iDec 6, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs vast receiver Dillon Bell (86) makes a catch to attain a landing through the second quarter in opposition to the Alabama Crimson Tide through the 2025 SEC Championship sport at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Necessary Credit score: Dale Zanine-Imagn Photographs
The Minnesota Vikings have added many rookies to their roster, together with not solely the 9 draft picks but additionally a number of undrafted gamers. I wish to have a look at which of those Vikings rookies have shock potential in 2026 and will obtain greater than is recommended.
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For this train, I’m not any of the draftees chosen on the primary two days of the draft. The likes of Caleb Banks and Jake Golday needs to be anticipated to have some impression of their rookie seasons.
I’m searching for a Day 3 decide who can step up early in his profession, one thing the Vikings have had little or no success with in recent times. Or — an undrafted rookie that comes from nowhere like Ivan Tempo did a few years again. The possibilities of an undrafted rookie breaking onto the scene are slim; some have already been launched, however Tempo proved it’s not unattainable.
1. Demond Claiborne (RB)
The Vikings chosen Demond Claiborne with the 198th total decide, and he can add some juice to a stable, if unspectacular, Vikings speeding assault. Aaron Jones is within the twilight of his profession, and Jordan Mason is an effective downhill runner, however Claiborne doesn’t see his path to taking part in time in Minnesota blocked by a Christian McCaffrey or Kenneth Walker.
Nov 16, 2024; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; Wake Forest Demon Deacons operating again Demond Claiborne (1) with the ball as North Carolina Tar Heels linebacker Energy Echols (23) defends within the first quarter at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Necessary Credit score: Bob Donnan-Imagn Photographs
Claiborne provides the Vikings a twitched-up runner with fast ft who can discover gaps and generate massive chunk performs. The Vikings’ speeding assault lacks that, and whereas I wouldn’t count on him to start out the season forward of both Mason or Jones. He can create alternatives for himself, and once they come up, he must seize them. There’s a place for his fashion of runner within the Vikings offense if he can take it.
2. Charles Demmings (CB)
Minnesota landed a possible secondary steal in Charles Demmings with the 163rd total decide. Demmings posted 99th-percentile vertical leap numbers on the mix and earned a 79.6 PFF grade with 4 interceptions in 2025. Coming from a small college and taking part in in opposition to lesser opponents, there’s the doubt that comes with that, however the bodily traits and athletic profile are there – 6’1 and 193 lbs with 32-inch arms and 10 1/8-inch arms.
Feb 27, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Stephen F Austin defensive again Chuck Demmings (DB07) through the NFL Scouting Mix at Lucas Oil Stadium. Necessary Credit score: Kirby Lee-Imagn Photographs
He ran a 4.41-second 40-yard sprint with a 1.55-second 10-yard break up, whereas additionally posting a 42-inch vertical leap and an 11-foot broad leap. Minnesota’s defensive coordinator Brian Flores has proven a robust eye for defensive prospects, and this choice matches that strategy. In a draft that felt prefer it was all about Flores, Demmings might show to be the jewel within the crown if he can translate his ability set, which incorporates nice ball-tracking potential within the air, to the NFL degree.
3. Dillon Bell (WR)
My decide for the undrafted rookie that might turn out to be a shock bundle is vast receiver Dillon Bell. There’s not an enormous quantity of room within the Vikings’ WR room, however Bell has an honest chunk of assured cash in his contract, which reveals some perception from the Vikings. Bell is a big-bodied offensive weapon at 6-foot and 210 lbs.
Nov 22, 2025; Athens, Georgia, USA; Georgia Bulldogs vast receiver Dillon Bell (86) proven on the sphere previous to the sport in opposition to the Charlotte 49ers at Sanford Stadium. Necessary Credit score: Dale Zanine-Imagn Photographs
His route operating isn’t nice, however Bell averaged 7.3 yards per carry as a runner at Georgia and might be an intriguing possibility within the Vikings offense if used accurately – get the ball in his arms early and let him make issues occur.
Proud UK Viking. Household Man. Take pleasure in writing about my staff. Away from soccer an advocate for autism acceptance.
