Vikings rookie security Jakobe Thomas runs by means of minicamp work on the observe area in Eagan. The younger defensive again continued studying Brian Flores’ system whereas competing for a roster spot and potential particular groups function earlier than coaching camp. June 2026. Necessary Credit score: YouTube.
The Minnesota Vikings will shave their roster from 90 gamers to 53 in two months and reveal a depth chart for 2026 across the similar time. So, it’s time to ponder some gamers who might shock the world and beat the chances, sneaking into the beginning lineup.
In fact, the next three males are lengthy pictures for starter’s obligation in 2026, however they can’t be dominated out.
Doable Vikings Starters You’re Not Pondering About
Cincinnati offensive lineman Gavin Gerhardt solutions questions from reporters throughout Huge 12 Soccer Media Days on July 8, 2025, at The Star in Frisco, Texas. The inside blocker represented the Bearcats in entrance of assembled media members whereas discussing the upcoming season and persevering with his pre-draft profile earlier than his eventual NFL alternative. Necessary Credit score: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Pictures.
1. Gavin Gerhardt | C
After the draft, the Vikings claimed that they’d zeroed in on Gerhardt as “their guy” at middle all alongside throughout the build-up to the occasion. That have to be true as a result of Rob Brzezinski and Kevin O’Connell turned down 4 alternatives to draft Jake Slaughter, Logan Jones, Sam Hecht, and Connor Lews — the “Big Four” from the category.
The Vikings, in want of a brand new middle after Ryan Kelly’s retirement, additionally opted towards pursuing high-profile free brokers on the place. As a substitute, they’re entrusting the beginning function to Blake Brandel, whose spectacular efficiency as a fill-in final season satisfied coaches he earned the primary alternative.
The choice, in concept, might create a gap for Gerhardt.
On condition that Seventh-Spherical picks hardly ever turn out to be starters, coaching camp will reveal whether or not Gerhardt is a respectable contender or just one other late-round hopeful who doesn’t safe a spot.
There’s an opportunity, although slim, that Gerhardt balls out as a pure middle, dethroning Brandel, who’s just a little good at a variety of OL positions. Generally, mid- and late-round inside offensive linemen are simpler to establish and scout than different positions.
2. James Pierre | CB
Based mostly on his 2025 numbers — a completely phenomenal 86.8 Professional Soccer Focus grade — Pierre ought to begin as one of many Vikings’ major two cornerbacks, ousting Isaiah Rodgers from his spot. However the best way that the depth chart is presently arrange, Pierre profiles extra because the CB3.
Rodgers authored a implausible recreation in 2025 — the win over the Cincinnati Bengals when Rodgers turned in among the finest particular person performances in Vikings and NFL historical past — and usually performed nicely throughout 12 months No. 1 with the Vikings.
It’s simply that Pierre was higher in Pittsburgh in a barely smaller pattern.
This one can be an enormous upset, however earlier than 2025, nobody knew if Rodgers would pan out in Minnesota. He has and deserves to begin. Pierre, although, is likely to be too good to bench.
If Pierre wins the job over Rodgers, it is going to be as a result of he’s flat-out a greater cowl nook.
Houston Texans broad receiver Christian Kirk (13) turns upfield towards Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback James Pierre (42) throughout the second half on Jan. 12, 2026, at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh. The veteran wideout labored by means of AFC Wild Card contact whereas attempting to increase Houston’s postseason offense on the street in elimination soccer. Necessary Credit score: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Pictures.
Zone Protection‘s Trevor Ripley famous on Pierre final week, “Pierre likely projects as that CB3, with some opportunity to also affect the game on special teams. His age, plus a track record of only half a season of elite production, bode poorly for a significant workload increase. Something like 400 snaps or so, similar to last season with the Pittsburgh Steelers, is probably a good starting point for Pierre, who could rotate in and out with rookie linebacker Jake Golday as that 11th defender.”
“Still, Pierre will be a valuable addition, even in a modest role, compared to what the Vikings threw out at cornerback last season. He’s shown he has the capabilities, and it wouldn’t be shocking to see Isaiah Rodgers lose some footing to Pierre at some point.”
3. Jakobe Thomas | S
Keep in mind the Jonathan Greenard commerce on the second evening of the draft? The Vikings used the primary choose from that transaction to pick Thomas, a model new security.
If Harrison Smith doesn’t return — that verdict is up within the air — the security room has query marks, leaving followers to marvel who would possibly begin on Sundays: Josh Metellus, Jay Ward, Theo Jackson, or Jakobe Jackson. It’s been some time since a rookie defensive again barnstormed the summer time to begin in September, a lot in order that one might argue it’s overdue.
Miami Hurricanes defensive again Jakobe Thomas (8) works towards the Indiana Hoosiers throughout the School Soccer Playoff Nationwide Championship Sport on Jan. 19, 2026, at Exhausting Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. The defensive again competed on the game’s largest faculty stage whereas persevering with to construct his profile for NFL evaluators. Necessary Credit score: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Pictures.
Thomas beginning can be moot if Smith returns, however there stays an opportunity if Smith retires or just by no means returns. The Athletic‘s Dane Brugler on Thomas: “Thomas is a passionate competitor, which can lead to missteps but will also put him in position to play fast and make plays. He has the floor of a special-teamer and the potential to earn a starting role.”
And on his ability set: “Adequate frame for the position with room to add more bulk. Fast and physical attacking gaps in the run game. Runs the alley with conviction and fearless throwing his body around. Sticks his hat into the midsection of his target and drives through. Understands spacing in zone looks where he can track the quarterback’s eyes. Finished interceptions he got his hands on. Miami liked to blitz the safeties, and Thomas flourished in this area.”
It doesn’t matter what, Thomas will get taking part in sooner quite than later.
Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders , is out now. So is … Extra about Dustin Baker
