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 of the UDFA talent comes on defense, and coordinator Brian Flores certainly sees something in the group.
- Dwight McGlothern – CB
- Taki Taimani – DL
- Gabriel Murphy – Edge
Of the trio, only a pair of players are currently on the active roster. However, Murphy’s inclusion as one of two IR candidates with a designation to return is interesting. He was a standout during offseason work, and despite not being active for the preseason, Minnesota wasn’t willing to let him get away.
At two of the three positions in which players were kept, the Vikings have a legitimate opportunity for someone to step up.
Which UDFA contributes most for Minnesota Vikings?
Gabriel Murphy is a non-factor to start the season, and his opportunity will largely depend on where the group is when he is healthy. Both Dwight McGlothern and Taki Taimani have a path to playing time. 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.
McGlothern is the big body cornerback that the Vikings went and grabbed in the form of Khyree Jackson. If the former Arkansas product can elevate at the next level, he could fit into the same promise had for the Ducks rookie lost too soon . Neither Fabian Moreau or Akayleb Evans should be incredibly hard to overtake, and McGlothern living up to preseason hype would be great to see.
Minnesota’s depth on the defensive line is questionable right from the jump. Harrison Phillips and Jonathan Bullard are the veterans. Jerry Tillery is a failed first round pick. If Taimani can quickly assert himself, the Oregon Ducks product may find his way into the rotation. He will be competing for reps with fellow rookie Levi Drake Rodriguez.
If either of the Week 1 UDFA can make noise for Minnesota over the course of the season, Kwesi Adofo-Mensah will again have another feather in his cap.
