Jul 24, 2025; Englewood, CO, USA; Denver Broncos broad receiver Joaquin Davis (80) throughout Denver Broncos Coaching Camp. Necessary Credit score: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Photos
All through the summer time in OTAs and coaching camp, the 90 Vikings compete for 53 coveted roster spots and one other 16 on the observe squad. Final week, the franchise ended the roster spot chase of a sophomore receiver, who, on paper, seems to be like an absolute stud.
In his first transfer with the workforce, new GM Nolan Teasley adjusted the depth of the receiver place. He signed Michael Briscoe and Trayvon Rudolph. To make room for them, Teasley waived Joaquin Davis, an undrafted rookie from 2025.
Davis initially joined the Vikings in December and the practice-squad participant signed a futures contract after the season. After a number of observe classes this summer time, the decision-makers have seen sufficient and confirmed him the door, regardless of his prototypical athletic profile.
Jul 23, 2025; Englewood, CO, USA; Denver Broncos broad receiver Joaquin Davis (80) throughout Denver Broncos Coaching Camp. Necessary Credit score: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Photos
Davis signed with the Broncos after going unclaimed within the 2025 draft and turned heads all through the offseason and in coaching camp. It helps to own a Randy Moss-like physique at 6’4″ and 195 lbs with 4.3 velocity. Sadly, that doesn’t assure something within the massive leagues, as there’s extra to enjoying wideout than measurement and velocity.
The technical elements seemingly stay a piece in progress.
NFL draft scout Lance Zierlein wrote in his pre-draft profile, “Height, length and speed are all check marks in Davis’ favor. His rare blend of length, elite speed and foot quickness will be enticing to a team late in the draft or as a priority free agent. He’s still very unrefined as a route-runner and needs to improve his play strength and catch consistency. While there are issues to work through, his ability to separate and stretch the field creates an intriguing ceiling.”
Now that he’s off the workforce, the Vikings will proceed to judge their depth receivers to kind the most effective group behind the elite trio of Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and Jauan Jennings. That group is likely to be the most effective within the enterprise and unites Jefferson’s method, Addison’s playmaking skill, and Jennings’ measurement.
Behind them, the membership employs sophomores Tai Felton and Myles Worth, who’ve starred on particular groups however barely contributed on offense. Undrafted rookie Dillon Bell has turned some heads in OTAs and may very well be a participant to observe.
Davis was that man for the Broncos final 12 months, nevertheless it hasn’t translated up to now.
Broncos reporter Andrew Mason posted on social media final July, “Joaquin Davis, if the Broncos can give him time, could really be something special. The ball just sticks in his hands. Like Velcro when it hits. His wingspan, his stride, his vertical, his speed … man, this dude has some tools. The NCCU product has got serious potential.”
Sep 27, 2025; Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys broad receiver Terrill Davis (2) runs the ball through the first half at Boone Pickens Stadium. Necessary Credit score: William Purnell-Imagn Photos
Additional competing for roster spots are undrafted rookies Luke Wysong, Marcus Sanders Jr., and Terrill Davis, in addition to 2025 practice-squad receiver Dontae Fleming. We’ll get to see extra from them in coaching camp and the preseason.
Davis received’t be the final athletic marvel to find that the NFL is about greater than measurement and velocity. The instruments that when made him an intriguing prospect are nonetheless there, however they weren’t sufficient to persuade the Vikings to maintain him round.
As coaching camp approaches, Minnesota’s receiver competitors rolls on with out him, and one other participant will get the chance Davis couldn’t flip right into a roster spot.
Editor’s Observe: Info from PFF, Over The Cap, and Sports activities Reference helped with this text.
Janik Eckardt is a German sports activities nerd, who likes numbers and stats. He selected the Vikings to be his … Extra about Janik Eckardt
