Minnesota Vikings UDFA rankings showcase talent along the front seven

The Minnesota Vikings have evolved their scouting process over the last couple of years. General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah has made the undrafted free agent process a major process of his draft strategy.

The Vikings added 17 undrafted free agents after the 2024 NFL Draft but are now down to 12 after waiving wide receiver Ty James on Monday. There was a lot of movement this week after some impressive performances.

Last week's rankings

1. CB Dwight McGlothern: Up 2

McGlothern is stepping up in a major way. Brian Flores has a good history with UDFA cornerbacks and they may have found another diamond in the rough. He was everywhere against the Browns, including getting an interception on the goal line for a 91-yard return inside the 10 yard line.

2. OLB Bo Richter: Down 1

Richter got another sack against the Browns but there was a level of inconsistency. He struggled against the Browns running a bootleg but came back the very next play and got his sack. It's great to see that kind of real-time development.

3. WR Jeshaun Jones: Down 1

Jones is more the victim of McGlothern having a great day then having a poor one. Jones was the recipient of Jaren Hall's dime of a touchdown for 71 yards when he ran a corner route perfectly and had the awareness to take it upfield for the score.

4. DT Taki Taimani: Up 5

The biggest riser of the group, Taimani was excellent in all phases. He was getting penetration consistently and was moving bodies with ease. Taimani has now put together back-to-back solid performances.

5. ILB Dallas Gant: Up 1

Gant has looked like he belongs on the field. He is flying around the field on defense while also playing in 30 special teams snaps. Considering the latter is his specialty, it's a great sign.

6. EDGE Gabriel Murphy: Down 2

Simply put, you can't make the club in the tub. Not being able to play in the first two preseason games has hurt Murphy significantly. Will he be able to get on the field and begin to show why I called him the next Ivan Pace Jr.?

7. OLB Owen Porter: Down 2

Porter wasn't heralded coming out of Marshall but he's made an impression at edge. No matter what unit Porter is playing on, he finds a way to make an impact. Even with Richter and Murphy, Porter could usurp both of them for a roster spot.

8. OT Doug Nester: Down 1

Flexibility is huge with Nester. He played guard for most of his career at West Virginia before spending 2023 at right tackle. He has been pancaking defenders but hasn't stood out in a major way yet.

9. OG Jeremy Flax: Down 1

Flax is a massive man at over 340 lbs. and shows how the Vikings are prioritizing gap concept runs. He could end up on the practice squad.

10. DT Tyler Manoa: Up 1

Manoa hasn't been able to stand out in a major way. After playing left tackle in 2022, he moved back to DT at Arizona in 2023. Something is intriguing about him but practice squad is his only chance.

11. OG Spencer Rolland: Up 2

Rolland is the hometown guy from Apple Valley, MN which is around 15 minutes from TCO Performance Center. Rolland could potentially make the practice squad.

12, TE Trey Knox: Down 2

Knox has had too many mistakes over the last two games to make the roster and, at this point, a spot on the practice squad is now in jeopardy.

Related: Pro Football Focus gives absurd grade to Vikings guard, fans clamor for Dalton Risner