Minnesota Vikings Roster: By College

Minnesota Vikings veterans will report to training camp one week from today. The entire team will be assembled and the day can’t get here soon enough. To help pass some time between now and then, here’s a look at the Minnesota Vikings roster broken down by the college the players attended. 

Air Force

Bo Richter

Alabama

Dallas Turner

Will Reichard

Arizona 

Luke Wysong

Arkansas 

Dwight McGlothern

BYU

Tyler Batty

Cal Poly San Luis Obispo

Michael Briscoe

Cincinnati

Ivan Pace Jr.

Eric Wilson

Jake Golday

Gavin Gerhardt

Clemson

Tristan Leigh

Colorado

Arden Walker

Connecticut

Ryan Van Demark

Dartmouth

Delby Lemieux

Ferris State

Tavierre Thomas

Florida

Caleb Banks

Florida Atlantic

James Pierre

Florida International 

Kejon Owens

Georgia

Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins

Chaz Chambliss

Ben Yurosek

Dillon Bell

Brett Thorson

Georgia Southern

Marcus Sanders Jr. 

Georgia Tech

Jordan Mason

Indiana

Myles Price 

Iowa

T.J. Hockenson

Iowa State

Domonique Orange

James Madison

Jacob Thomas

Kansas

Bangally Kamara

LSU

Justin Jefferson

Jay Ward

Maine

Zavier Scott

Maryland

Tai Felton

Jeshaun Jones

Miami

Jakobe Thomas

Michigan 

Josh Metellus

J.J. McCarthy

Max Bredeson

Josh Ross

Minnesota

Blake Cashman

Max Brosmer

Missouri State

Eric Johnson II

Morgan State

Elijah Williams

North Carolina

Bryson Nesbit

Marcus Allen

Jahvaree Ritzie

Smith Vilbert

North Dakota State

Carson Wentz

North Texas

Da’Veawn Armstead

Northwestern

Marshall Lang

Caleb Tiernan

Ohio State

Donovan Jackson

Oklahoma

Jalen Redmond

Walter Rouse

Kyler Murray

Oklahoma State 

Terrill Davis

Oregon

Taki Taimani

Oregon State

Blake Brandel

Johnny Hekker

Penn State

Will Fries

Pittsburgh

Brian O’Neill

Gavin Bartholomew

Princeton

Henry Byrd

Rutgers

Andrew DePaola

San Jose State

Josh Oliver

South Carolina

Vershon Lee

Stephen F Austin

Chuck Demmings

Temple

Cam’Ron Stewart

Tennessee

Theo Jackson

Jauan Jennings 

Texas-El Paso

Aaron Jones

Texas A&M

Tyreek Chappell

Texas A&M-Commerce

Levi Drake Rodriguez

Toledo

Trayvon Rudolph

Tulane

Dontae Fleming 

UCF

Keli Lawson

UMass-Amherst

Isaiah Rodgers

USC

Jordan Addison

Utah

Zemaiah Vaughn

Virginia Tech

Christian Darrisaw

Tomas Rimac

Wake Forest

Michael Jurgens

Demond Claiborne

Jacob Roberts

Washington

Byron Murphy Jr. 

Western Kentucky

Kahlef Hailassie

Wisconsin

Andrew Van Ginkel

Joe Huber

Isaiahh Loudermilk

NFL Top 100

The NFL Top 100 has been an offseason staple since 2011. For most of the past 15 years, it was hard to miss. This year, it takes effort to find. Here’s a check on the progress of the quiet release of the Top 100 players in the NFL. 

NFL Top 100 Players of 2026

100. Cameron Jordan, DE, New Orleans Saints

  99. Quenton Nelson, G, Indianapolis Colts

  98. Bryce Young, QB, Carolina Panthers 

  97. Ernest Jones, LB, Seattle Seahawks 

  96. Travis Etienne, RB, New Orleans Saints

  95. Demario Davis, LB, New York Jets

  94. Creed Humphrey, C, Kansas City Chiefs

  93. Carson Schwesinger, LB, Cleveland Browns 

  92. Azeez Al-Shaair, LB, Houston Texans

  91. Montez Sweat, DE, Chicago Bears 

  90. Derrick Brown, DL, Carolina Panthers 

  89. Kyren Williams, RB, Los Angeles Rams 

  88. Jack Campbell, LB, Detroit Lions

  87. Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Carolina Panthers

  86. Tuli Tuipulotu, Edge, Los Angeles Chargers

  85. Brock Purdy, QB, San Francisco 49ers 

  84. Byron Young, Edge, Los Angeles Rams 

  83. Jeffery Simmons, DT, Tennessee Titans 

  82. Jalen Ramsey, CB, Pittsburgh Steelers 

  81. Bobby Wagner, LB, Washington Commanders

  80. A.J. Brown, WR, New England Patriots 

  79. Travis Kelce, TE, Kansas City Chiefs 

  77. Baker Mayfield, QB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

  76. Jaycee Horn, CB, Carolina Panthers

  75. Budda Baker, Arizona Cardinals

  74. Josh Jacobs, RB, Green Bay Packers

  73. Zach Allen, DL, Denver Broncos

  72. Jordan Love, QB, Green Bay Packers

  71. Zay Flowers, WR, Baltimore Ravens

  70. Xavier McKinney, S, Green Bay Packers

  69. Lamar Jackson, QB, Baltimore Ravens

  68. Courtland Sutton, WR, Denver Broncos

  67. Jordyn Brooks, LB, Miami Dolphins

  66. Drake London, WR, Atlanta Falcons

  65. Roquan Smith, LB, Baltimore Ravens

  64. Chris Olave, WR, New Orleans Saints

  63. Kyle Hamilton, S, Baltimore Ravens

  62. Trevor Lawrence, QB, Jacksonville Jaguars

  61. Kevin Byard, S, New England Patriots

There’s the first 40 players of the NFL Top 100. Perhaps the most interesting thing about the 40 players is the impressive number of off-the-ball linebackers. 

Ernest Jones

Demario Davis

Carson Schwesinger

Azeez Al-Shaair 

Jack Campbell

Bobby Wagner

Jordyn Brooks

Roquan Smith

A fifth of the players revealed so far are off-the-ball linebackers. The under-appreciated position is getting some appreciation. There’s old farts like Demario Davis and Bobby Wagner mixed with youngsters like Carson Schwesinger and Jack Campbell. 

The next most notable thing about the reveals is probably the 67-spot drop of Lamar Jackson. He’d been #2 on the list in each of the past two seasons. Now, he’s #69. He missed four games in 2025. That was a big reason the Ravens had an 8-9 record, no playoffs, and head coach John Harbaugh being fired. A 67-spot drop in the NFL Top 100 is probably the least of Jackson’s worries. 

The NFL Top 100 will quietly continue this week. 

Unsigned Draft Picks: By Round

With training camps opening, it’s a little surprising that a few of the players selected in the 2026 NFL Draft are still unsigned. There’s no reason to worry about the signings. With contract terms basically determined by where a player is drafted, holdouts are now so rare. It takes something extreme or sheer stupidity for a player to hold out. Here’s a look at the unsigned draft pick status for each of the seven rounds of the 2026 NFL Draft. The first round, of course, is shown in detail.

Unsigned Draft Picks: By Round

First Round

1.   Las Vegas Raiders: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana 

2.   New York Jets: David Bailey, Edge, Texas Tech - Signed

3.   Arizona Cardinals: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame - Signed

4.   Tennessee Titans: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State - Signed

5.   New York Giants: Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State - Signed

6.   Kansas City Chiefs: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU - Signed

7.   Washington Commanders: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State - Signed

8.   New Orleans Saints: Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State - Signed

9.   Cleveland Browns: Spencer Fano, OT, Utah - Signed

10. New York Giants: Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami - Signed

11. Dallas Cowboys: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State - Signed

12. Miami Dolphins: Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama - Signed

13. Los Angeles Rams: Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama

14. Baltimore Ravens: Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State - Signed

15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Rueben Bain Jr., Edge, Miami - Signed

16. New York Jets: Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon - Signed

17. Detroit Lions: Blake Miller, OT, Clemson - Signed 

18. Minnesota Vikings: Caleb Banks, DT, Florida - Signed

19. Carolina Panthers: Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia - Signed

20. Philadelphia Eagles: Makai Lemon, WR, USC - Signed

21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Max Iheanachor, OT, Arizona State - Signed

22. Los Angeles Chargers: Akheem Mesidor, Edge, Miami - Signed

23. Dallas Cowboys: Malachi Lawrence, Edge, UCF - Signed

24. Cleveland Browns: KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M - Signed

25. Chicago Bears: Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon - Signed

26. Houston Texans: Keylan Rutledge, G, Georgia Tech - Signed

27. Miami Dolphins: Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State - Signed

28. New England Patriots: Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah - Signed

29. Kansas City Chiefs: Peter Woods, DT, Clemson - Signed

30. New York Jets: Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana - Signed

31. Tennessee Titans: Keldric Faulk, Edge, Auburn - Signed

32. Seattle Seahawks: Jadarian Price, RB, Notre Dame - Signed

2/32 players are unsigned.

Second Round

23. New England Patriots: Gabe Jacas, Edge, Illinois

1/32 players are unsigned.

Only three unsigned players from the first two rounds. That’s pretty good. 

Third Round

1.   Arizona Cardinals: Carson Beck, QB, Miami

12. Pittsburgh Steelers: Drew Allar, QB, Penn State

2/36 players are unsigned. 

Fourth Round

1.   Las Vegas Raiders: Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee

1/40 players are unsigned.

Fifth Round

0/41 players are unsigned.

Sixth Round

0/35 players are unsigned. 

Seventh Round

0/41 players are unsigned. 

6/257 players selected in the 2026 NFL Draft are unsigned. 

Four of the six unsigned players are quarterbacks. It’s always about the quarterbacks. 

NFL Training Camp Report Dates

NFL Training Camps are here! One of the last teams to play last season is the first to report this season. Seattle Seahawks rookies are reporting today. The rest of the team won’t show for another week. It’s a start. Football is back! In 11 days, all 32 teams will be in camp. Starting with the best team, here are the training camp report dates for all teams. 

NFL Training Camp Report Dates

Minnesota Vikings

Rookies 7/26

Veterans: 7/28

Arizona Cardinals 

Rookies: 7/22

Veterans: 7/22

Atlanta Falcons

Rookies: 7/24

Veterans: 7/28

Baltimore Ravens

Rookies: 7/24

Veterans: 7/28

Buffalo Bills

Rookies: 7/21

Veterans: 7/28

Carolina Panthers

Rookies: 7/21

Veterans: 7/22

Chicago Bears

Rookies: 7/25

Veterans: 7/28

Cincinnati Bengals 

Rookies: 7/25

Veterans: 7/28

Cleveland Browns

Rookies: 7/23

Veterans: 7/28

Dallas Cowboys

Rookies 7/28

Veterans: 7/28

Denver Broncos

Rookies: 7/22

Veterans: 7/28

Detroit Lions

Rookies: 7/25

Veterans: 7/28

Green Bay Packers

Rookies: 7/27

Veterans: 7/28

Houston Texans

Rookies: 7/21

Veterans: 7/28

Indianapolis Colts 

Rookies: 7/27

Veterans: 7/28

Jacksonville Jaguars 

Rookies: 7/25

Veterans: 7/28

Kansas City Chiefs

Rookies: 7/24

Veterans: 7/28

Las Vegas Raiders

Rookies: 7/23

Veterans: 7/28

Los Angeles Chargers 

Rookies: 7/23

Veterans: 7/28

Los Angeles Rams

Rookies: 7/25

Veterans: 7/25

Miami Dolphins 

Rookies: 7/21

Veterans: 7/28

New England Patriots 

Rookies: 7/21

Veterans: 7/24

New Orleans Saints

Rookies: 7/28

Veterans: 7/28

New York Giants

Rookies: 7/23

Veterans: 7/28

New York Jets

Rookies: 7/25

Veterans: 7/28

Philadelphia Eagles 

Rookies: 7/28

Veterans: 7/28

Pittsburgh Steelers 

Rookies: 7/28

Veterans: 7/28

San Francisco 49ers

Rookies: 7/18

Veterans: 7/25

Seattle Seahawks

Rookies: 7/17

Veterans: 7/24

Tampa Bay Buccaneers 

Rookies: 7/27

Veterans: 7/28

Tennessee Titans

Rookies: 7/23

Veterans: 7/28

Washington Commanders

Rookies: 7/24

Veterans: 7/28

Minnesota Vikings Roster: How Did They Get Here?

Minnesota Vikings Training Camp is less than two weeks away. An NFL roster can be put together in a variety of ways. This is a look at how the Vikings acquired the players that are currently on the roster. It’s also an attempt at passing the time between now and the start of training camp.

Minnesota Vikings Roster: How Did They Get Here?

Draft: First Round
Justin Jefferson (2020)

Christian Darrisaw (2021)

Jordan Addison (2023)

J.J. McCarthy (2024)

Dallas Turner (2024)

Donovan Jackson (2025)

Caleb Banks (2026)

Draft: Second Round

Brian O’Neill (2018)

Jake Golday (2026)

Draft: Third Round

Tai Felton (2025)

Domonique Orange (2026)

Caleb Tiernan (2026)

Jakobe Thomas (2026)

Draft: Fourth Round

Jay Ward (2023)

Draft: Fifth Round

Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins (2015)

Max Bredeson (2026)

Chuck Demmings (2026)

Draft: Sixth Round

Josh Metellus (2020)

Blake Brandel (2020)

Walter Rouse (2024)

Will Reichard (2024)

Demond Claiborne (2026)

Draft: Seventh Round

Michael Jurgens (2024)

Levi Drake Rodriguez (2024)

Gavin Bortholomew (2025)

Gavin Gerhardt (2026)

Undrafted Free Agent

Ivan Pace Jr. (2023)

Jeshaun Jones (2024)

Dwight McGlothern (2024)

Bo Richter (2024)

Taki Taimani (2024)

Tyler Batty (2025)

Max Brosmer (2025)

Chaz Chambliss (2025)

Dontae Fleming (2025)

Joe Huber (2025)

Myles Price (2025)

Elijah Williams (2025)

Ben Yurosek (2025)

Bryson Nesbit (2025)

Zemaiah Vaughn (2025)

Marcus Allen (2026)

Da’Veawn Armstead (2026)

Dillon Bell (2026)

Tyreek Chappell (2026)

Keli Lawson (2026)

Tristan Leigh (2026)

Delby Lemieux (2026)

Kejon Owens (2026)

Tomas Rimac (2026)

Marcus Sanders, Jr. (2026)

Cam’Ron Stewart (2026)

Jacob Thomas (2026)

Brett Thorson (2026)

Arden Walker (2026)

Lyke Wysong (2026)

Smith Vilbert (2026)

Bangally Kamara (2026)

Terrill Davis (2026)

Micheal Briscoe (2026)

Trayvon Rudolph (2026)

Trade

T.J. Hockenson (2022)

Jordan Mason (2025)

Unrestricted Free Agent

Josh Oliver (2023)

Byron Murphy Jr. (2023)

Andrew Van Ginkel (2024)

Blake Cashman (2024)

Isaiah Rodgers (2025)

Will Fries (2025)

Tavierre Thomas (2025)

Eric Wilson (2025)

James Pierre (2026)

Johnny Hekker (2026)

Restricted Free Agent

Ryan Van Demark (2026) 

Street Free Agent

Andrew DePaola (2020)

Theo Jackson (2022)

Henry Byrd (2023)

Aaron Jones Sr. (2024)

Jalen Redmond (2024)

Zavier Scott (2024)

Carson Wentz (2025)

Vershon Lee (2025)

Kahlef Hailassie (2025)

Jacob Roberts (2026)

Josh Ross (2026)

Kyler Murray (2026)

Eric Johnson II (2026)

Jauan Jennings (2026)

Isaiahh Loudermilk (2026)

Jahvaree Ritzie (2026)

Marshall Lang (2026)

NFL Roster Sizes Through The Years

NFL roster sizes have fluctuated greatly over the years. During the league’s first decade, teams had only 16-18 players on the roster. That’s about a third of today’s bloated rosters. Those early days were the days of single-platoon football. 11 players played offense, defense, and special teams. The league adopted unlimited substitution in 1950. That essentially ended the single platoon-era. By that point, NFL roster sizes had about doubled from that first decade to 32 players. Since then, NFL roster sizes crept up to the current 53 players with 47 or 48 active on game day. Here’s a look roster sizes through the 126 years of the NFL.

NFL Roster Sizes Through The Years

1920: ? - I guess the league was more focused on teams making it to their next game than monitoring how many players were on the roster.

1921: 18

1922: 18

1923: 16

1924: 18

1925: 16

1926: 18

1927: 18

1928: 18

1929: 18

1930: 20

1931: 22

1932: 20

1933: 22

1934: 22

1935: 24

1936: 23

1937: 25

1938: 30

1939: 30

1940: 33

1941: 33

1942: 33

1943: 28

1944: 28

1945: 33

1946: 33

1947: 34

1948: 35

1949: 32

1950: 32

1951: 33

1952: 33

1953: 33

1954: 33

1955: 33

1956: 33

1957: 35

1958: 35

1959: 36

1960: 38

1961: 36

1962: 36

1963: 37

1964-1973: 40

1974: 47

1975: 43

1976: 43

1977: 43

1978-1990: 45

1991-2010: 45+emergency QB

2011-2019: 46

2020-present: 47/48

The era of inactives:

From 1988-92, NFL roster size was actually 47 players. Two of those players were declared inactive on game day.

From 1993-2010, NFL roster size was 53 players. Eight of those players were declared inactive on game day.

From 2011-2019, NFL roster size was 53 players. Seven of those players were declared inactive on game day.

From 2020-present, NFL roster size was still 53 players but game day actives got a little more complicated. It’s 48 players if eight of those players are offensive linemen. It’s 47 players if fewer than eight of those players are offensive linemen. 

5 Most Intriguing Minnesota Vikings Players

Two weeks from today, Minnesota Vikings veterans will report for training camp. Two weeks! In advance of the football fun, here’s a look at five of the most intriguing Vikings players.

5 Most Intriguing Minnesota Vikings Players

5. Blake Brandel, C

The run of injuries that wrecked the offensive line last season forced some players to step in at unfamiliar positions. One of those players was Blake Brandel. Since his selection in the sixth round of the 2020 NFL Draft, Brandel has played about every offensive line position but center. He entered the league as a tackle. He started 17 games in 2024 at left guard. He’s been a steady and versatile football player for the Vikings. Last season, injuries forced him to start at center against the Cleveland Browns. His first snap in that game was first snap at center. Ever. His play gave coaches the idea that he could do the job full time. When Ryan Kelly retired this offseason, center appeared to become one of the team’s biggest needs. It’s possible that center became one of the team’s biggest needs only to those outside spectacular TCO Performance Center. I’m sure Vikings decision-makers considered a few of the high-end center that were available in the 2026 NFL Draft. They were available into Day 3 of the draft. Apparently none rated above the center they already had on the roster. Brandel will provide some size at the pivot position that the Vikings have lacked for too long. He’s already shown his position versatility. He might not raise the ceiling of the offensive line but he will raise the floor. He has this season to show whether he can be the Vikings long-term answer at center. 

4. Kyler Murray and J.J. McCarthy, QBs

I didn’t want to include the quarterbacks but I have to include the quarterbacks. I’m really looking forward to this quarterback competition. I’m not looking forward to the tabloid-like reporting that will dominate the coverage of it. 

3. Harrison Smith, S

Harrison Smith makes the list of intriguing players and he isn’t even on the roster. For now. Will he return for his 15th season? It’s July. Veterans report to training camp in two weeks. If he hasn’t publicly made the decision yet, he’s returning. At least, that’s how I see it. Maybe, it’s just hope. I’m not ready for a Vikings defense without #22 on the field. 

2. Chuck Demmings, CB

I really could’ve picked any of the Vikings draft picks. I’m singling out Chuck Demmings simply because I believe that he’s going to become one of my favorite Vikings players for all of his, hopefully, very long career in Minnesota. He’s an explosive, natural athlete and probably would’ve been a first- or second-round pick if he hadn’t played at itty-bitty Stephen F. Austin. He could’ve jumped to a big-time school but stayed loyal to the itty-bitty school that was always loyal to him. He’s that sort of character and he is a character. He’s a fun person and fun player and I can’t wait to see him on the field. Byron Murphy Jr. and Isaiah Rodgers are solid starters. James Pierre was signed in free agency to form a solid corner trio. Despite three corners in his way, I believe that Demmings will play his way on to the field for scattered defensive snaps. I also believe that he’s the Vikings future CB1.

1. Jauan Jennings, WR

The Vikings weren’t very active in free agency. One could say that they were selective. One of the players they signed was Jauan Jennings. At the start of free agency, he was considered to be one of the pricey players on the market. For whatever reason, he was still available after the draft. The Vikings signed Jennings for only $8 million. Incentives could boost it to $13 million. That’s a bargain for one of the most intriguing receivers in the league. In Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, the Vikings have one of the best receiver duos in the league. Jefferson, Addison, and Jennings are the best receiver trio in the league. Jennings brings a physical presence to the offense. Some might call it a nasty presence. The Vikings offense can use a little bit of nasty. He’s a terrific blocker. He excels on third down and in the red zone. I’m excited to see a lot of Vikings players on the field. Honestly, I’m excited to see all of the Vikings players on the field. Jauan Jennings is among the players I’m most excited to see. 

If The Vikings Were To Sign A Player…

In the NFL, there are often roster tweaks between the completion of the draft and the start of training camp. Those tweaks are usually positional shifts at the bottom of the roster.  Additions at the top half of rosters are typically made prior to the draft. The Minnesota Vikings signed receiver Jauan Jennings on May 7. Pending the result of a particular quarterback competition, the signing of Jennings might be the most impactful Vikings free agent signing of the offseason. That’s a significant post-draft addition. He might not be the last significant post-draft addition. 

The Vikings traded edge Jonathan Greenard to the Philadelphia Eagles during the draft. It was a painful trade as Greenard was an impact player for the Vikings on and off the field. He’d only been in Minnesota for two years. He was a team captain during his second season. Two seasons of Greenard were not enough. He will be missed but the trade does open up a full-time opportunity for Dallas Turner. He’s ready for an expanded role. In his third season, I believe that he’s on the brink of ripping up the NFL. With Greenard, the Vikings had three high-end edge players. Without Greenard, the Vikings have Andrew Van Ginkel and Dallas Turner. That isn’t enough. Turner replaces Greenard, perhaps improves on Greenard. No one currently on the roster can replace Turner at #3. Behind Van Ginkel and Turner are a collection of undrafted football players. In two seasons, Bo Richter has emerged as a special teams staple. He’s a fun pass rusher in the preseason. Chaz Chambliss and Tyler Batty have flashed some in spots. Cam’Ron Stewart and Arden Walker are undrafted rookies. The defensive coaches have experimented in offseason workouts with defensive lineman Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins on the edge. Jake Golday was selected in the 2026 NFL Draft as an off-the-ball linebacker. He showed position versatility in college as an edge rusher, as a big nickel, and as the off-the-ball linebacker listed on his draft card. His versatility makes him a dream player for a Brian Flores defense. Many expect Golday to be the eventual replacement for the other-worldly Van Ginkel. In a couple years, Turner and Golday could be ripping up the league. That’s a nice future. Today is a different story. 

Minnesota Vikings training camp is now less than two weeks away. If there’s a hole on the 91-man roster, it’s an edge backup to Andrew Van Ginkel and Dallas Turner. If the Vikings were to sign a player between now and the start of training camp, who might that player be?

That player must be an edge player. The Athletic’s Alec Lewis has mentioned tight end as a position the Vikings could look to supplement prior to training camp. I get that. After T.J. Hockenson and Josh Oliver, tight end has as many questions as edge. If the Vikings run more three-tight end formations, that need for another tight end increases. Despite those concerns, I’m a little more concerned about the Vikings edge situation. I wouldn’t go so far as to say that the Vikings season is dependent on the signing of a proven edge player but I do believe that one is needed. Fortunately, there are a few interesting edge players available.

Jadeveon Clowney

Haason Reddick

Leonard Floyd

Kyle Van Noy

Joey Bosa

There are a few more but I see the above five as the best fits for a Brian Flores. Personally, I see Jadeveon Clowney and Haason Reddick as the top options. Of those, I like Clowney best. Maybe I’m enamored by his 8.5 sacks in only 13 games with the Dallas Cowboys. Maybe I’m still enamored by the ridiculous talents that he brought to the NFL 12 years ago. He might not have ever developed into the overwhelming pass rusher many expected but he had been an impact player in all of his 12 seasons in the league. For the natural talent he brings, it’s a little surprising that he’s played for seven teams. That bouncing around shows that he’s used to picking up a new defense. I believe that Jadeveon Clowney would be an excellent post-draft addition. Haason Reddick would be a nice addition as well. 

Minnesota Vikings Training Camp Hopes

Minnesota Vikings rookies report to spectacular TCO Performance Center for training camp two weeks from today. The veterans report two days later. Vikings football is almost here. It’s a hopeful time. Here are some of my hopes.

Minnesota Vikings Training Camp Hopes

1. No injuries. This is probably too hopeful. There’s always injuries in football. No major injuries? Even minor injuries can cause significant issues. Justin Jefferson tweaked a hamstring early in camp last season and pretty much sat until the season started. This did nothing for the developing on-field relationship between Jefferson and J.J. McCarthy. It showed during the season. Even minor injuries can be a big problem. Despite being unrealistic, my #1 hope for the Vikings, at all times, will always be “no injuries,”

2. This is where my Minnesota Vikings Training Camp Hopes really starts. All eyes will be on the quarterback competition between J.J. McCarthy and Kyler Murray. It should be fun and I’m looking forward to it. Competition is a good thing and the team will be better for it. My hope is that the media coverage of the competition will be focused on what takes place on the field rather than off it. I do not give a shit about whether McCarthy and Murray enjoy their lunches together. Keep the coverage on the fun football stuff. 

3. Harrison Smith returns for his 15th season. I’m not ready to say goodbye to the great #22. 

The remaining hopes aren’t so much hopes as things I’m excited to see. 

4. Frank Smith’s impact on the Vikings offense. In particular, I’m excited about his impact on the Vikings run game. After creative run as the offensive coordinator of the Miami Dolphins under head coach Mike McDaniels, Smith was hired as the Vikings assistant head coach. It likely took that elevated title to get Smith over teams that perhaps wanted him as an offensive coordinator. It might be a bit of a stretch but I see his addition to the Vikings offense as almost as significant as the retention of Brian Flores to the Vikings defense. McDaniels and Smith crafted some of the most innovative blocking and run schemes in the league. After several years with a fairly stagnant run game, the Vikings could use a bit of that. 

5. This is an extension of #3. I’m excited to see the offensive line come together under the guidance of Frank Smith and offensive line coach Keith Carter. Reports from the offseason workouts had the offensive line working with a tempo and intensity that hasn’t been seen in Minnesota for a while. Offseason workouts are supposed to be the learning phase of the process and the Vikings front was practicing with energy and intention. It was a hire that seemed to come under the radar but I’m also curious about the addition of Derek Windhime as assistant offensive line coach. He comes for the college level. I like the infusion of something a little different. It might still be football but the college game is very different from the NFL game. Windhime did some fun stuff as the run game coordinator and offensive line coach at Coastal Carolina.

6. The Vikings defensive line. I might be more interested in the development and evolution of the Vikings defensive line than I am with the quarterback competition. The quarterback thing will work itself out and the team will be better for it. After releasing Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave and “replacing” them with first-round pick Caleb Banks and third-round pick Domonique Orange, the defensive line is filled with young and talented football players. With a fascinating path to the NFL behind him, Jalen Redmond emerged as an impact player last year. In two seasons, 2024 seventh-round pick Levi Drake Rodriguez has worked to establish himself as a young player on a steady rise. 2025 fifth-round pick Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins showed potential as a versatile lineman in his rookie season. As did Elijah Williams as an undrafted rookie. Redmond, Rodriguez, Ingram-Dawkins, and Williams are emerging as an impactful collection of young, fun, undrafted, late-round football players. Even if the Vikings hadn’t added used a couple of top draft picks on Banks and Orange, I’d be excited about the defensive line. Having done so, the Vikings now have a deep group with high-end talent and very much underrated talent. In his three years as the defensive coordinator, Brian Flores has often had to scheme pressure. With the added and developing talent now at his disposal, the Vikings defense should be able to create pressure with talent rather a reliance on scheme. I can’t wait to see this defensive line on the field. 

7.. Dallas Turner. I didn’t like the draft day trade of Jonathan Greenard. I get it but I didn’t like it. The biggest reason I get the trade is Dallas Turner. While I prefer the edge trio of Andrew Van Ginkel, Greenard, and Turner, I love the edge duo Van Ginkel and Turner. Trading Greenard fully unlocks Turner. I can easily see Dallas Turner ripping up the league. 

8. About this time in 2022, I was excited to see in training camp a Vikings rookie class topped by Lewis Cine, Andrew Booth Jr., Ed Ingram, Brian Asamoah, and Akayleb Evans. In particular, I expected Cine, Booth, Asamoah, and Evans to be the building blocks of a great Vikings defense. Only four years later and none of those players are on the roster. After the departures this offseason of Jalen Nailor and Ty Chandler, none of the 10-member draft class of 2022 are on the roster. That’s terrible drafting. It should make it difficult to get excited about another draft class but I’m too optimistic to ever be cynical. I’m excited about the Vikings 2026 draft class. I already mentioned Caleb Banks and Domonique Orange. They are just the start. 

1. Caleb Banks, DL, Florida

2. Jake Golday, LB, Cincinnati

3. Domonique Orange, DL, Iowa State

3. Caleb Tiernan, OT, Northwestern

3. Jakobe Thomas, S, Miami

5. Max Bredeson, FB, Michigan

5. Chuck Demmings, CB, Stephen F. Austin

6. Demond Claiborne, RB, Wake Forest

7. Gavin Gerhardt, C, Cincinnati

I believe Caleb Banks, Domonique Orange, Jakobe Thomas, and Max Bredeson could all emerge as starters as rookies. Jake Golday, Chuck Demmings, and Demond Claiborne should make an impact as rookies and eventually join Banks, Orange, Thomas, and Bredeson as franchise fixtures. Caleb Tiernan could be the right tackle heir to Brian O’Neill. It’s an intriguing draft class and it’s easy to get excited about the potential of each of the rookies. 

Two weeks out and it’s easy to get hopeful and excited about this Minnesota Vikings football team. 

Minnesota Vikings All - Time 53-Man Roster

It doesn’t take much to get me thinking about Minnesota Vikings franchise history. The Vikings 66th training camp will open in a few weeks. That starts the path to the team’s 66th roster. The first had fewer than 40 players. It’s wild that fewer than 40 was seen as enough players in 1961 and 53 never seems enough today. Coaches often say “we ONLY have 53 roster spots.” Anyway, think about the Vikings roster over the years got me thinking (again) about an all-time Vikings roster. Here it is. 

Minnesota Vikings All-Time 53-Man Roster

Offense

Quarterbacks
Fran Tarkenton
Daunte Culpepper
Kirk Cousins

I feel like Tommy Kramer should be on this roster but I have to go with Kirk Cousins. If for no other reason, he’s always on the field. Kramer wasn’t. 

Halfbacks
Adrian Peterson
Chuck Foreman
Robert Smith

Dalvin Cook was challenging Robert Smith for that final roster spot. 

Fullback
Bill Brown

Bill Brown’s career was winding down when I fell for the Vikings. He might be the player that I most wish I’d seen in his prime. 

Receivers
Cris Carter
Randy Moss

Justin Jefferson
Ahmad Rashad
Anthony Carter
Adam Thielen 

The Vikings receiver tradition is ridiculous. It’s topped by two Hall of Famers with another on the way. I can’t think of a team with better receivers. Paul Flatley, Gene Washington, John Gilliam, Sammy White, Jake Reed, and Stefon Diggs further add to the Vikings great receiver tradition. 

Tight Ends

Steve Jordan
Kyle Rudolph
Jim Kleinsasser

All three were favorites of mine during the time that they played. T.J. Hockenson is probably the most physically gifted tight end in Vikings franchise history. The knee injury, as a result of a cheap shot from the jackass in Detroit, has robbed him of two seasons. His Vikings career is still being told. 

Tackles
Ron Yary
Gary Zimmerman
Grady Alderman

This is pretty straightforward. Tackle is another position topped by two Hall of Famers. If Christian Darrisaw continues to progress, he will bump Grady Alderman. 

Guards
Randall McDaniel
Steve Hutchinson
Ed White

This is as straightforward as the tackles. Two more Hall of Famers and another with a Hall of Fame argument. 

Centers
Mick Tingelhoff
Matt Birk

Mick Tingelhoff completes the all-Hall of Fame offensive line. 

It was not difficult to fill the offensive line spots on this roster. 

Defense

Defensive Ends
Carl Eller
Chris Doleman
Jim Marshall
Jared Allen

Danielle Hunter

HOF, HOF, should be HOF, HOF, could be HOF. The Vikings have a great receiver tradition. The defensive end tradition isn’t as deep but the top is stacked. 

Defensive Tackles
Alan Page
John Randle
Keith Millard
Kevin Williams

HOF, HOF, would’ve been HOF if injuries hadn’t whittled away at his talents, will be HOF. The defensive tackle tradition in Minnesota is nearly as great as the defensive end tradition. 

Linebackers
Matt Blair

Eric Kendricks

Anthony Barr

Chad Greenway
Scott Studwell

Jeff Siemon

Most of the position groups on this roster are pretty easy to put together. Linebacker isn’t. The Vikings have had several good linebackers. I wouldn’t say that they have had any great linebackers. Matt Blair is arguably the best linebacker to have played for the Vikings. Many might have Scott Studwell starting in the middle. I’m partial to Eric Kendricks. Jeff Siemon had a more decorated middle linebacker career than both. It’s tough to leave off any of the team’s first “very good” linebacker trio of Wally Hilgenberg, Lonnie Warwick, and Roy Winston. Add Ed McDaniel, Ben Leber, Fred McNeil and the Vikings have had a lot of good linebackers. They just haven’t had the great players like those that played on the line in front of them. Mike Merriweather might’ve been the most talented linebacker to play for the Vikings but his career was winding down when he was in Minnesota. 

Cornerbacks
Antoine Winfield
Xavier Rhodes
Carl Lee
Bobby Bryant
Nate Wright

Antoine Winfield was a great football player. He’ll forever rank as one of my favorites. Xavier Rhodes was great for a few years. I just wish that it was for more than just a few years. Carl Lee was sneaky good for several years. Bobby Bryant and Nate Wright were the corners of my youth. Bryant always seemed to make big plays in big moments. Wright will always be known for being shoved to the ground by Drew Pearson. He was a much better player than that one notorious moment. 

Safeties
Paul Krause
Harrison Smith

Joey Browner
Robert Griffith

HOF, should be HOF, should be HOF, very good. I’d like to have Karl Kassulke on this roster but I went with Robert Griffith. Orlando Thomas was on his way to a great career but injuries sadly cut it short. 

Special Teams

Kicker
Will Reichard 

Will Reichard has only played for two seasons but I’ve seen enough. He’s the best. 

Punter
Chris Kluwe

Bobby Walden was really good for a few years in the 1960s. Greg Coleman was good for a long time in the 1970s and 1980s. For this roster, it came down to Mitch Berger vs Chris Kluwe. I went with Kluwe. If he’d not bolted in free agency, Ryan Wright could’ve challenged Kluwe. 

Long Snapper
Cullen Loeffler

Cullen Loeffler vs Andrew DePaola? I went with Loeffler. Mike Morris was a consideration. So was Mick Tingelhoff but he’s already the team’s center. He doesn’t have to do special teams as well in this era. 

Kick Returner
Cordarrelle Patterson

Cordarrelle Patterson is arguably the greatest kick returner in league history. It all started in Minnesota. Throw in a few years from Percy Harvin and the Vikings were dynamite on kick returns for nearly a decade. 

Punt Returner
Marcus Sherels

Marcus Sherels was on the roster bubble every training camp of his career. He always made the team because he was simply one of the best punt returners in the league. 

NFL Top 100

The NFL Top 100 has been an offseason staple since 2011. It’s an annual ranking of the players by the players and it takes a couple months to reveal all 100 players. The best part of the weekly reveals is always the commentary that goes with each player. It’s players talking about players. The talk ranges from informative to hilarious. For most of the past 15 years, it was difficult to miss the weekly episodes. They were blasted across national and regional NFL coverage and shown frequently on NFL Network. Now NFL Network belongs to ESPN and everything feels a little wacky. The NFL Top 100 continues but it’s more of a peep than a shout. It’s more of an online thing than a TV thing but then everything is more on an online thing these days. If interested, you have to go looking for the reveals rather than having them easily handed to you. This year’s edition is a couple weeks into its quiet release. For some reason, it’s currently idling at #73. 73 is always a good stopping point in a countdown. 

NFL Top 100 Players of 2026

100. Cameron Jordan, DE, New Orleans Saints

  99. Quenton Nelson, G, Indianapolis Colts

  98. Bryce Young, QB, Carolina Panthers 

  97. Ernest Jones, LB, Seattle Seahawks 

  96. Travis Etienne, RB, New Orleans Saints

  95. Demario Davis, LB, New York Jets

  94. Creed Humphrey, C, Kansas City Chiefs

  93. Carson Schwesinger, LB, Cleveland Browns 

  92. Azeez Al-Shaair, LB, Houston Texans

  91. Montez Sweat, DE, Chicago Bears 

  90. Derrick Brown, DL, Carolina Panthers 

  89. Kyren Williams, RB, Los Angeles Rams 

  88. Jack Campbell, LB, Detroit Lions

  87. Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Carolina Panthers

  86. Tuli Tuipulotu, Edge, Los Angeles Chargers

  85. Brock Purdy, QB, San Francisco 49ers 

  84. Byron Young, Edge, Los Angeles Rams 

  83. Jeffery Simmons, DT, Tennessee Titans 

  82. Jalen Ramsey, CB, Pittsburgh Steelers 

  81. Bobby Wagner, LB, Washington Commanders

  80. A.J. Brown, WR, New England Patriots 

  79. Travis Kelce, TE, Kansas City Chiefs 

  77. Baker Mayfield, QB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

  76. Jaycee Horn, CB, Carolina Panthers

  75. Budda Baker, Arizona Cardinals

  74. Josh Jacobs, RB, Green Bay Packers

  73. Zach Allen, DL, Denver Broncos

There’s the first 28 players of the NFL Top 100. Other than the impressive number of Carolina Panthers players, the most interesting thing about the 28 players is the impressive number of off-the-ball linebackers. 

Ernest Jones

Demario Davis

Carson Schwesinger

Azeez Al-Shaair 

Jack Campbell

Bobby Wagner

The under-appreciated position is getting some appreciation. There’s old farts like Demario Davis and Bobby Wagner mixed with youngsters like Carson Schwesinger and Jack Campbell. 

Can’t wait for #72!

Minnesota Vikings: Then And Now

Minnesota Vikings training camp is just over two weeks away. Rookies report on July 26. Veterans report two days later. 2026 Vikings football is ticking closer. In advance of the fun, here’s a look at the projected starters at this point last year compared to the projected starters this year.

Minnesota Vikings: Then and Now

Quarterback

2025: 

J.J. McCarthy

2026: 

Kyler Murray

The J.J. McCarthy vs Kyle Murray quarterback competition will be the talk of training camp. It’s always about the quarterback. More than anything, the Vikings need consistent quarterback play. Last year, the season was wrecked by injuries at the game’s most important position. Those injuries resulted in wildly inconsistent play. Throw in Carson Wentz and the Vikings can legitimately go three-deep at quarterback. Hopefully, that won’t be necessary. No matter which quarterback wins the competition, the Vikings will be better for it. At the moment, I see Murray’s experience winning out. 

Running Back

2025: 

Aaron Jones

2026: 

Aaron Jones

Aaron Jones at 30 vs Aaron Jones at 31. The Vikings run game will likely be a committee. Last year, it was Jones and Jordan Mason. This year, it will be Jones, Mason, and sixth-round rookie Demond Claiborne. The rookie’s speed could be a game-changer. Perhaps the biggest boost to the Vikings run game will come from the coaching and schemes of new assistant head coach Frank Smith. For me, Smith’s impact on the offense in general, and run game in particular, is more interesting than the quarterback competition. 

Receiver

2025:

Justin Jefferson

Jordan Addison

Jalen Nailor

2026:

Justin Jefferson

Jordan Addison

Jauan Jennings

This is gonna be fun. Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison are the best receiving duo in the league. Jalen Nailor was a very good #3. Jauan Jennings is a whole other type of receiver. Now the Vikings have the best receiver trio in the league. With his physical play, Jennings will bring a little bit of nasty to the Vikings offense. As long as he plays within the rules of the game, I think the offense can use a bit of nasty.

Tight End

2025:

T.J. Hockenson

Josh Oliver

2026:

T.J. Hockenson

Josh Oliver

T.J. Hockenson is a year older. More importantly, he’s another year removed from the knee injury caused by that jackass in Detroit. Hockenson didn’t look right last year. I’m assuming that was due more to his return from the injury than his age. With a re-worked contract that gives him free agency next March, he’s playing for his NFL future. I think we’ll see a better T.J. Hockenson this year.

Offensive Line

2025:

Christian Darrisaw/Justin Skule

Donovan Jackson

Ryan Kelly

Will Fries

Brian O’Neill

2026:

Christian Darrisaw

Donovan Jackson

Blake Brandel

Will Fries

Brian O’Neill

On paper, the only offensive line change from last year to this year is a center swap from Ryan Kelly to Blake Brandel. At a glance, that’s a swap from a proven, elite center to one that snapped for the first time last year. That’s quite a drop. When Kelly was on the field, he was very much the excellent center the Vikings needed. Unfortunately, concussions took him off the field too many times. Those concussions led to his retirement this offseason. Now, Brandel steps into the lineup. If he stays on the field all season, the center position will be better off this season than it ended up being last season. In 2025, the Vikings had a ridiculous number of injuries on the offensive line. Will Fries was the only starter that started every game. And he spent the early part of the season working his way back from a serious broken leg in 2024. With all the chaos on the line, it’s no wonder the Vikings had to play three quarterbacks. In 2026, Christian Darrisaw should be fully recovered from the 2024 knee injury that frequently took him out of the lineup in 2025. Donovan Jackson will improve on his rookie season. Brandel just needs to be solid. Fries will be better than his first year with the Vikings. Brian O’Neill is always great. If the 2026 Vikings offensive line can dodge the injuries that wrecked 2025, this could be a dominant group.

Defensive Line

2025:

Harrison Phillips

Javon Hargrave

Jonathan Allen

2026:

Jalen Redmond

Domonique Orange

Caleb Banks

It’s wild that the projected defensive line starters at this point last year aren’t even on the roster this year. Harrison Phillips was traded during training camp because of the emergence of Jalen Redmond. After big free agent deals in 2025, Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen were released in 2026. The Vikings defensive line might be the position group I’m most excited to see this summer. Redmond emerged as an impact player in his first season as a starter. He now paces this young group. I might be jumping ahead a bit in placing first-round pick Caleb Banks and third-round pick Domonique Orange as starters. If both aren’t starting at the start of the season, I expect both to make early impacts. Throw in Levi Drake Rodriguez, Elijah Williams, and Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins, the Vikings defensive line is going to be fun.

Outside Linebacker

2025:

Jonathan Greenard

Andrew Van Ginkel

2026: 

Dallas Turner

Andrew Van Ginkel

I did not like the draft day trade of Jonathan Greenard. I didn’t like it but I understand it. He was demanding a salary increase the Vikings were reluctant to pay. More importantly, Dallas Turner is ready for a full time role. Andrew Van Ginkel is one of the most fun and unusual defensive players I’ve ever seen. His preternatural edge play is a joy to watch. I wish that he was Turner’s age (23). At 31, I’m hoping Van Ginkel has a few more years in him. Greenard will be missed but Turner and Van Ginkel will be a fun duo.

Inside Linebacker

2025:

Blake Cashman

Ivan Pace Jr.

2026:

Blake Cashman

Eric Wilson

Obviously, the difference here is Eric Wilson. He was a revelation last year. After four years slumming in Philadelphia and Green Bay, he returned to Minnesota as a special teams signing. An early season injury to Blake Cashman put him on the field at linebacker and he never left. Wilson’s play at linebacker got him an extension and an opportunity to form a terrific interior duo with Cashman.

Cornerback

2025:

Byron Murphy Jr.

Isaiah Rodgers

Jeff Okudah

2026:

Byron Murphy Jr.

Isaiah Rodgers

James Pierre

On paper, the difference here is Jeff Okudah vs James Pierre at CB3. It really isn’t a comparison. Okudah was a reclamation project that didn’t work. James Pierre might be turning 30 in September but his underrated career is on the rise. New Vikings secondary coach Gerald Alexander knows Pierre well from their time together in Pittsburgh.

Safety

2025:

Harrison Smith

Joshua Metellus

2026:

Joshua Metellus

Theo Jackson/Jay Ward/Jakobe Thomas

With Harrison Smith currently on the retired list, it’s tough to judge the Vikings safety group. I believe that he returns for his 15th season. Perhaps that’s simply because I’m not ready for his departure from the game. Whether or not Smith returns, I’m expecting third-round rookie Jakobe Thomas to make an early impact. If Smith doesn’t return, I wouldn’t be surprised if Metellus and Thomas are the Vikings starting safeties as early as the season-opener. 

What a difference a year makes. 

Unsigned Draft Picks: By Round

If there’s a break in the NFL offseason, it’s now. The handful of weeks between the end of minicamps and the start of training camps are the slow part of the NFL calendar. The slow times are often reflected in the signing of the draft picks. The two quarterbacks continue to be the only unsigned players from the first round. The surprise of this year’s draft picking signing saga has been the casual pace of third- and fourth-round signings. That was especially true of the top picks in each of those rounds. Here’s a look at the unsigned draft pick status for each of the seven rounds of the 2026 NFL Draft. The first round, of course, is shown in detail.

Unsigned Draft Picks: By Round

First Round

1.   Las Vegas Raiders: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana 

2.   New York Jets: David Bailey, Edge, Texas Tech - Signed

3.   Arizona Cardinals: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame - Signed

4.   Tennessee Titans: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State - Signed

5.   New York Giants: Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State - Signed

6.   Kansas City Chiefs: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU - Signed

7.   Washington Commanders: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State - Signed

8.   New Orleans Saints: Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State - Signed

9.   Cleveland Browns: Spencer Fano, OT, Utah - Signed

10. New York Giants: Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami - Signed

11. Dallas Cowboys: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State - Signed

12. Miami Dolphins: Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama - Signed

13. Los Angeles Rams: Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama

14. Baltimore Ravens: Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State - Signed

15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Rueben Bain Jr., Edge, Miami - Signed

16. New York Jets: Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon - Signed

17. Detroit Lions: Blake Miller, OT, Clemson - Signed 

18. Minnesota Vikings: Caleb Banks, DT, Florida - Signed

19. Carolina Panthers: Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia - Signed

20. Philadelphia Eagles: Makai Lemon, WR, USC - Signed

21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Max Iheanachor, OT, Arizona State - Signed

22. Los Angeles Chargers: Akheem Mesidor, Edge, Miami - Signed

23. Dallas Cowboys: Malachi Lawrence, Edge, UCF - Signed

24. Cleveland Browns: KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M - Signed

25. Chicago Bears: Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon - Signed

26. Houston Texans: Keylan Rutledge, G, Georgia Tech - Signed

27. Miami Dolphins: Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State - Signed

28. New England Patriots: Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah - Signed

29. Kansas City Chiefs: Peter Woods, DT, Clemson - Signed

30. New York Jets: Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana - Signed

31. Tennessee Titans: Keldric Faulk, Edge, Auburn - Signed

32. Seattle Seahawks: Jadarian Price, RB, Notre Dame - Signed

2/32 players are unsigned.

Second Round

23. New England Patriots: Gabe Jacas, Edge, Illinois

1/32 players are unsigned.

Only three unsigned players from the first two rounds. That’s pretty good. It’s the next two rounds that surprise. 

Third Round

1.   Arizona Cardinals: Carson Beck, QB, Miami

5.   Chicago Bears: Sam Roush, TE, Stanford

12. Pittsburgh Steelers: Drew Allar, QB, Penn State

3/36 players are unsigned. 

Fourth Round

1.   Las Vegas Raiders: Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee

6.   Houston Texans: Febechi Nwaiwu, G, Oklahoma

2/40 players are unsigned.

Fifth Round

0/41 players are unsigned.

Sixth Round

0/35 players are unsigned. 

Seventh Round

0/41 players are unsigned. 

8/257 players selected in the 2026 NFL Draft are unsigned. 

Half of the unsigned players are quarterbacks. 

To 5 Minnesota Vikings Returners

The ranking of the best Minnesota Vikings players at each position concludes with the returners. I’ve combined kick and punt returners in this ranking.

1. Cordarrelle Patterson

2. Percy Harvin

3. Marcus Sherels

4. David Palmer

5. Kene Nwangwu

I feel that the Vikings have had a strong return history. There’s some recency bias in that feeling. Four of the above five returners played for the Vikings since 2009. 

Cordarrelle Patterson is in the argument for best kick returner in NFL history. His best four years and first four years were in Minnesota. He was first-team All-Pro four times. Two of those were with the Vikings. He returned nine kicks for touchdowns. Five of those with the Vikings. Percy Harvin also had five kick return touchdowns for the Vikings. Harvin was the Vikings first-round pick in the 2009 NFL Draft and was an immediate hit as a returner and receiver. Cordarrelle Patterson was selected in the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft to replace Harvin. Patterson was also an immediate hit. From 2009-16, the Vikings had the best kick returner in the league. For eight years, every Vikings kick return was a legitimate threat to score. During that same time, Marcus Sherels held the same threat as a punt returner. It took a bit longer but Sherels matched the five kick return touchdowns of Harvin and Patterson with five punt return touchdowns. Harvin, Patterson, and Sherels were an awesome trio of returners. I was thrilled when the Vikings selected David Palmer in the second round of the 1994 NFL Draft. He was such a versatile football player at Alabama. He didn’t really reach my expectations on offense but Cris Carter, Jake Reed, and Randy Moss were in that Vikings receiver room. It was tough for any other receiver to gain any traction. Palmer did reach my expectations as a returner. He returned two punts and one kick touchdowns. He’s the only returner in Vikings history to return a punt and a kick for touchdowns. Palmer was a fun football player. For three years, Kene Nwangwu made Vikings kick returns dangerous again. During his rookie 2021 season, he returned two kicks for touchdowns and posted a ridiculous average of 32.2 yards/return. He returned a third kick for a touchdown in his second season. Injuries took a chunk out of his third and final season with the Vikings.

The eight years of Percy Harvin, Cordarrelle Patterson, and Marcus Sherels have to rank as some of the best and most exciting returning in league history. The three combined for 15 touchdowns. Returns were so much fun during those years. 

 

Top 5 Minnesota Vikings Punters

The ranking of the best Minnesota Vikings players at each position continues with the punters. If I ranked the kickers, I had to rank the punters. 

1. Chris Kluwe

2. Greg Coleman

3. Ryan Wright

4. Mitch Berger

5. Bobby Walden

The above five could probably be rolled out in any order. Harry Newsome, Jeff Locke, and Britton Colquitt could also be in the mix. Chris Kluwe tops this list mostly for his consistency over eight years. I don’t remember any down years. Greg Coleman was the most fun punter in Vikings franchise history. In my memories of his 10-year career in Minnesota, he ran with the ball, rather than punted, far more times than he actually did. In reality, he ran for only four first downs. I remember more than a dozen. Ryan Wright could’ve become the best punter in Vikings franchise history. Instead, he departed this offseason for the New Orleans Saints. Over his four years in Minnesota, he has the highest yards/punt and best rate of punts inside the 20-yard line. Those are two of the best metrics for a punter. The only knock on Wright’s Vikings career is his underwhelming second season. It was that season that seemed to make him a bubble player in each of his three training camps as the incumbent. Mitch Berger was simply a solid and consistent punter for all of his six seasons in Minnesota. The Vikings have only had one punter lead the league in yards/punt. That punter was Bobby Walden. He paced the league’s punters as a rookie in 1964. As a kid, I remember Walden as the steady punter of the Pittsburgh Steelers. It was actually a bit of a shock to discover that his first four seasons were with the Vikings. How did he get away in an era when player movement was quite restricted? 

The Vikings have a solid punter history. A reason that it isn’t a great one is that the team was often looking for their next punter. Only Greg Coleman, Chris Kluwe, and Mitch Berger punted for at least five years for the Vikings. Those three are franchise outliers. Here’s a look at the team’s most tenured punters.

Greg Coleman: 10 years

Chris Kluwe: 8 years

Mitch Berger: 6 years

Ryan Wright: 4 years

Bobby Walden: 4 years

Harry Newsome: 4 years

Jeff Locke: 4 years

Neil Clabo: 3 years

Mike Eishceid: 3 years 

Bucky Scribner: 3 years

Those punters punted for 46 of the Vikings 65 years. Over the other 19 years, it was a merry-go-round of punters. 

Top 5 Minnesota Vikings Kickers

The ranking of the best Minnesota Vikings players at each position continues with the kickers. Yes. The kickers. 

1. Will Reichard

It shouldn’t be this easy to rank so high. Will Reichard was selected in the sixth round of the 2024 NFL Draft. An injury cut his rookie season to 13 games. His second season may have been the greatest display of kicking I’ve ever seen. In only two seasons, Will Reichard has become more myth than real. In only two seasons, he’s risen to be the best kicker in Vikings history. He is that good at kicking a football. 

2. Fred Cox

I discovered the Vikings with Fred Cox as the kicker. Despite becoming the kicker in the Vikings third season, it just felt like he’d always been the team’s kicker. He’s the team’s all-time scoring leader and second isn’t remotely close. Cris Carter’s 670 points is less than half of Cox’s 1365 points. 

Fred Cox also invented the Nerf football. That alone is almost enough to bump him ahead of Will Reichard. Reichard is just too good,

3. Ryan Longwell

As a Cal alum, it was a revelation to see Ryan Longwell depart Green Bay for Minnesota. Until Will Reichard, Longwell was the most reliable kicker of my Vikings life. He was a great kicker in Green Bay. That’s why he was there for nine years. He was even better in Minnesota. The cozy comfort of a domed stadium certainly helped. If Longwell was kicking for the Vikings in 1998, they would’ve been playing in Super Bowl XXXIII. If he had a chance to kick in 2009, the Vikings would’ve been playing in Super Bowl  XLIV. 

4. Blair Walsh

There was a time when Blair Walsh was for the Vikings what Will Reichard is now. Walsh’s rookie season is one of the best rookie seasons in the kicking history of the NFL. He was outstanding as a rookie. He was great in his second and third seasons. Then he missed that short kick in the frozen outdoors against the Seattle Seahawks in the playoffs. After that, he had the yips. He was never the same kicking beast he was as a rookie. 

5. Gary Anderson

Gary Anderson kicked in the NFL for 23 years. From 1998-2002, he kicked for the Vikings. In 1998, he was perfect, 35 field goal attempts. 35 field goals made. 59 extra points attempts 59 extra points made. Anderson didn’t miss a kick until the NFC Championship. His miss in that game is one of the most painful moments in Vikings franchise history. 

In Gary Anderson, Ryan Longwell, and Blair Walsh, Vikings fans have seen the gamut of a kickers impact. All three were among the best in the league during their Minnesota days. Anderson missed a kick he always makes. Longwel never got a shot at potentially the biggest kick in team history. Walsh missed that easy kick in very cold weather. Here’s hoping that Will Reichard gets all of those big kick opportunities. And more. Will “the Thrill” will not miss. 

Top Ten Minnesota Vikings Safeties

The ranking of the Top Ten Minnesota Vikings players at each position continues with the safeties. 

At the very top, it’s a strong group. Paul Krause has a bust in Canton. Harrison Smith is still building on a career that should get him there. If injuries hadn’t whittled away at his talents, Joey Browner would be there.

Top 10 Minnesota Vikings Safeties

1.   Paul Krause 

2.   Harrison Smith

3.   Joey Browner

Paul Krause’s 81 interceptions is one of the league’s unbreakable records. Playing the safety position as a roving centerfield, he did Ed Reed-like things decades before Ed Reed did them. As a kid, I thought that every football that left the opposing quarterback’s hand was destined to end up in the hands of Paul Krause. Harrison Smith is the most versatile safety I’ve ever seen. In the box, deep, pressuring the quarterback, defending the run. He does it all. He did it at an All-Pro level for years. I’m still expecting a return for his15th season. Unfortunately, Smith is incredibly underrated. He should’ve been named to the 2010s All-Decade team. He should have a serious Hall of Fame discussion five years after he retires. His play earned at least that. At his best, Joey Browner was every bit the player of Hall of Fame safety peers Ronnie Lott and Ken Easley. From 1987-90, he was 1st-team All-Pro three times and 2nd-team All-Pro once. Being considered among the best at his position for multiple years is usually enough for serious Hall of Fame consideration. Browner has yet to receive it. 

4.   Karl Kassulke

For the five years they played together, Karl Kassulke was the hard-hitting enforcer to Paul Krause’s roving center fielder. They were a terrific strong and free safety pair. Kassulke’s career ended when he was paralyzed in a motorcycle accident while on his way to training camp.

5.   Robert Griffith 

6.   Orlando Thomas 

Robert Griffith and Orlando Thomas were another very good safety pair. Griffith was very good for longer. Once he broke into the starting lineup in 1996 he became a defensive staple until 2001. With a league-leading nine interceptions as a rookie, Thomas made an immediate impact on the Vikings defense. Unfortunately, injuries were a career-long constant. Over his seven years in Minnesota, he played in all 16 games twice. When he was on the field, he was excellent. 

7.   Joshua Metellus

Calling Joshua Metellus a safety is far too limiting. He’s so much more than that and he’s flourished in Brian Flores’ versatile defense. Drafted in the sixth round of the 2020 NFL Draft, Metellus was never supposed to be anything more than a valuable special teams player. Then along came Flores and a defense with a ridiculously varied role for Metellus. Three years later and the modestly talented football player is a franchise cornerstone. He’s about a seasons away from a spot in the Top 4 of this list. 

8.   Camryn Bynum

9.   Corey Chavous 

10. Anthony Harris 

In his too short four years in Minnesota, Camryn Bynum played his way onto this list. Then he left in free agency. It was a damn shame. He received a lot of attention for his outrageous celebrations but he was a terrific player for the Vikings. The Vikings signed Corey Chavous as a cornerback. It wasn’t until he was moved to safety that he really started making an impact. He was probably the team’s best player in 2003. It often felt like he made every tackle. As an undrafted free agent, it took Anthony Harris a few years to get some traction in the league. Once he broke into the starting lineup, he started a strong, three-year run as Harrison Smith’s partner at the back of the Vikings defense.

Top 10 Minnesota Vikings Cornerbacks

The ranking of the Top Ten Minnesota Vikings players at each position continues with the cornerbacks. 

Top 10 Minnesota Vikings Cornerbacks

One of the oddities of the Vikings draft history is that a cornerback wasn’t drafted in the first round until Dewayne Washington was selected with the 18th pick in the 1994 NFL Draft. The second first-round corner was Xavier Rhodes in 2013. Adding high-end cornerbacks in the draft wasn’t a focus until Mike Zimmer was named head coach in 2014. From 2014-21, the Vikings selected three cornerbacks in the first round. Washington and Rhodes made this list. None of the three more recent first-round corners did. Through the varying draft strategies, the Vikings have a modest cornerback tradition. 

1. Antoine Winfield 

The free agency signing of Antoine Winfield in 2004 is one of the best in Vikings franchise history. From 2004-12, he was brilliant. It’s ridiculous that he received no postseason honors until 2008. He made the Pro Bowl from 2008-10. He should’ve made the first of a slew of Pro Bowls even before he joined the Vikings. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the 1999 NFL Draft and was brilliant as soon as he became a full-time starter in 2000. In his nine years with the Vikings, Winfield had over 90 tackles five times. That’s a big number for any corner. It’s an especially big number for a 5’9” 180lb corner. It was amazing to watch Winfield’s refined tackling in a league with so much sloppy tackling. Too many defensive backs are looking for the big hit. Winfield just wanted to wrap up and get the runner on the ground. It was wonderful to see. He should’ve been an annual All-Pro simply for his tackling. Winfield was an excellent outside corner. He was even better on the inside. With only three Pro Bowls and one 2nd-team All-Pro, Winfield will probably never get the Hall of Fame discussion he deserves. In my opinion, during an era with Ty Law, Champ Bailey, Charles Woodson, Ronde Barber, and Darelle Revis, Antoine Winfield was one of the best corners in the league. He’s an easy choice for the best corner in Vikings franchise history.

2. Bobby Bryant

When one looks at the great Vikings defenses of the Super Bowl years, it’s easy to focus on the defensive line. From there, it’s a solid group of linebackers and Paul Krause and his crazy number of interceptions. It’s so easy to overlook skinny, 6’1” corner Bobby Bryant. It felt like opposing offenses routinely overlooked him as all he did was put together a 13-year career filled with big plays. His 51 career interceptions are second to Krause’s 53 in Vikings franchise history. Many of Bryant’s big plays came in the biggest games. In terms of pure cornerbacking talent, Xavier Rhodes and Carl Lee are arguably the best in Vikings franchise history. 

3. Xavier Rhodes 

4. Carl Lee

In terms of pure cornerbacking talent, Xavier Rhodes and Carl Lee are arguably the best in Vikings franchise history. From 2015-17, Rhodes was the best corner in the league. If he’d maintained that level of play for another couple of seasons, he’d challenge Antoine Winfield for #1 on this list and (more importantly) have a strong Hall of Fame argument. He was terrific as he repeatedly shut down the best receivers in the league. His somewhat rapid fade was sad and shocking to watch. Like Rhodes, Lee had about a three-year stretch during which he was one of the best cover corners in the league. It’s tough to separate the two. Lee was probably better for longer while Rhodes’ best years were better. 

5. Nate Wright 

6. Ed Sharockman 

For most of the 1970s, Nate Wright was Bobby Bryant’s cornerback partner. Wright’s most memorable moment was probably his most forgettable moment. He was the defender that Dallas Cowboys receiver Drew Pearson shoved to the ground in the 1975 divisional playoffs. The non-flagged OPI cost one of the Vikings most talented teams another shot at the Super Bowl. Wright was much more than that one play. Despite receiving no post-season accolades, he was one of the league’s best cover corners for most of the 1970s. Ed Sharockman is at #6 on this list mostly for his 40 career interceptions. He was the Vikings top corner from the frustrating expansion years to the early years of dominance in the late 1960s. 

7. Dewayne Washington 

8. Najee Mustafaa 

9. Audray McMillian 

10. Byron Murphy Jr. 

As the Vikings first first-round corner, Dewayne Washington was an immediate starter as a rookie. He was a solid player for all of his four years with the Vikings. I thought that he was going to be a franchise cornerstone. Instead, he left for the Pittsburgh Steelers in free agency. To this day, I can’t believe that the Vikings let him get away. I know that there’s a lot we don’t now about negotiations between player and team but this one will always be a big Vikings mistake for me. Perhaps it’s his name change from Reggie Rutland. Maybe it’s because he played only five seasons (three as a starter) for the Vikings. I always thought Najee Mustafaa was a very underrated football player. From 1989-91, he and Carl Lee were an excellent corner pair. Audray McMillian is another underrated corner. He followed Mustafaa as the starter opposite Carl Lee. Unlike Mustafaa, McMillian did have one season with accolades. Due to his eight interceptions and two pick-6s, he was named 1st-team All-Pro and to the Pro Bowl in 1992. If Byron Murphy Jr. continues playing like he’s been playing, he could challenge the top five. 

Top Ten Minnesota Vikings Linebackers

The ranking of the Top Ten Minnesota Vikings players at each position continues with the linebackers.

The Vikings defensive front is loaded with Hall of Famers, soon-to-be Hall of Famers, and could-be Hall of Famers. The team’s linebacker tradition doesn’t really have any players like that. Most of the above Top-10 can be presented in a variety of orders. 

Top 10 Minnesota Vikings Linebackers

1.   Matt Blair

2.   Anthony Barr

3.   Eric Kendricks

4.   Jeff Siemon

5.   Chad Greenway

6.   Ed McDaniel

7.   Ben Leber 

8.   E.J. Henderson 

9.   Roy Winston 

10. Lonnie Warwick 

10. Wally Hilgenberg

Matt Blair is the one Vikings linebacker that’s deserving of a Hall of Fame argument. I have doubts that he’ll ever get it. A lot of players were added in the 1970s to eventually take over for the great players that formed the Purple People Eaters. It was a very tall task for all of those new players. Blair was the one player that was up to the task. While he started a handful of games as a rookie in 1974, he didn’t become a full-time starter until 1976. Blair was soon one of the best linebackers in the league. He was named to the Pro Bowl six times and 1st-team All-Pro once. In addition to his outstanding play on defense, he was one of the best kick blockers I’ve ever seen. I don’t think that Anthony Barr ever got enough credit for all that he did in Mike Zimmer’s defense. He was a great blend of speed and power. Zimmer’s team-defense revolved around his talents, physically as well as mentally. He probably would’ve been a bigger star as an edge rusher in a 3-4 but he was great in Zimmer’s 4-3. From UCLA to the Vikings, Eric Kendricks was Anthony Barr’s long-time defensive partner. Drafted a year apart, they were an outstanding pairing in the middle of the Vikings defense. Despite his modest size, Kendricks could do everything required of an NFL middle linebacker. Blitz, stop the run, and drop in coverage. He was named 1st-team All-Pro and went to his only Pro Bowl in 2019. With only that one season of post-season accolades, Kendricks was wildly underrated. He was one of the best middle linebackers in the game for all of his eight years in Minnesota. 

Jeff Siemon may have been the only Vikings player to have a good game in Super Bowl XI. It felt like he made every tackle that day. The Vikings terrific front four and safety Paul Krause got most of the defensive attention in the 1970s. Siemon was deserving of some of it. He was a very good linebacker. With four Pro Bowl appearances, he did get some recognition for his play. Chad Greenway lost his rookie season to a torn ACL in his first preseason game. He came back in 2007 like it never happened. He played all of his 11-year career in Minnesota and the fans love him for it. He was a very good, and often great, linebacker for all of those 11 years. Ed McDaniel is one of the most underrated players in Vikings history. John Randle got most of the attention on those modest Vikings defenses of the 1990s. McDaniel was deserving of much more attention than he received. He was named to one Pro Bowl. It should’ve been about five. 

In my opinion, Chad Greenway, E.J. Henderson, and Ben Leber are the best trio of linebackers in Vikings franchise history. Greenway was always so steady. Leber always seemed to be there for the big play when the big play had to be made. Henderson was the heart of the defense. After the brutal broken leg late in the 2009 season, his play and leadership was missed in the playoffs.

The linebacker trio of Greenway, Henderson, and Leber just edges that of Roy Winston, Lonnie Warwick, and Wally Hilgenberg for the best in franchise history. Winston was the Vikings starting left-side linebacker from 1963-73. Warwick was the starting middle linebacker from 1966-70. Hilgenberg was the right-side linebacker from 1969-76. In 1969, the Vikings defense emerged as one of the best the league has ever seen. Most of the attention was focused on the outstanding front four. In terms of accolades, the trio of linebackers that played behind them were mostly anonymous. Despite the lack of attention, the trio was very good and were a big part of those dominant Vikings defenses. 

Top Ten Minnesota Vikings Defensive Tackles

The ranking of the Top Ten Minnesota Vikings players at each position continues with the defensive tackles. 

The Vikings defensive end tradition is strong. Their defensive tackle tradition is even stronger. 

Top Ten Minnesota Vikings Defensive Tackles

1.   Alan Page

2.   John Randle

3.   Kevin Williams

4.   Keith Millard

5.   Henry Thomas

6.   Pat Williams

7.   Gary Larsen

8.   Linval Joseph

9.   Doug Sutherland

10. Tom Johnson

Older Vikings fans probably have Alan Page #1. Younger Vikings might have John Randle #1. Both have a bust in Canton. 

Alan Page was a great football player. His play was one of the reasons I fell for the Vikings as a California kid in the 1970s. After his unreal 1971 season, Page became the first defensive player to ever be named league MVP. His career accolades are many and rival those of any defensive tackle in league history:

MVP

Defensive Player of the Year

5x 1st-team All-Pro

3x 2nd-team All-Pro

9x Pro Bowl

1970s All-Decade

Just as Page ripped up the league in the late 1960s and the 1970s, John Randle ripped up the league in the 1990s. He had eight seasons of double-digit sacks in his 11 years in Minnesota. With his riotous on-field behavior, snap-to-whistle effort, and ridiculous production, Randle was and continues to be a fan favorite. 

Kevin Williams started his Vikings career as a defensive end. He collected 10.5 sacks on the edge as a rookie. He moved to the interior in his second season and was named 1st-team All-Pro and went to the Pro Bowl. Over the next nine years, Williams would be named 1st-team All-Pro four more times and go to five more Pro Bowls. His outstanding play over his 11 years in Minnesota would earn him 2000s All-Decade honors. It should eventually get him into Canton. If not for the injuries that derailed, and then ended, his brilliant career, Keith Millard would have a bust in Canton. From 1985-89, he played the defensive tackle position as well as anyone I’ve ever seen. He wrecked offenses. In 1988, Millard was runner-up for Defensive Player of the Year. In 1989, he won it. He was also fifth (1988) and third (1989) in voting for league MVP . 

For his first three years, Henry Thomas was Keith Millard’s defensive tackle partner. For his final three years in Minnesota, he was John Randle’s defensive tackle partner. For all of his eight years at the heart of the Vikings defense, Thomas was a steady and often outstanding football player. His best years were the eight years in Minnesota. His entire 14-year career is deserving of a Hall of Fame discussion. Pat Williams was a very good and fun football player. During his six-year Vikings career, he paired with Kevin Williams to form the “Williams Wall.” For half of those six years, the duo were named to the Pro Bowl. No one ran on the “Williams Wall.” Pat Williams is one of the best free agent signings in Vikings franchise history. Gary Larsen was the least acclaimed of the Vikings brilliant Purple People Eaters defensive line. While Alan Page, Carl Eller, and Jim Marshall often met at the quarterback, Larsen was always there to clean up what was left. From 1965-73, Larsen was a steady and productive presence on the Vikings front. That play earned him Pro Bowl honors in 1969 and 1970. In Pat Williams and Linval Joseph, the Vikings were successful in finding enormous run-stuffers in free agency. Joseph was often a lot more than just a run-stuffer. There were stretches in which he destroyed offensive line interiors tasked only with slowing him. While Williams had Kevin Williams as an outstanding defensive tackle partner, the Vikings never could find a similar every-down partner for Joseph. When Joseph was at his best, he was unblockable. Doug Sutherland took over for Gary Larsen as the least acclaimed member of the Vikings Purple People Eaters. Sutherland started his NFL career as a guard for the New Orleans Saints. The Vikings acquired him in 1971 and immediately moved him to defense. He had a solid and overlooked 10-year career in Minnesota. 

For the final spot on this ranking, I’m going with one of the most underrated Vikings free agent additions. Like Lance Johnstone was for the defensive ends, Tom Johnson was something of a designated pass rusher at defensive tackle. He was a starter in 2017 but he always seemed more productive when his snaps were limited. He was an excellent pass rusher from the interior. Johnson had an interesting, nomadic, 13-year professional football career. 

Indianapolis Colts practice squad (2006-07)

Cologne Centurions (2007) - NFL Europe

Grand Rapids Rampage (2008) - Arena Football League

Philadelphia Soul (2009) - Arena Football League

Calgary Stampeders (2009-10) - Canadian Football League

New Orleans Saints (2011-13)

Minnesota Vikings (2014-17)

Seattle Seahawks (2018)

Minnesota Vikings (2018)

That’s persistence. That persistence was highlighted by his productive and underrated four-plus years with the Vikings.