed with an elite tackle duo, they focused on the interior of the line. They spent big free agent money on right guard Will Fries. They replaced their undersized center with bigger, experienced, established Ryan Kelly. He might be closer to the end of his strong career than the beginning but he’s the perfect center for a young quarterback that’s yet to take a regular season snap. The Vikings completed their overhaul of the line interior with the selection of left guard Donovan Jackson in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. No dabbling. The three players were high-end replacements to fix a long-term problem. On paper, this is the best Vikings offensive line in decades. The potential is there for them to be among the league’s best. 

The excitement around this team isn’t all about the young, unproven quarterback and the rebuilt offensive line. The Vikings defense has emerged as a strength under defensive coordinator Brian Flores. Despite all of the good things this defense has done, an interior pass rush has been lacking. It’s forced Flores and his coaches to lean on an often maniacal blitzing scheme. In addition to improving the offensive trenches, the Vikings prioritized improvements in the defensive trenches. Before free agency officially opened, defensive tackles Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave were signed. While Hargrave is on the wrong side of 30 and has been a personal dream free agent signing since he left the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2019, he can still wreck an offense. The Vikings have accumulated an intriguing collection of late-round and no-round defensive line talent. The group is young and raw and hopefully ready. Surrounding Harrison Phillips with Allen and Hargrave allows the coaches to pepper a rotation with these youngsters. The Vikings defensive line competition is going to be one of the most interesting of training camp. 

The excitement around this team isn’t all about the young quarterback, the rebuilt offensive line, and intriguing, talented defensive line. The reasons for excitement around the 2025 Minnesota Vikings are many. 

Justin Jefferson

Jordan Addison

Harrison Smith

Jonathan Greenard

T.J. Hockenson

Byron Murphy Jr. 

Blake Cashman

Dallas Turner

Aaron Jones

Jordan Mason

Andrew Van Ginkel

Joshua Metellus

Isaiah Rodgers

Andrew Van Ginkel

Ivan Pace Jr.

Josh Oliver 

Will Reichard

Theo Jackson

Jalen Nailor

A couple new players that have me excited about their potential:

Jeff Okudah

Rondale Moore

It’s an exciting time. 

Vikings Reporting!

On Sunday, 40 players reported to TCO Performance Center for 2025 Minnesota Vikings Training Camp. The 40 players were the team’s quarterbacks, rookies, and a handful of injured players, and a few other veterans. 

Gavin Bartholomew

Tyler Batty

Silas Bolden

Max Brosmer

Logan Brown

Henry Byrd

Chaz Chambliss

Oscar Chapman

Zeke Correll

Christian Darrisaw

Tai Felton

Dontae Fleming

Will Fries

Keenan Garber

Sam Howell

Joe Huber

Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins

Donovan Jackson

Marcellus Johnson

Jeshaun Jones

Austin Keys

Kobe King

Vershon Lee

Robert Lewis

Dorian Mausi

J.J. McCarthy

Rondale Moore

Bryson Nesbit

Mishael Powell

Myles Price

Brett Rypien

Zavier Scott

Reddy Steward

Tre Stewart

Thayer Thomas

Max Tooley

Zemaiah Vaughn

Alexander Williams

Elijah Williams

Ben Yurosek

Sixth-round tight end Gavin Bartholomew and undrafted outside linebacker Chaz Chambliss were placed on the PUP list. They will continue to rehab their injuries before they cleared for practice. Perhaps it’s premature but it feels promising that left tackle Christian Darrisaw, right guard Will Fries, and receiver Rondale Moore weren’t placed on the PUP list. 

Today, the remaining 51 players report for training camp. Minnesota Vikings 2025 Training Camp is on. 

Second Round Signing Tracker

Draft pick-signing attention is usually reserved for the players selected in the first round. Other than the Cincinnati Bengals and Shemar Stewart, that work was completed last week. This year, the second round is the round with the drama. Thanks mostly to the Cleveland Browns and the Houston Texans giving fully guaranteed contracts to Carson Schwesinger and Jayden Higgins, respectively, the second-round signing progress has been stalled for more than a month. Training camps opening across the league has jump-started those signings in recent days. So, here’s a look at the signing status of the players selected in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft. 

Second Round Signing Tracker

33. Cleveland Browns: Carson Schwesinger, LB, UCLA - Signed

34. Houston Texans: Jayden Higgins, WR, Iowa State - Signed

35. Seattle Seahawks: Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina - Signed

36. Cleveland Browns: Quinshon Judkins, RB, Ohio State

37. Miami Dolphins: Jonah Savaiinaea, G, Arizona - Signed

38. New England Patriots: TreVeyon Henderson, RB, Ohio State - Signed

39. Chicago Bears: Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri - Signed

40. New Orleans Saints: Tyler Shough, QB, Louisville - Signed

41. Buffalo Bills: T.J. Sanders, DT, South Carolina - Signed

42. New York Jets: Mason Taylor, TE, LSU - Signed

43. San Francisco 49ers: Alfred Collins, DT, Texas - Signed

44. Dallas Cowboys: Donovan Ezeiruaku, Edge, Boston College - Signed

45. Indianapolis Colts: JT Tuimoloau, Edge, Ohio State - Signed

46. Los Angeles Rams: Terrance Ferguson, TE, Oregon - Signed

47. Arizona Cardinals: Will Johnson, CB, Michigan

48. Houston Texans: Aireontae Ersery, OT, Minnesota - Signed

49. Cincinnati Bengals: Demetrius Knight Jr., LB, South Carolina - Signed

50. Seattle Seahawks: Elijah Arroyo, TE, Miami - Signed

51. Carolina Panthers: Nic Scourton, Edge, Texas A&M - Signed

52. Tennessee Titans: Oluwafemi Oladejo, Edge, UCLA 

53. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre Dame - Signed

54. Green Bay Packers: Anthony Belton, OT, North Carolina State - Signed

55. Los Angeles Chargers: Tre Harris, WR, Mississippi - Signed

56. Chicago Bears: Ozzy Trapilo, OT, Boston College - Signed

57. Detroit Lions: Tate Ratledge, G, Georgia - Signed

58. Las Vegas Raiders: Jack Bech, WR, TCU - Signed

59. Baltimore Ravens: Mike Green, Edge, Marshall - Signed

60. Denver Broncos: RJ Harvey, RB, Central Florida - Signed

61. Washington Commanders: Trey Amos, CB, Mississippi - Signed

62. Chicago Bears: Shemar Turner, DT, Texas A&M- Signed

63. Kansas City Chiefs: Omarr Norman-Lott, DT, Tennessee - Signed

64. Philadelphia Eagles: Andrew Mukuba, S, Texas 

***

A week ago, only two second-round picks had signed their first NFL contracts. First-round picks had been getting fully guaranteed deals for years. Agents for the second-round picks have been haggling for the same deal. The Cleveland Browns and Houston Texans caved to those demands with Carson Schwesinger and Jayden Higgins, respectively. That started the months-long standoff with every other second-round pick. Training camp is a natural deadline for rookie deals. As camps approached teams started offering and agents started accepting a significant percentage of the contracts guaranteed. Now, only four second-round picks remain unsigned.