12 Minnesota Vikings Players I’m Most Excited To See
12. Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, WRs
I’m always excited to see the league’s best, most technically skilled receiver duo.
11. Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins, DL
The Vikings selected only five players in the 2024 NFL Draft. I was thrilled with the selection of guard Donovan Jackson in the first round. I was intrigued with the selection of receiver Tai Felton in the third round. I’m excited about the selection of Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins in the fifth round. Georgia has sent a fleet of defensive linemen to the NFL. Several have been selected at the top of recent drafts. Three were selected in the first round of this past draft. Ingram-Dawkins might be a Day 3 steal. If he’d gone back to Georgia and entered the 2026 NFL Draft, he might’ve been a Day 1 pick. He’s a raw player with immense physical talent. He’s competing for a rotational role this year. He might be a franchise cornerstone player in a couple years.
10. Theo Jackson, S
Camryn Bynum will be missed on and off the field. His departure was hardly a surprise when a player the quality of Theo Jackson has been waiting for his shot. Jackson was signed off the practice squad of the Tennessee Titans during the 2022 season. Ever since, he’s been making plays in practice and in his scattered game opportunities. Whenever a Vikings defensive player is asked about Jackson, they smile and say “he just makes plays.” As a Cal guy, I’m going to miss Bynum but I’m really looking forward to seeing Theo Jackson take his deserved and earned place in the Vikings defense.
9. T.J. Hockenson, TE
Last year, T.J. Hockenson spent the offseason, training camp, and early part of the season rehabbing his torn ACL. He did return to the field but he never quite looked like the player he was pre-injury. He will this season.
8. Jonathan Allen, DT
The Vikings defense directed by defensive coordinator Brian Flores has played above their talent level. The lack of an interior pass rushing threat has forced Flores and the defensive coaches to manufacture one with maniacal blitzing and schemes. Jonathan Allen adds an interior threat.
7. Javon Hargrave, DT
I’ve been a fan of Javon Hargrave since he was paired with Cam Heyward in Pittsburgh. I hoped that the Vikings could sign him in free agency in 2020. I hoped that the Vikings could sign him in free agency in 2023. They have him now. Better late than never. He may be 32 now but he can still wreck an offense. Hargrave and Jonathan Allen and Harrison Phillips will be a real fun defensive front.
6. Jordan Mason, RB
The Vikings were very active in free agency. Improvements to the offensive line and defensive line got most of the attention. The additions at cornerback were a highlight. The trade that brought Jordan Mason from the San Francisco 49ers was an under-the-radar move. Aaron Jones was terrific in his first season in Minnesota. His versatility was a significant boost for the offense. He was also much better at the start of the season than the end. Along with the improvements to the interior of the offensive line, Mason will add some power to the run game. The Vikings learned in Week 2 how difficult it is to get him on the ground.
5. The New Offensive Line Interior
The Vikings offensive line has been a serious weakness for more than a decade. In response, the team’s decision-makers annually dabbled at improvements. That dabbling did yield two elite tackles in Christian Darrisaw and Brian O’Neill but the interior has been closer to horrible than serviceable. This offseason, the team’s decision-makers attacked the improvement of the interior of the offensive line. Center Ryan Kelly and right guard were targeted in free agency. Left guard Donovan Jackson was selected in the first round. The five offensive linemen have yet to take a practice snap together. For now, improvements are all on paper. On paper, the offensive line looks like a team strength. I can not wait to see the offensive line, and the interior in particular, on the field.
4. Dallas Turner, OLB
While most people moaned about Dallas Turner’s lack of playing time during his rookie season, I focused on the talent that he flashed when he had opportunities. Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel were revelations last season. The opportunities for a rookie, no matter how talented, were few. In his second season, I believe that the defensive coaches will find a way to get Turner on the field often.
3. Jeff Okudah, CB
There once was a time when Jeff Okudah was one of the most talented corners to enter the league in recent years. There was an easy reason that he was the third pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. He was an outstanding prospect. That wasn’t that long ago. Whether it’s injuries, coaching, or circumstances, Okudah hasn’t become the player that he has the talent to be. Maybe, this is his opportunity to finally become that player.
2. Isaiah Rodgers, CB
Another corner. Was it a surprise that the first signed free agent this offseason was a cornerback? No. Was it a surprise that the cornerback was Isaiah Rodgers? Yes. His was an under-the-radar signing. Vikings defensive coordinator has an eye for talent and he’s had his eyes on Rodgers for a while. That’s enough for me. I have a feeling that Byron Murphy Jr. and Isaiah Rodgers are going to emerge as one of the best cornerback duos in the league.
1. J.J. McCarthy, QB
It’s always about the quarterback. The J.J. McCarthy era starts with this training camp. I’ve been waiting for this moment from the moment the Vikings selected McCarthy with the 10th pick of the 2024 NFL Draft.
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