Minnesota Vikings Newbies

Due to this hacked-up offseason, there's been no on-field football work for the Minnesota Vikings. Players new to the team have yet to be seen in a Vikings uniform. Perhaps we've even forgotten who some of the new players are. Perhaps we've forgotten that they made an NFL record 15 selections in a seven-round draft. The Vikings needed rookies in numbers this year because salary cap constraints greatly limited them in free agency. That's seen in the itty-bitty free agent class. The NFL confirmed yesterday that training camps will open July 28. Rookies are to report July 21. Quarterbacks and injured players are to report July 23. The remaining players are to join their teammates on July 28. The Vikings Newbies will finally be Vikings players. Here's a re-introduction of the players new to the Minnesota Vikings in 2020.

Free Agents Signed
Michael Pierce, NT, Baltimore Ravens
Tajaé Sharpe, WR, Tennessee Titans
Anthony Zettel, DE, San Francisco 49ers
DeMarquis Gates, LB, (XFL)-Houston Roughnecks
Marcus Sayles, CB, (CFL)-Winnipeg Blue Bombers
Bralon Addison, WR, (CFL)-Hamilton Tiger-Cats

Michael Pierce is the headliner of this itty-bitty free agency class. He steps into the giant role filled so well by Linval Joseph. I like this exchange as Joseph was approaching the end of his prime years while Pierce is in the middle of his. Tajaé Sharpe will compete for the third receiver role. Anthony Zettel has bounced around the league and should be a factor in the defensive end competition. Of the XFL and CFL imports, Marcus Sayles is the most intriguing. Partly due to his size but mostly due to his physical, versatile play, he reminds me of Antoine Winfield. I loved Winfield's game so I'm intrigued by Sayles.

Draft Picks

1. Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU

1. Jeff Gladney, CB, TCU

2. Ezra Cleveland, OT, Boise State

3. Cameron Dantzler, CB, Mississippi State

4. D.J. Wonnum, Edge, South Carolina
4. James Lynch, DT, Baylor
4. Troy Dye, LB, Oregon
5. Harrison Hand, CB, Temple
5. K.J. Osborn, WR, Miami (Fla)
6. Blake Brandel, OL, Oregon State
6. Josh Metellus, S, Michigan
7. Kenny Willekes, Edge, Michigan State
7. Nate Stanley, QB, Iowa
7. Brian Cole II, S, Mississippi State
7. Kyle Hinton, G, Washburn

It's stupid to fall so hard for a rookie class that has to yet step on a professional football field. The more I think about these 15 players the more I like them. 53-man roster projections have bounced through my head that includes all 15 of the draft picks. Justin Jefferson, Jeff Gladney, and Ezra Cleveland could be rookie starters. I wouldn't be too surprised if James Lynch and Troy Dye made it five rookie starters. I have K.J. Osborn as the punt returner. A draft class of 15 is a load and all 15 have a legitimate roster shot.

Undrafted Free Agents 

Brady Aiello, OL, Oregon
Nevelle Clarke, CB, Central Florida
Jake Bargas, FB, North Carolina
Dan Chisena, WR, Penn State
Quartney Davis, WR, Texas A&M
Myles Dorn, CB, North Carolina
Jordan Fehr, LB, Appalachian State
Nakia Griffin-Stewart, TE, Pittsburgh
Tyler Higby, OL, Michigan State
Jake Lacina, OL, Augustana
Blake Lynch, LB, Baylor
David Moa, DT, Boise State

The Vikings prioritized the signings of Nevelle Clarke and Quartney Davis so they are the undrafted players to watch. Myles Dorn, Nakia Griffin-Stewart, Tyler Higby could challenge for roster spots. Jake Lacina is the son of former Vikings offensive lineman Corbin Lacina.