Players That Intrigue

Today, the Minnesota Vikings take the field for the last of their three days of mandatory minicamp. Next week brings the final offseason workouts. Then, it’s on to training camp in late July. Throughout the offseason, several “under-the-radar” players have emerged as players that intrigue. It can be tough to wade through the expected, but bizarre, coverage of the quarterback competition. At times, it would seem that J.J. McCarthy and Kyler Murray are the only players on the field. When training camp opens and full-contact football gets started, here are some of the players from several position groups that intrigue me the most. I’m not going to touch the quarterback position. It’s been touched enough.

Running Back

Demond Claiborne

This is too easy. Lightning-quick, sixth-round pick Demond Claiborne is one of the most intriguing players on the team. Aaron Jones said that the rookie reminds him of Jahmyr Gibbs. That’s a nice start. Claiborne likely enters the season as RB3 behind Jones and Jordan Mason. He should get on the field as a change-of-pace back as a rookie. I think the Vikings future at running back is Demond Claiborne. 

Receiver

Dillon Bell

Undrafted rookie Dillon Bell has already caught the attention of many. With his size and obvious natural talent, it’s surprising that he wasn’t selected in the 2026 NFL Draft. His lack of production at consistently stacked Georgia clearly topped his size and traits. With Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and Jauan Jennings at the top of the depth chart, competition for the final two, or three, receiver spots will be fierce. If Bell continues his progression through training camp, he’ll be real hard to cut. 

Offensive Line

Ryan Van Demark

Injuries at offensive line was a big reason for last season’s troubles and inconsistencies. The Vikings signed Ryan Van Demark as a restricted free agent from the Buffalo Bills. It isn’t often that a restricted free agent switches teams. The Vikings clearly targeted him. There’s a comfort in having a starting caliber tackle supporting Christian Darrisaw and Brian O’Neill.

Defensive Line

Elijah Williams

With the selections of Caleb Banks in the first round and Domonique Orange in the third round, the Vikings have built a very intriguing defensive line group. Jalen Redmond, Banks, and Orange will surely get most of the attention. I believe that Elijah Williams will emerge as an impact player. Undrafted last year, he made the 53-man roster as a rookie. He started getting some opportunities late in the season. I was intrigued by him coming out of Morgan State and was surprised that he wasn’t drafted. He looks bigger this year and I expect an impact. 

Linebacker

Jake Golday

I just want to see where the Vikings intend to play Jake Golday. Off-the-ball linebacker, edge rusher, nickel defender? He seems to have the skills to do nearly everything. I’m hoping that he can somehow pick up the un-earthly anticipation traits of Andrew Van Ginkel. That might be too much to ask for his rookie season. But who knows?

Safety

Harrison Smith

I just want to see Harrison Smith return for his 15th season. I’m not ready for #22 to not be on the field. 

Cornerback 

Chuck Demmings

Chuck Demmings might be my #1 most intriguing player on the team. From his sparkling personality to his freaky athleticism, the fifth-round rookie looks like he’s taking the first steps to becoming a fan favorite.