The Minnesota Vikings had to get their roster down to 53 players on Tuesday. There were more than a few surprising names to be sent packing . Those that made it will head to New York for a Week 1 matchup against the New York Giants. Multiple undrafted free agents are part of that group.
Minnesota Vikings seek the next UDFA contributor
A season ago the Minnesota Vikings grabbed Ivan Pace Jr. as an undrafted free agent. He quickly elevated himself to become among the best players on their defense. Pace Jr. will wear the green dot on defense this season. Kevin O’Connell would love to see more undrafted free agents step up.
On the same day that Kwesi Adofo-Mensah sent his first ever pick packing , his team is banking on some undrafted talents. All three UDFAs that made the Minnesota Vikings roster are on defense. Defensive coordinator Brian Flores clearly doesn’t care where, or if, a rookie was drafted.
- Dwight McGlothern – CB
- Taki Taimani – DL
- Gabriel Murphy – Edge
- * Levi Drake Rodriguez – DL (7th Rounder)
Of the UDFA trio, CB Dwight McGlothern and DL Taki Taimani are currently on the active roster. Gabriel Murphy is on short-term IR, but he’s expected back sooner, rather than later. We also had to include Levi Drake Rodriguez as a 7th round pick honorable mention.
The Vikings have a legitimate opportunity for all of these guys to earn reps in the 2024 preseason. Not only are there depth issues, which allowed these guys to make the roster, but Flores is known as a coach who will find snaps for you, if earned.
Related: Minnesota Vikings 53-Man Roster – 2024
The Vikings need help at the cornerback position and it’s why they prioritized Stephon Gilmore. Their interior defensive line could also use work, and it’s where they are expected to focus during the next draft .
Which UDFA contributes most for Minnesota Vikings?
Dwight McGlothern is the big body cornerback that the Vikings thought they had and grabbed in lost but not forgotten former Oregon Duck, Khyree Jackson. If the 22-year-old McGlothern can continue to rise to the NFL occasion, he could fit into the same type of role they saw Jackson in.
Neither Fabian Moreau or Akayleb Evans should be impossible to jump on the depth chart. In all reality, the Vikings kind of need their standout UDFA cornerback to live up to his preseason hype. Even after the Gilmore signing, depth is a problem at CB.
That’s not the only defensive position that lacks in that area. Minnesota’s depth on the defensive line is just as questionable. Harrison Phillips and Jonathan Bullard are the veterans. Jerry Tillery is a failed first round pick.
Related: Vikings Most Shocking Roster Cuts
After that, they will rely on 2024 7th rounder Live Drake Rodriguez and UDFA Taki Taimani. Both guys have a chance to earn a lot of regular season reps, if they can earn any trust from defensive coordinator Brian Flores.
Minnesota Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah may not have the best draft reputation, through three years on the job. But there is no doubt he and this coaching staff are starting to gain a reputation as one that can identify and develop underrated players at the bottom of yearly draft boards.
We’ll see if any of the above UDFAs (plus LDR) can prove themselves to be the next Ivan Pace Jr…
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